Iowa capitol reporter. [volume] (Iowa City, Iowa) 1841-1855, 1852-03-24

prepare the soil for the hand of the
cultivator. The old proverb tells us
that "a peck of March dust is worth
kings ransom" 1t indicates con-
tinued dry weather and a suitable
condition Of the soil for the reception
seed. Were these winds hushed,
and the redundant March moisture
remain, seeds would not terminate,
but rot and decay. "a dry and cold
March never begs it's bread-because
it prepares the earth for seed time
but a wet March makes a sad Au-
gust" because the ground is satura-
ted with cold water, the seeds spoil
ed and yields no crop in August.
The winterhas been stern and cold
we long to see the streams unlock
ed, to think that the winter is over
and gone'-to hear the birds singing
and feel the warm sunshine and
balmy air. We cast lingering looks
up and down the garden walks where
a crocus is peeping from the rubbish,
among which the warbling sparrow
tunes his little throat, though thick
flakes of snow may be falling fast
We are impatient for genial skies and
gentle winds, without counting the
cost Of an enjoyment of them noaO. 80
We f"rgetthat "the late spring makes
the fruitful year, xnd that it we want
April Guns and showers now, April
frosts will pinch the buds and bios
SONS which they have produced, and
we shall have neither fruits nor flow
ers in due season; and this explains
the other old proverb, that March
flowers make no summer bowers"
But there will days of sunshine and
sottness, in March, and spots in the
garden or field ready for the exercise
of skiIlful hand, and these, with
various other matter->delnand the
attention Of the husbandman now.
Clorcr Sced.-This month is a suit
able time for sowing clover seed ON
fields laid down to grass in Aug DIST or
last. Clover is apt to be
and most persons leave
the seed for spring sowing. 1t may
be scattered upon the snow, which
affords good opportunity for ascer-
how thick to SOW il; or upon
the ground, or even where tie alter
is slanding-there is no difficulty
in its coming now.
Early Potatoes potatoes
for early planting by sprouting them
in horse manure, or in barrels by the
stove. Plant in some sunny
border or sheltered place, and you
may have fine potatoes by the goth
Of June, or caller if all circumstances
are favorable.
Hot Beds. See that these are in
order, and start your tomatoes, let
tuces, egg plants, &c.
Grape Vints Make a judicious
of these, and shorten down
to three or four years of the vigorous
shoots of last years growth. Prune
apples, and other fruit trees-Mat
need it-but not to indulge a fancy
for using the knife and saw, as that
may more properly find vent on the
wood pile. Look after the currant
and other bushes; clip the tops and
tie up the raspberry bushes that were
neglected last fall, and you shall find
an abundant re, onpense by-and by
Fruit Stoacs.-Sow such fruit stones
as have heen preserved, and mark
The rows of each.
PlosUing .--Stubble or other field.
on sandy land intended for potatoes
may be plowed this month. In such
cases potatoes may be planted quite
early, and thus perhaps escape the
rot. Sward ground intended for
corn, it is better to pillow with a good
coat Of grass on it; this affords ii
very considerable nourishment to the
crop planted and facilitates the de-
Of the turf.
implements. Every farmer should
have some place which he calls a
he can repair and perhaps
make some of his coarse, cheap in
pliments. But his plowS may br
purchased cheaper, AMI will be al
together better made by exact pat.
terms in the hands of -kllitul work men,
where the true pitch line of draft, and
all other things will be- right. SO of
his harows, cultivators, and most
large implements. Are all your i'm
pli,nents in good order for use?
Systcm.--llan all your spring op
this month, and it will save
you a deal of vexation.-New En-
gland Farmer.
The SEVEN WONDERS OF A You've