The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1851-10-15
WINTER WHEAT.

WINTER WHEAT.
The winter crop. the present season, has
been. Oh the whole, very encouraging
one 10 the iarmers-although some pieces
have suffered slightly from the rust, owing
to the prevalence Of damp weather about
the time the grain was forming We have
heard of but very few total or even par-
tial failures, and the opinion is strengthen.
ed among us, that winter wheat under 70.
vorable circumstances and in ordinary
season, will prove to be a safe and profit@
able crop in this State; and that Maine
will, ere long. raise bread enough for al
her inhabitants. Many who desire 10 en-
ter upon the cultivation of this grain last
year, were unable TO procure a supply Of
seed: this year seed enough may undoubt-
edly be obtained, and preparations are be-
ing made 10. SOW larger amour, than ever
before was rown in this State. There is
considerable enthusiasm manifested by
many of our farmers in relation 10 this
subject and we hope they will enter upon
the work with prudence and skill, and their
most saDguine expectations will not be dis.
appointed. Let every farmer make it a
point to suitably prepare piece of ground,
even if it be but small, and sow it to this
grain before the present, "seed time" pas
ses by.
We suppose that many of our readers
are now about preparing their ground and
sowing their winter wheat; and few hints
on this subject may not be inappropriate,
although what we say will only be reper
titon or recapitulalion of what we have
previously published The matter has
been pretty freely discussed in our columns
within few years; and we will now add
only few brief hints on the subject. q,
PREPARATION OF THE GRoUND.-Some
of our most experienced farmers prefer
green sward, ploughed soon alter the hay
is taken off, with suitable top-dressing,
TO land that has lately been under tillage.
clover sod turned under in July or ear
ly in August is very suitable for winter
wheat. 1t also does well on s,ubble
ground, from which spring grain has been
taken, and on pasture land. 1t may be
sown on ground which has produced
crop Of early potatoes this season. We
prefer fallow of few weeks, before the
grain is sowed, especially five do not
use top-dressing; although the fallow is
not absolutely necessary. Let the sod be
we'll turned under, so that it may become
decomposed, and the grass be effectually
killed. The ground should be well har-
rowed, and the surface thoroughly pulver-
ised before the grain is sowed. A top.
dressing is generally beneficial, and it is
especially important when the soil has
been considerably exhausted by previous
cropping. We cannot reasonably expect
remunerating crop. unless the soil is at
least tolerably fertile. If the soil is very
rich. and there should be a heavy growth
Of wheat in autumn. il is considered safer
to feed it down with calves or light cattle,
to prevent it from smoulding. Various
composts have been recommended, such
as muck and barn manure, muck and
ashes. &C., &c.
AMOUNT OF SEED.-From one TO two
bushels OF seed, per acre, is the proper
quantity, varying according to soil and
other circumstances. The greater mum.
Der Of farmers with whom we have conver.
sed, seem to think that bushel and a half
OF seed is the right. quantity per acre, in
ordinary cases. Probably some varieties
Of wheat should be sowed thicker than
others.
TINE FOR SowING We should much
prefer 10 sow winter wheat before the pres
ent month. if we could get the ground suit.
ably prepared for it; although it may do
quite well if sown before the Goth of Sep.
tember. We think there is little danger
of sowing it too early; for it will live
through the winter il sowed early in the
spring; but if sowed before August, it will
be likely 10 he injured by the grass ard
weeds growing among it. We may sow
it safely as soon after hNying as we can.
get the ground ready for it. The plants
are more likely to survive the winter, and
come out strong and vigorous in the spring
when they can get good start in the fall.
CovERING.-Winter wheat should be
covered deeper than spring grain. From
two TO four inches deep will answer very
well.-Maine Farmer.
MAMMOTH WHEAT-Wa sou sn.c;