Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1855-05-26
farmtr's 1epattmcut.
Sowing Corn Fodder Drilling Deep
Pl0WiHg.


1t io an II wind that blows 10 one any
good" through 6 tIite proTerb Is often verified
i'll the experience OF The fa9aer. We believe
it will be found true, a5 regards the effects OF
the late very seyere winter On Our moving ana
pasture fields, the alternations Of which from
mild to extreme cold, together with the sIlliIl
amount of snow fallen, acting as protective
covering TO the ground, having apparently kiilel
cut the grass, especially III heidS recently Seedc'
down Roots Of both grass anu #heat i!ay oe
seen in many farms OF eastern Fehhsy wanna
having on the surface of the ground, heayed up
by the frost. entirely dead and tins, TOO, al
time when wheat s worth $3.50 per bushel,
and beef ana butter higher than for nany
vears. There are two or three practical infer
ences suggested By these facts which We wish
10 call attention to. We say facts. because
they are plain and obvious to every farmer on
his own farm and may prove, if wisely reflect
Cd upon and dgesteti, more valuable than many
pages Of reading.
lst Ue haze lN00n tiis &FTiag, fields Of
wheat apparently almost killed out, With the
roots lying on the surface, the seed having been
sown broadcast, adjoining other fields looking
green and healthy where the seed had been
drilled, no roots in the latter, comparatively,
having been heaved mp by the frost. This we
consider strong argument in favor of drilling,
which puts the seed in deeper with more rcFa-
hrit6 and ertnnesS, the small rises between the
rows moudering down during the winter and
covering the wheat as required for protection.
Here is one practical deduction of great
value.
Cd. 1t has also been found that on those
fields where the ground was deeply plowed or
subSoiled to the depth of eight to twelve inches,
these effects of a severe winter, which Will
shorten the hay and pasture crop at least one
third, and in some cases probably one-half,
have not been observed to the same extent as
on others This we consider second practical
deduction Of great Importance
The I'd point we have to make is remedy
for this state of things fortunately within reach,
and which will go far to make up the loss, viz
where the grass has been observed to be thus
killed out, plow mp the fields Immediately, and
SOW corn for fodder 1t has been fully proven
that nothing will:turn off so much agreeable,
provender, and nutrcious and palatable to
stock, as sown fodder BY successive sowings
a supply can be kept up the whole season, and
for COWS, when fed green, it is fully equal to
the best pasture and will make as much and as
rich milk and butter.
We have frequently urged upon our readers
the Importance of the corn fodder crop aud as
the present is most opportune period for the
experiment We hope they will give it a trial.
There are two methods of putting in the crop,
by drilling in rows and by broadcasting. We
prefer the former, and would recommend, after
the ground has been well plowed and thoroughly
pulverized, rows should be struck out one way,
two and half or three feet apart, and the
corn strewed along at the rate Of about three
bushels to the acre. The seed may readily be
covered with a cultiyator or harrow passing
parallel with the rows. When the corn is about
a foot high, run the cultivator along once or
twice to clean out the weeds, and no farther
attention will be required, as the ground will
soon be covered and yield product of ten to
twelve tons to the acre, and more. depending on
the strength OF the soil.
The above is substantially the plan recon-
mended by j. j. Thomas, and we believe to be
the best. George Walker of Susquehanna
county however, prefers the broadcasting system.
and gives his method Of managing it and his
product in one Of our back numbers If the
soil is not in good condition, it will pay well
to spread three hundred pounds of guano to
the acre previous to plowing. Much of the
fodder crop may be got off in time to seed with
wheat next fall if desired.-Farm Journal.