Lewisburg chronicle. [volume] (Lewisburg, Pa.) 1850-1859, 1856-05-30
THE FARM.
The G.ardem...The Orchard.
Broom Corn.

Broom Corn.
The cultivation of this crop has not re-
ceived the attention it merits from farm
ers. We venture the assertion that nc
one product has, for the last two or three
years, paid so well aud viii. continue to
do so, (unless it receives much more ex.
tensive culture,) than broomcorn. Du.
ring the period referred to, the demand
has greatly exceeded the supply, and as q
consequence prices have ruled high. A
great breadth of land has been devoted to
its growth in the West, but the corn is
not as fine nor as tough when the product
of new land as from that which has, for q
series of years, been under cultivation.
The best soil for its psrfect growth is
one that is rich, warm and loamy. Any
land that will raise good crop Of its In
dian namesake, will be suitable-clay
lands, or those of a tenacious character
should be avoided. A green sward turned
under late in the fall has been found most
productive.
In the preparation of the soil, hog ma
nure will prove beneficial application.
About eight wagon loads to the acre,
placed in the hills, is a suficiency.
Leached ashes, used in the same manner
fifteen bushels per acre, will be found an
addition. The ground should be deeply
plowed and well narrowed. Stake the
hills about three feet apart: if sown in
drills three and one half feet. We should
prefer hill planting, as the labor, by such
process, is considerably lessened. Bury
the seed from one to one and half inches.
Ten or twelve thrifty plants is all that
should be allowed to each hill. The time
of planting depends on the season,-the
most judicious period is as early as you
can ensure the crop from frost.
As soon as the plants are up, run rh-
cultivator between the hills or rows, fol-
lowing with the hand hoe. At this stage
of growth the weeds must not be allowed
to take precedence Of the crop. After q
thoro' going over with the hoe, the cul-
ivation can be done with horse hoe, cul-
tivator or small plow-either of which it
would be advisable to run through several
times during the season.
In harvesting, pass between the rows,
and break the tops about one foot below
the brush, bending towards each other,
that they may interlock and serve as
mutual support. The proper period for
this process is just after the seed has
passed the milk stage aud before it is fully
ripe. Should frost occur, it needs to be
done Immediately. The peculiar benefit
arising from thus bending the stalk is,
the brush keeps s,raighter than if permit
ted to attain maturity in a perpendicular
position. When fully ripe cut six inches
below the brush, place it under cover,
and spread SO that it may dry thoroughly.
The seed is separated from the brush
with what is termed "s heckle"-made
by placing upright knives together-aud
passing the brush between them. This
is intended, however, only for
hand work. Where the crop is extensive
ly raised, a machine driven by some power
will be necessary. Those in operation are
of cylinder similar to thresh-
er, except that the teeth are four or five
inches in length. The product is from
500 to 500 pounds per acre, though in
many instances 900 pounds have been
Its market value varies from
Eve to ten cents according to demand.
The seed is very difficult to cure, and
if intended for use, it should be ripened !
by exposure to the sun, or kiln-dried. |
From twenty to thirty bushels is the av-
erage product of an acre. As an article |
Of commerce, it is worth from twenty-five
TO fifty cents per bushel. To feed it out
to sheep, or grind and mix with other food
for either cattle, horses or hogs, will be
found to the general farmer the most eco
,omic disposition that can be made.