The Union and journal. [volume] (Biddeford, Me.) 1858-1882, 1860-05-25
LOUIS O. CoWAN,
VOLUME XVI.
We have found that, in dry seasons, large

4 w have found tnat, IN ury ecasonS, A"a ~
auantity of manure in tho hill produces q
most pernicious effect, becoming indurated
and inert, and yielding no nourishment or
support TO the corn when its assistance Is
most needed. We think where the soil con-
tains liberal quantity Of soluble humors,
or where il has been enriched by previous
cultivation, which amounts to about the
same thing, 50 far s practical considerations
and results are involved, the manure is much
more adyantageously employed by being
thoroughly Incorporated with the soil, which
will insure its more ready decomposition in
seasons Of drouth, and enable the roots to
appropriate sutiiciency Of ailment for their
support when they would be unable proper
Nv 10 perform their function, were the entire
quantity Of aliment contained In the soil to
exist in q dry insoluble mass near the sur
face, even II in immediate contact with the
roots.
oRKrN CORN ron FODDER.
Every one who has cows, or other cattle
to feed, should plant q patch Of corn to DO
cut and fed TO them green. The Virginia or
"Horsetooth" is usually preferred for this
purpose, though Indian corn answers very
we'll, and Is less exhausting to the soil. A
piece Of good pasture ground, or soil from
which crop Of potatoes have been taken,
will produce a good crop. The land should
be well narrowed and the seed sowcd in
drills, twenty inches apart to admit OF the
plants being well dressed as soon As they at
tained the height Of two or three inches, al
ter which they will require no further care.
Some have made use OF the Chinese Sugar
Cane for this purpose, and speak OF Il in
terms of high commendation. Ii is rich In
saccharine matter, and consequently well
adapted for feeding purposes, either in a
green or dried state. Its yield is also great.
Cows giving milk, are greatly benefited by n
feed Of this, morning and night, especially
during the latter part OF summer, when the
pastures are dry and short.
Pkls Win POTATOES.
In every hill OF potatoes, drop from six to
eight peas. Their presence will oppose no
hindrance TO the cultivation Of the potatoes,
as they viii have attained sufficient height
to bo no impcdiment at the first hoeing, and
not in the way Of the second. Peas produce
ed in this manner, are easily harvested, re-
markably full and fair, rarely injured by
their greatest enemy, bug and perfectly
free from dirt and the seeds ofspurious plants
The large 'Marrowiat' is to be preferred for
this culture, though less profitable in the
field, than the smaller varieties.
POTATOES.
Select the largest and most perfectly de-
yeloped tubers for seed. Plant early-sor
early eating, before corn. The potato re-
quircs long season to perfect its edible
qualities, in this climate. The soil should
also be Of good quality, thoroughly wori cd, 4,
and enriched with the best and most ener-
getic manure. Most farmers crowd their po-
tatoes, not allowing sufficient space for u
maximum development. All shilling" OF
potatoes rs well US of Indian corn, should be
avoided rs practice which can only pro-
duce pernicious results. Nature, in hor op-
erations, presents us the example OF Hat
surface, and this experience has demonstra-
ted to be the best for all crops.
APPLE AND FRur rREEs.
Look well TO your fruit trees Of all kinds.
IL your apple trees manifest weakness by the
indiccs of premature decay or non-product-
iyeness, remove the rough bark and moss
from the surface of the trunk and larger
limbs, and apply solution OF potash, rub
bing them with sufficient yigor to effect the
detachment of all foreign matter, and having
removed the soil around the trunks for dis
tancc of six or eight feet in diameter, and to
the depth Of rs many inches, apply good old
we'll decomposed compost, formed OF one
cord of muck, ten bushels OF unleached wood
ashes, two Of gypsum, three OF pulyerized
charcoal, and one bushel Of common salt
These ingredients should be internally mixed
and rendered homogeneous by frequent turn
ings before application, and the surface GOV.
cred with good garden mould. All dead and
decayed limbs should be pruned out, and the
tops reduced to size corresponding to the
supposed expansion Of the roots. by this
treatment, trees that have fallen into senility
from neglect, may be resusciated and render
ed not only an ornament, but source Of
permanent profit to the farm.
PLUM rREEs.
Apply salt to your plum trees, a couple Of
quarts 10 each adult tree, digging il in to tho
depth off or three inches. A little fresh
lime and gypsum should bc added somewhat
later in the season.
TOMATOES.
As soon rs there is no danger from frost,
transplant your tomatoes, selecting for them
the best soil, and giving them the most Ia
vorable aspect and the most stimulating ma
uure. A compost Of barn yard manure, rot
ten leaves, chip manure, wood ashes, lime
and gypsum-manure being the basis-will
be found a congenial application. 1t should
be dug into the soil before transplanting.-
The after culture will consist mainly in keep
ing the soil around the plants light and per-
meable TO the air.
CARRIAGES.
For early table use, should bc frequently
hoed. Give them a liberal supply Of saline
manure, and apply wood ashes, in small
quantities, as often rs once week till the
plants cover the ground. In hoeing, retain
the surface perfectly fat. II the weather is
dry, irrigate frequently with soap suds, or
the rich carbouaccous liquid from the barn