Jeffersonian Republican. [volume] (Stroudsburg, Pa.) 1840-1853, 1850-02-28


The culture of an esculen. of so much ion.
portance as the potato and the means Of obvia-
ling the diceases inciden, thereto, is subject
deserving the attention of the phllanlhropsi as
we'll as the farmer.
With all The experiments which have been
made, both in Europe and America, by eminent
scientific men and agricullurisls, it is asionish.
ing what division Of opinion still exists as TO
The cause or causes of the potato blight
With due respec, foi the views which have
been expressed on this subject, am led TO
think that, in the virgin soil of this country, at
all events, the remedy for the evil, 10 the grea,
measure, is in the hands OF the farmer.
That however important chemical analysis
may be, it has appeared futile IN this instance.
Sometimes it has been found that the simplest
remedy has proved effeclual in instances Of
bodily disease, where the skill Of the physician
has been baffled. So, in this case whether
he be most learned in the sciences, an ANA
teur agriculIurst, or practical farmer, should
no, TO use an old saw strain a, gnat and
swallow a camel
| will pon, few of the causes Of the potato
rot among US, which will be within the COM
prehension of any one who has any knowledge
ls,. 1t is the custom Of many farmers, after
planting, 10 run the cultivaior or boe-harrow be-
tween the rows twice or three times, and then
leave The crop to ge, along, without further at.
ten,ion, the balance of the season.
Now it is evident that with this kind of cul-
livalion, the surface of the ground is left fla, !;
The roots with SO slight covering is exposed
10 supsrabundance of waller, which. when fol-
lowed by hot sun, will almos. invariably pro-
duce the rot.
The plough should not be neglected. and |
would recommend the shovel plough, both on
accoun, Of the economy of time its use affords,
Two burrows being thrown by it a, the same
time and for the ease both 10 the man and
beast, with which the work is accomplished
This should be done Immediately after hoe
narrowing. BY this means the plant is KEEP,
uprIgh, and in growing stale much longer, a
sufficient space is left on the ridge for the rains
10 penetrate, and whatever surplus wafer there
may be is carried off between the rows.
lie, The shovel plough he used twice, after
the cultiva,or, followed each time by careful
person to remove The grass and weeds, and 10
ploughing, and If the field is kept clear of all
'ha, is foul, through the balance of the season,
one very important and easy step has been Ia
ken TO avoid the potato rot.
I'd. Let the crop be planted early, and
ploughing ou, as soon as they are ripe for
II.
|! is TOO much the custom 10 leave the crop
in The ground long after it should be carefully
stored away in the cellar, there by subj ecting il
TO he injurious affects of the Aulumn rains.
Plough the crop out when the ground is dry,
have them assorted before placed away for the
Winter; your marketable, seed size, and feed
ing potatoes in separate places and you avoid
having 100 many together, which is frequent
causes of the rol.
Sd The application of lime is beneficial to
the potato. This, however, is subjec, upon
which there is diversity Of opinion. My
own experience satisfies me that lime is an i'm
porianl item in the economy of husbandry, and
merits more attention from The farmer than il
receives.
The few hints have thrown ou, will meet
the eye Of many farmers.
Some may remark this Is olhing new. But,
would say to such, have you adopted this or
have you better system! If SO, you will be
doing your country service by making it pub
lie.
The expression Of the views Of the practical
farmer, on subjects pertaining TO his calling,
would be great public benefit; though the
ability is no, wanting, there is backwardnsss
which in most cases prevents. But mus,
close these remarks. If you deem them worthy
Of place in The Ledger, which | believe is
read by moro farmers in this county than all
he agricultural publications combined.
subscribe myself, very truly yours.
CINCINNATUs.