Southport telegraph. [volume] (Southport, W.T. [i.e. Kenosha, Wis.]) 1840-1850, 1843-03-07
From the Prairie Farmer.
SPRING WHEAT.
BY NJ. L. DUNLAP.


BY NJ. L. DUNLAP
To THE EDITOR OF THE PRAIRIE FAR
MER. see but little said in the Prairie
Farmer on the subject Of spring wheat
This is wrong, as it is cultivated to con-
siderable extent in the northern part OF
this State and Wisconsin. Almost every
neighborhood cultivates different variety;
perhaps the part Of the country from which
they m grated was we'll adapted to the kinds
which they brought with them, and which
in most cases they continue to cultivate.
But allowance should be made for differ
ence in climate and soil; and the only
way t. test this is by actual experiment.
There is vast difference in the samples
brought to market, and one Of two things
is certan-bad cultivation or bad variety
Of seed; let us ascertain where the fault is
and then sci about repairing the evil.
Ia lS4O, lost two acres Of the Egyp-
tian or many headed wheat, which is said
to be a very prolific variety, by the rust.
1t was so badly rusted that was not able
TO get Il particle for seed; several acres Of
the Italian (bearded) in the same field,
sown very early, and at the same time,
shared nearly the same fate. In favor
able season this latter kind gives large
yield Of grain. The flour is Of yelowish
cast, and | think will not make as good
bread us some other kinds. When grown
on rich land it is very apt to lodge, which
is an objection to it. | have turned them
both off my farm; and now cultivate what
is here called the white chaff bald 1t has
a medium growth Of straw stands we'll,
not very liable to lodge; ri pens early; has
large, handsome berry, thin skin; makes
handsome flour and an excellent article Of
bread, not inferior to winter wheat From
observations which have made, am sat-
isfed that this variety is not as liable to
rust as any Of the bearded kinds which
have come to my knowledge. In favora-
BILE seasons the bearded kinds generally
produce a more abundant crop; but on an
average am Of opinion that they fall short
Of the bald varieties.
A writer in the Name Farmer asserts
that all bearded wheat makes a yelIowish
-four, and that the bald makes white -four.
And he further says that in that state the
bearded varieties are considered the surest
crop. This may be the case with them,
and at the same time the reverse with US.
We should endeavor to get correct lnfor-
nation on this subject, in reference to our
soil and climate; and if wrong, Incog the
I'd or some other brother Farmer will cor
rect my errors.
1t is very profitable way to SOW spring
wheat among your winter wheat, should It
be too thin by freezing out or fromany other
cause. The narrowing necessary to cover
thenewly sown grain is an advantage to that
which remains uninjured, by stirring the
ground freely and then using the roller.
From spring wheat containing more
gluten than winter, it is supposed to con-
tain more nutritve powers, and to be more
easily digested: and when cut early it
makes as white flour. Chap,al, IN his
agricultural chemistry, page As, says, glu-
ten appears to be one of the most nutritve
Of the vegetable substances, and spring
wheat seems to owe its superiority to other
grain to the circumstance Of its containing
it in larger quantities. On page IA he
gives the analysis Of several kinds Of veg
etable substances: the amount of gluten in
a few | will copy: