Burlington free press. [volume] (Burlington, Vt.) 1827-1865, 1841-12-31
From the Yankee Farmer.
COUGH OR WITCH GRASS.

COUGH OK WI1Cll OHASc.
Mn. EDlroR-I noticed in your paper OF
November goth, No. 45, an extract from
the Maine Farmer, informing farmers how
to eradicate couch, witch grass, joint grass,
or wild rye. 1t is astonishing to see how to-
nacious people are to slight the best blessings
that Providence confers upon them. Some
time ago, within one or two years, wrote
a long article for the yankee Farmer, ex-
planning the superior properties and value Of
his gross above all others. The sum ofthosc
good qualities is, superior quality OF the hay,
and superior quantity.
The very things which are alleged against
his kind of grass, are the very things which
viii recommend it TO the favor of every one
Who wishes to raise gool hay whenever its
shall be fully understood.
It is great complaint that it connot be
gotten out of the soil when once in. This is
one of the recommendations that it has, be-
cause the expense and risk Of re-sceding arc
avoided, which, on an average are probably
50 per cent. to every farmer, taking into
the amount the loss by drought and frost, of
all athet grasses, neither Of which ever de-
sroys witch-9rass.
The only misfortune, and which creates
ali this odium against this species of grass is,
the want Of a proper knowledge Of the pro-
per manner of culliva,ing wtch-grass lands.
If properly managed, they would undoubied-
" be found most convenient and profitable
ofany. will remark here, that if any other
grass now known, should be treated with
the like abuse, not a spice Oft would remain
on the earth. THIS one fact shows that this
grass in itself is superior to any other. |
likewise remark that, III rough lands, where
the pillow cannot be freely used, it is not so
convenient to cultivate, because ii cannot be
worked to so good advantage.
The way propose to farmers to cultivate
where this grass abounds, is this: Whenever
the crop of grass indicates decay, as all gras
SEES will in few years, turn the ground ove
and raise one crop, and then let the field GO
again to moving. And propose this meth
cd: If corn is to be raised, let the land be
till it is time to plant. Then spread wha
manure is to be put into the land, and turn
over with a broad, deep turrow, and plan
the corn Immediately. The land will neet
the grass will not be up so as to iDlnrc th
growth of the corn. BY the fall, this gras
will be up so as TO make good fall feed
and next year it will be fit for the scythe. !
turned over thick, with the rains and fros
will make it sufficiently smooth for moving
The turfbcing turned under and kept under
serves to keep the ground moist and loose
SO. if the owner wishes for crop of an
Kind of grain, turn the ground over and SOY
the grain Immediately. The grass will no
rc-appear so as to injure the crop, but wi
give good fall feed, and be ready for til
scythe the following year.
10 raise potatoes on turf land of this gras
drop the potatoes in rows on the grass, an
cover them turning two back burrows upo
each row. Then, when the potatoes ar
gathered, break up and level the ground
and it will be fit for moving the next season
Ind remark, generally, that ground ono
iIIled with this grass, never needs re-seeding
1t only wants to be looscd to give the root
chance to form and grow anew. No othe
grass can be renewed in this way but mu,
be re-sceded. THIS is great saving to til
farmer, especially as he is also relieved from
all the risk and loss by drought and frost tina
Is, the loss by droueht-kill and winter-kill
which losses ale very great upon all othe
kinds of grasses.
In the article alluded to, it is stated tina
the best way TO eradicate this grass, is to pu
IN hogs, and let them root it up and eat The
roots, because they are very fond of them
II Is true that hogs are very fond of the root
OF tins grass, and will thrive well on them
Tins is an additional proof of the value ant
richness Of this grass, and it is to be regret
Yea mat the farmers have not as much sens'
concerning this grass, the hogs have. !
they had, they would be as careful to pro
tcct and keep 1t, as the hogs are to uproo
and eat it.
his grass wi grow and flourish well upor
a greater variety of soil than any othe
known grass, and the hay, when made, re-
CURES but about two thirds the barn room t,
house 1t. These advantages are WORT
something to the farmer
Suppose the farmer wants crop of En-.
gllSh turnips. He may NOW or turn in III,
crop OF grass, and then SOW his turnips. Th,
ned will be fit to NOW the next season.
Lands that can be taken up and croppe,
once and then returned the moving the fol
loving year, would be much more proGtabl,
TO the farmer than those which have to b,
kept up for several years to fit them for re.
seeding.
Taking all these advantages into view
"'i'ch inns grass presents over all others.
90 confidently hope and believe th,i so,,
Jew larmers' at least, will have en,crnris
dicos a ~ s Jar outrun these vulgar prciu
and fair trial. 'I p' " '"'
NATURES TESTIMONY TO GODS TRTrJI