Lynchburg Virginian. [volume] (Lynchburg [Va.]) 1829-185?, 1852-05-13
BEST MODE OF CULTlvATING THE

BEST MODE OF CULTIVATING THE
CORN CROP.
The Committee on the subject of the BEST
Mode ofCultivating the Corn Crop" beg leave
TO report as follows:
1t would he supposed that, at this period,
the hest mode of cultivating corn, our great
stapr. would be perfectly understood, and its
cuiture during each stage of its growth, from
planting to maturity, reduced to a fixed and
acknowledged system. But such is far from
being the case; great discrepancy of opinion
exist, and it is rare to find in neighborhood
my tive farmers agreeing. either in their man.
ner OF cul'lvating the corn crop. or IL the par
riculer variety etcorn that they cultivate The
different methods Of orn-making beng as va
mons the soils and situations on which it is
made. We are far from thinking that this d.
versity Of opinion Is the result Of ignorance or
empiricisrn, the subject as yet being bat mper-
iactly understood. As conclusive proof to
the contrary, it will be found that good crops
are made under most of the different system.
OF cultivation, and "ceteris paribus" very near
as much under enc as under another. Differ
ent soils require different treatment, and the
skillful and judoious farmer, who is welded to
nopartlcular system. will vary his mode of Gull
tivation TO suit the different kinds of soil in tho
several cuts in his field, or perhaps in the same
cut In agriculture, as in the ether arts and
sclences,there are certain general and first prin-
cipies. which. when kept steadilyin view, will
surely lead to happy result Acting on these
principles. though the means differ. being mod
ihed by circumstances and situations, the re-
suit arrived at Is the same.
As far as your committee can lay down rules
to direct IN a matter where so many crcum-
stances, and even the difference in the seasons
require such frequent departures from them,
they will do so to the hest of their ability
lst The quality ofthe land mus, be consid-
cred. That must be good, or if not, it must be
rendered so by manures. The skill of the far
mer may, indeed. carry the plant through the
different stages of its growth on an impover-
ished soil. but how different is the miserable,
sickly, abortonof crop in appearance from
the tsllluxursnt growth Of the kinder soil; and
how different the product. the empty corn
houses viii but too plainly declare. The ways
of applying manure are various. The land
may be top dressed with it at any time to adj
vantage. or 1t may be spread upon the land
just previous to ploughing, for corn Thereby
enabling us to be at all times engaged in using
that important auxiliary As regards the quail
ty Of the manure, the well rotted is to be pre-
terree to the coarse and unlermented manures,
the good effects of which are not only not 50
apparent. but it frequently proves injurious by
checking the growth of the plant, and causing
it to fire.
I'd. The land mus, be well drained where
itis required; excess Of moisture being mimi
cal to all vegetation except the coarse grasses
and weeds.
Sd. The land must be well ploughed As
regards the best time and mode Of performing
that operation. the received opinion is, that the
ground should be broken up in the fall and
winter. Your committee have not sufficient
experience TO speak decidedly on that subject,
never having been able to effect fall p,oushins
to any considerable extent. Some doubt ex-
'sts as to the prepriety efi,-the alternate action
OF The frost and sun injunng BY cvaperat:on the
fertility Of the exposed soil. Ii there is heavy
cover upon the land. it should be p,ousbed IN
autumn; nothing but that, or close grazing. will
preventive destructive ravsges of the cut WEIR,
and other insects. When plonghed in the fall
or early winter, the land should be rc-pIouph.
ed before planted, and narrowed if necessary
As soon as the extreme rigor OF the winter is
over. the plough should be started The land
then is mellow and spongy from the action of
the frosts aud snews upon it. thus enabling us
TO plough deeply and eaectually. Caution is
necessary that 1t be not ploughed too wet; if
that should happen. the bad effects will be APP
parent during the whole season. The plough
ing should never be delayed until late in the
spring, for after the grass has grown. and the
sod covers the land, i is vain 10 expect good
crop from it.
Our opinion is. that the best mode Of plough
ing is to throw the land up igte beds focr feet,
or isar and half iset. apart. The beds to be