The Bedford gazette. [volume] (Bedford, Pa.) 1805-current, 1857-08-21
Thinning Plants.

CObbett SAID, IN speaking OF the culture ol Gu
cumbeTs, that two plants in bill would bear
smaller crop than one, three l-ss than two,
four less than three, until fifty plants wontd
hear nothing at oil. The remark will apply
TO all cucurbitous plants, as melons, squashes
and pumpkins are often allowed to grow
too thickly. A single plant ior two plants at
most, so as to insure one in case of accident TO
the other,) on a rich, we'll prepared, and well
cultivated piece of land, with a space Of six or
seven feet, is far better than large NUMBER
The culture of turnips, and especially those
of the ruua baga kind, requires bold thinning
out. A novice of the culture of these roots
may be readily distinguished BY his thick drills,
who would be startled at the "frightful waste"
of thrifty young plants, which the experienced
cutivator boldly practices, and with such decl-
ded advantage. Ohio Farmer.
EFFEcTs OF CLOVER Hay or ANMALs.-Some
late writers have taken the position that clover
hay-prodnces a most injurious effect on domestic
animals, particularly horses: and that to this
cause the great increase of diseased horses is TO
be attributed We lately heard farmer affirm,
that he believed the Introduction of clover hag
into general cultivation the greatest curse vet
inflicted on the country, and assigned as a reason
for this singular opinion, It's effects on animals
when used as fodder. Late English writers
have attributed to this kind of hay the prevail
ence Of heaves in horses, and the great increase
of other diseases that effect the respiratory or
gans. This is most important subject and
should receive foil investigation. Clover is
too important a plant TO be discarded or con-
demned except upon the most satisfactory evil
dence. Its value a fertilizer and prepara-
tive for wheat, to say nothing of its u.s. for pas
ture and hay, would demand that It should not
be condemned unhaard For ourselves. W.
have very little belief in the injurious properties
assigned TO clover. We have used it constantly
for pasture and for hay more than thirty years
and never, to our knowledge, has any animal
suffered from it certainty, no horse has been Ia
ken with the heaves when ted on it, or while ii
our possession. As hay for sheep, we bave con.
sidered it unrivaled, and should have no fear tha
any stock would not winter well, with a sup
ply Of well-cured clover hay.
And here lies, we think. the great source o
objection TO clover hay. 1t is too often imppr
f7ctly cured. To save the leaves and the head
which are apt TO fall in handling or curing, th'
hay is put into the barn while the large stem
are full of moisture or the natural juices, an,
the fermentation which ensnpS cause the who'll
mass to become damp; and if not spoiled wholly
it becomes mouIdv. black, and when used RAISED
such dust, it is no wonder that horses ant
cattle are choked or their lungs destroyed. On
experience show that clover may BE- perfect,
cured without losing any of its valuable parts
cured so that when fed out, no more dust will b.
flying than from timothy or herds grass, and VI
shall be slow to believe that from such hay an,
injury 10 animals ever ensues.-Ohio Yale
F1r1ger