Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1857-07-08
AGRICULTURAL.

CULTIVATION OF BUCKwHEAr.-From what
we have observed we think few farm crops
have paid better than Buckwheaf, during
few years past. There have, of course, been
exceptions, in limited localities, but all that
has been raised, has met with ready sales at
good prices. We have seldom been able to
purchase good article of Buckwheat -four at
less price than Wheat -four. Indeed, so high
has the former been at times that Wheat -four
of second grade has been extensively mixed
that it can be used q mAke-shift, to I'll In
where from late Spring or other causes it
has been impossible to SOW Spring. Wheat,
Oats, or other earlier crops. 1t may be- sown
in this latitude for raising grain as late as the
middle of July, but We advise earlier sowing,
say by the first of the month if not before,
where it can be done as well at that time. For
plowing under as fertilizer, it can be sown
from early Spring to the close of August.
Buckwheat (Potygonnm fagopyTun) il some
times called Beechrheat from the close ressm-
blance of it's kernel to the common beech-nHk.
Its use for hot cakes, familiarity known as ''fap-
jacks or slapjacks is too well known to re-
quire description. The recently improved hull
ling mills for removing the black shell, has
tended to greatly extend its use. 1t is also
good for stock, pigs, poultry, &c. In Europe
and also in some places in this country, it is
very extensively raised as food for bees. It
is grown for fodder, and if cured in green
state, and slowed away in small stacks of two
or three tuns each, or in dry loft, or on an
open scaffold, and then steamed before feed
ing during the winter, or cut fine in straw
cutter, slightly moistened with water, and
mixed with meal, it makes tolerably nutritious
food for cattle and horses. Finally, it is also
grown as a fertilizer, to be 2lowed deep under
the soil when in blossom. Though not equal
to clover for this purpose, still it enriches tho
land rapidly, and, has the advantage of grow
ing when and where clover will scarcely show
its more delicate heads.
Soil and Preparation.-The best soil, un-
doubtedly, for Buckwheat, is good, dry, light
sandy loan but it may be made to grow we'll
in any soil if properly prepared. Fresh ma
nure should only be applied to this crop when
growth OF straw alone is wanted. When its
grain is desired, dissolved bones is the best
manure next comes q mixture half and half
of guano and bone-dust. We have seen ino
Long g-Island and New-Jersey, by an applica-
tion of ten to fifteen bushels of bone-dust per
acre. Plow deep, SOW the seed broadcast,
then the manure, then harrow well, and finish
by rolling smooth.
Quantity of Seed per Acre.-H sown for
fertilizer or for fodder, put in one and q half
to two bushels per acre; flor the grain, three
quarters To one and a half bushels per acre, 10
usually sufficient. Sow broad or in drills
as most convenient.
Time of Cutting.-If for grain, cut as soon
as the berry is well filed with milk. and before
it gets very hard. Loss frequently ensues by
letting it stand too long, for it is grain that
shells easily as the straw is turned in the field
When wanted for fodder, cut just as it il go
ing out Of bloom, and cure the same as clover
hay.
When plowed in for . fertilizer, do this In
full bloom, and cover as deep and well As pos
sible.