Raftsman's journal. [volume] (Clearfield, Pa.) 1854-1948, 1859-04-06
THE CULTIVATION OF CORN.

The question of applying the usuai comes
tic or barn manures to corn in the hill al piant-
ing, or over the whole surface before tnas
time, is one which we have not seen partlcu-
larly discussed in our agricultural Journals,
though often mentioned as practiced, OF, rscs
Uersa, in accounts of the culture of this grain
From observation on this point, We conclude
il is more common in New Hampshire than
elsewhere where indeed it was learned from
the aboriginal corn-growers- We nave mere
tofore, from results in our own experience,
recommended manuring in the hill, in addi-
ton to good dressing over the whole field,
as productive of an essential Improvement IN
the crop-giving an earlier and stronger stars
which advance it keeps through the Whoie
period of growth.
Some experience in corn growing, compar-
ing hill manuring with its application over Ins
whole surface, are given by Mr.. Baker oi YAK
Hill, in a recent N. E. Farmer-and thinking
il will interest, we condense the same Tor our
readers. Five plots of an acre each, were
planted the last of May. On the first, twenty
loads of long manure were spread and pioweu
under, eight inches deep. On the second,
ten loads of fine barn-yard manure were spread
on the surface after blowing, and thoroughly
narrowed before marking. The third acre
was manured in the hils-two quarts of very
fine stable manure to each. The fourth re-
ceived in the hill, one quart OF compost-t"o
parts muck, two parts hog manure, and one
bart each of lime and ashes. The fifth acre,
Tor the purpose of comparison, received no
manure. The kind of corn planted wa, the
yellow smut red blaze, the kernel OF which
is large and fiat. and the ear good size. Ma
king account of the soft corn, it produced
as follows: No. l. Si bushels of corn; No.
2, 80 bushels; No. 3, 90 bushels; No. 4. 80
bushels; No. 5, 6S bushels. From these re-
suits, he concludes that for present pront,
manuring in the hill is the best, and decom-
posed barn manure narrowed In, produces
more effect than green dung plowed under
at least on the first crop.
Most commercial manures, AZ guano, super
phosphates, poudrette, ETC., have been appii-
ed in the hill exclusively so we have no means
of comparison of the effect of the same broad
cast. OF fertilizers of domestic production,
hen manure has more generally been sppiied
in the hill for corn than any other material.
1t is plentiful, of concentrated character,
and readily prepared and applied, while there
can be no question to the profit arising
from its judicious use. As limited before,
this manure and others of like character, give
the young shoots an carly and vigorous start,
and enable it the sooner TO strengthen Itself,
by extending its roots to more distant stores
of food.
The effect of manuring in the hill exclusive
ly, would seem to be less calculated TO benefit
the next crop than if applied over the whole
ground, though the active or thoroughly de-
composed character of the fertilizers thus US
ed would leave little benefit to be expected
the second year. But We leave the question
with our readers, simply remarking that while
we would commend plentiful broadcast manur-
ing in all cases, we would also advise the ap-
plication of some concentrated fertilizer in
the hill, believing it will in all cases provo
profitable by forwarding and increasing the
crop. Indian corn cannot well be surfeited BY
high breeding-and above most grains, uses
and repays plentiful supply. Gen
Hennan.