The Lancaster ledger. [volume] (Lancaster, S.C.) 1852-1905, 1853-05-04
From the Soil Of the South.
Keep A Plantationt Journal.

lr Is to be regretted that so much OF
what is learned by observation and ex-
perience, should have no more permanent
record than that Of the memory. That
whilst new facts are occurring, and new
opinions are forming, that much that is
valuable in the past should be obli.erated.
so that knowledge, which should be al
ways accumulating often turns out to be
little moro than substitution of new
ideas for old. To be practically wise,
and to leave the benefits of ethers,
we should adopt some plan by which we
should have access TO the old, as 20 the
new thoughts and observations which we
may have made. 1t is often ~orth as
much to us to know where We Lsve erred.
as to knom how we have succeeded. This
knowledge can never be fally available,
unless we have some record to which we
can refer; and we therefore advise that all
planters and oyerseers shall make full
notes Of the business under their charge.
Our interest, as welt as our information, is
greatly increased by entering into the
details Of our business. Set down the
number Of hands, and what the real eff.
fective force. The size of the crop-how
many acres in corn-how many in cotton,
small grain, DC. The size Of each field
the character and condition of the soil
whether old land or new, upland or bottom
soft or hard, and in what to be planted.
How many plows you run--what kind,
and the character and condition of the
team. Here you have sort of program
me of the years operations, and when
accomplished, you will know what, and
how it has been done, and with what sort
OF instrumentalities; valuable information
may thus be derived and you will be
prepared to speak and act understanding,
in determining the question of ability to
cultivate or not such a force. This infor-
nation will be still moro complete, il in the
progress OF operations, the time and man.
ner OF preparations, as well as the time
and manner Of planting, shall be fully
aoted. Also, when and how the crop
was worked-its size at particular dates,
and when and how much it rained, OF
what may have been the popularity Of the
seasons, and their effect upon the crop;
aud when, and under what circumstances
the crop was laid by. These records OF
eyents feach day, with suitable comments
and remarks at the time, cannot fail OF
benefit to all those who make them-and
IN series Of years, If preserved, become
valuable for reference. And we wound
not stop here, but not the absence of eyerv
operative. and the cause of such absence.
each day. and let that report be read out
publicly ut the end Of each month. Then
it will be seen who hayo been mt their
post, and who not end the enquiry. will
arise as 10 the safficieney Of the excuse Of
such as a5e frequently absent, and their
own shsme, and the sneers of the faithful
WA mako hypoericy thorny garb "a
wsaE, and provoke those who have tbs
work TO do, to In the veil, ard lst the
secrcs out, if deception be practiced: and
il diseases be really the cause, the atten.
ion oftbesuperintendent will be constantly
irected TO the necessity Of proper care
nd treatment. The number of cattle
,eep, goats ard hogs. and their condition
night all 70 be noted, and these accounts
carefully revised at least once quarter.