Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1846-01-29
From the American Agriculturist
JMpQOVEn LAND

IMPROVED LAND.
Having succeeded beyond my most flatterlng
expectations through the aid Of the Agrlculturlst
and kindred journals, in subduing piece OF ground
that was deemed almost anconquerable, wish to
give your readers very few plain facts,which will
show that sustaining agricultural journals Is a
profitable investment. ! commenced filling the soil
on own my hook, quite young, and practically knew
but little about il and though have had my own
ignorance and the prejudice Of others to contend
against, yet have already limited, and in the Sc.
que will attempt 10 show, that have accomplish
ed something. | happen TO know some farms
where some Of the best meadow lands is scar on
the place; hogs, briars, and wet places abounn,
where at least two tons of good hay should be an
nually cut to the acre and then produce as much
pasture beside in one season, as it would previous
" to any improvement. Now, ! wish 10 attract
particular attention to this fact, for it is indeed
fact though | know some old fashioned farmers,
who, if they were to meet with this, their mouths
and eyes would expand with astonishtnent, and
horror would be depicted On every tnrrow OF their
visages. First of all, let me say, that 1t needs
due share of energy and perseverance, qualities
hold essentially requisite to the accomplishment OIL
any undertaking but when farmer especially is
bound to perseyere, it really seems astonishing
what one can accomplish. But, to my object.
am extravagantly fond Of improving land there is
something peculiar about it that always interests
me it really seems like a certain way of improv
preciate it ? Certainly, waving fields Of grain are
far more beautiful than acres of brush and stone.
have small plot Of ground that once seemed
graced with almost nnumerabe obstacles to sue
cessful cultivation boys and bog holes; hedges
and briars; low places and high lace; existed in
all their native majesty, and it really seemed ire
claimable. But have not found it So The first
was to drain it thoroughly. And here just allow
me very briefly to repeat my testimony in favor of
draining. Previous to draining, the ground was
peculiarly situated, every little shower the water
would collect in little pools, causing, for the time
being, certain check to all our operations there
by losing much time. Now, it bleeds at every
pore and we no longer fear TO have it rain. To all
all our farmers say, drain land that needs it with
out delay. Standing water is death TO all useful
vegetation. Draining does wonders. After a
thorough and complete draining, could scarcely
recognize the soil: the difference in the yield of
grass was perfectly astonishing. Everything that
could grow seemed to enjoy and take advantage of
Its new liberties,
My next step in order was TO cut and burn tie |
bogs, and apply the ashes to crop o! corn, which
proved more pleasant and profitable than crops Of
hassacks.
One fact | wish plainly understood. plow my
land pery deep, much deeper than many of my
neighbors. My average depth for blowing is
twelve inches ; but the heavier the soil, and the
more retentye the subsoil, the deeper would |
pillow. particularize on this fact, because have
years otmy own experience to support me, and be-
cause have old established farmers all arOuad me
who are very mucb preudced against deep low
ing It's advantages in a few words are deep
soil for roots to penetrate for nourishment, and
that the surplus water may pass through more rap
idly. But very safe criterion Is a comparison be-
tween an ordinary farm and one where deep glow
ing and good cultivation Is constantly practced :;
then mark the difference in the Weld, aside from
the general appearance ofthe farm. always want
those who are opposed to deep blowing, to account
for the enormous yield of vegetables and growth of
trees in garden where the soil has been trenched
and manfred to the depth Of eighteen inches or
two feet
1t is true, in my practice of deep blowing, oft
en- expose poor subsoil, hut TO this | apply
double portion of manure. As ! am Of the opinion
that manure for land is like oats for horse--thc
best medicine you can give-and as the oats are
applied inwardly, so pillow in my manure; as it
seems to me the surest way of securing its benefits
or OF fixing the ammonia" have seen farmers
scatter loads and loads Of coarse yard manure up
on the surface of the ground, which practice con-
slider wasteful in the extreme almost every par.
tlce of any is lost, it is the ro.is ~I-h
supply with warmth and food, and not the air. |
believe, however, we have yet much to learn in
the application OF rlanures.
Now, as to the economy of my practice, will
add that an perfectly satisfied, and will give one
proof in dollars and cents as English writers say
That is The universal way OF solving American prob
LENS My crop of hay this dry season. cacula-
ted paid the interest of 50 per acre, while along
side of it, is land that scarcely yields enough to
pay for fencing. Ii
One more word as to manure. am no chemist r
or scientific farmer, yet believe in manure, and [
make it my constant practice to apply to the land
every substance in the shape of manure, except
such decidedly acid substances as new tan, pomice,
md the like. The higher portion of my ground {
have converted into nursery, and have now upon t
1t most beautiful healthy, and thrifty growth of
fruit trees. w. d. '
Morristown, N. J. Nov. 1S45. a