Spirit of the age. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1849-1865, 1852-11-24
AGRICULTURAL.
+. Manurine land.

Ourreaders are already convinced that MAJ
nuring land is a profitable business. Theory
says so, and in support of theory experience
raises h%erconvincing voice.
About a month ago, in company with a
few friends, we walked out to the farm of
William x. Lane, to witness the measuring
of a mammoth acre Of corn, which we found
lying in a pile on one corner Of the acre on
which it
-e1rwas certainly a big pile.
'D Hfd was yariouslv estimated by gentlemen
present, at Is to Is, and, by some, 20 bar
rels. But it was measured, and was found to
contain % barrels, 2 bushels and 6 quarts
the largest yield, perhaps, ever collected
from an acre Of ground in Wayne County.
In selecting an acre for this experiment,
Mr.. Lane informs us, he chose about the
poorest of his land which he keeps under
cultivation. Previous to manuring, it would
not have yielded over A barrels. Now, the
manure and extra culture bestowed upon this
acre cost Mr.. l.. about $40. And in return
for this amount he has Is barrels 2 bushels
and 6 quarts o%fcorn, besides the fodder and
/ shucks-the excess over what the land
would have produced before it was i'm.
5 proved. And il. we estimate the corn at g
per barrel, and value the fodder and shuck,
1 at SIS, Mr.. L. has been fully repaid for hi
extra labor and expense. We see, there
e fore, that although much pains may hav,
a been taken in the raising of this corn, mucl
labor bestowed, and a comparatively larg'
expenditure Of means employed, yet it ha
been all fully repaid by one crop-showin;
le conclusiyely that improving the soil, by me-
O. nures, is a profitable business.
But this is not all. Mr.. Lane plante
N this corn late in the season-not, we thin
r. until the beginning Of May, which operate,
to a great extent, in diminishing the weld
and, add to all this, when It was about tV
on months old, it was visited by a destructi,
wind, which broke down a large quantity
IN the stalks. And Mr.. L. is fully of the OPT
st ion that if he could have planted early, al
70 had no disaster by wind occurred, the vie
must have exceeded twenty-five barrels al
if. in this opinion he is sustained by that of col
lso petent Judges. And, besides, now that Il
acre is enriched, it Will yield more corn nc
&, year than it has done this season {; so tn
itb for many years to come, this acre Of Ia
rs will be pouring its annual riches into the
of its enterprising proprietor. Farmers, j
the think Of this, and begin with spirit and
termination the great and profitable work
improving your farms-not only by MAJ
'ald ring profnsely, but ia the mode Of culture.
low We ought to have noticed Mr.. Lanes S
:. cess in producing the largest yield from
lIeS most the worst acre long ago; bat we st
De ted from home on a long journey the day
ter the corn was measured, and had not
time to dose. It is time enough even NJ
and and We hope it will have the effect desired
coat the stirring up of our farmers to initiate
tnat example.
the We might as well, while our hand is
say that, next to Mr.. Lane, Gen. M'Rae
an Wilmington, carries off the palm. Mr.. NJ
,tcb- raised Is barrels on an acre, at his farm
was the Railroad, in the vicinity Of the tow
70 . Old news, but good, nevertheless.
Go5d$5oro' New Err