The constitutional union., 1861-03-29
THE FARMERS COLUMN,

The straw grows too rapidly, if the seed is soWn late, and the crop will be an abundant yield of straw-which will probably lodge and small quantity and inferior quality of seed
 Potatoes should be planted this month, par t,eularly by those raising them for market in the vicinity of cities. We plant our-second crop the latter part of June, depending upon the early fall rains to bring them out Pota- toes must have good deal of moisture to yield well, and either early or late planting must be practiced to get good returns.
 The soil for potatoes should be rich New ground is preferable. No crop is more i'm proved by good manuring. Potatoes should never be planted two years in succession on the same ground. The subsoil is of very great advantage to the crop, and the increase in the yield when used will we'll pay the ex- pense of using it. The ground should be got Tn the best possible condition should be light and thoroughly pulverized. We plant in drills three feet apart-dropping the pieces about nine inches apart in the drill-covering pretty deeply with one horse blow. Just as the potatoe sprouts are beginning to show them selves, we go over the drills with an inverted harrow-the upper part of the teeth protrud- ing about two inches The ground is render cd smooth the weeds are set back and de- stroyed, and the potatoe plants thus get the start of them; and, by good after-culture, keep 1t. We cut our potatoes in three CT four pieces or more, getting at least two good eyes in each piece. We have met with good success in cultivating this crop, and give our method of cultivation.
 PLowING.-A great deal of blowing will be done this month. Land should not be plowed under any consideration that is not in the proper condition. Land should not be plowed when it is wet or clammy It should crumble freely More crops are injured by working the soil when wet than one is aware of. Fields are so injured sometimes by blow ing when wet that they don't get over the in jury for years The soil becomes lumpy. hard, baked, will not pulyerize freely, and plants cannot grow freely Farmers, then. will consult their best interests by keeping their teams of their fields, unless the ground is sufficiently dry Many farmers have so much blowing to do that they think they can not stop their teams after heavy rain; but they are practcinga false economy by setting them to work
 Fruit trees should now be planted, and as early as practicable Put out a good. young orchard, and when it comes into bearing it will increase the amount of your happiness What blessed privilege it is to have an abundance of good fruit at all seasons! Be sure to plant for family enjoyment couple dozen of entrants, gooseberries, blackberries, etc. They will cost but little and cause the good lady of the house to wear a pleasant smile all the season. Now is the time to pro- cure and plant all these Send to some relia- ble, well-known nursery immediately for these things, and plant them carefully, and they will reward you.
 Narrowing lightly winter wheat and barley is good plan. Many doubt this, but if they will try 1t on a small portion of a field they will discover its beneficial results Where the wheat has been somewhat heaved out by win ter freezing, going over it with heavy roller is good plan.
 Stock should not be allowed to go out too early, especially on newly seeded pastures Keep all stock from the meadow. If you have any well-rotted manure, and your mead ow does not yield well, spread it over the sur face. The manure will leave its mark.
 Spring wheat and barley should be put in early this month.
 The dooryard should not be forgotten. As sist in putting 1t in fine order; procure roses. Towering plants, evergreens, shade trees, and plant out in pleasant groups about the yard.
 Clean out the cellar, remove all decaying vegetables open the windows, and scatter lime over the cellar bottom and you may save yourself and family spell of sickness. 4 foul cellar is most prolific cause Of sickness.
 CORN CRoP-We have made extensive n- quiry among the planters and farmers of lief ferson and Arkansas counties, and learn that as general thing, greater proportion of corn is planted by them than ever before. A planter from Arkansas county informed us that he would have 5000 bushels of corn more than he could use from the crop of last year, yet he should plant more largely of 1t this year. Corn is now selling from 85c to $l % per bushel. During the past week about 1000 bushels have been brought to Pine Bluff to be sold on commission by the sack. We are encouraged to see this exten- sive preparation to raise the necessaries of life. We will need all the produce that can be raised if our political troubles continue we will stand greatly in need of it, and if peace is restored, the streams of navigation that have been checked by the hard times will begin to flow again into our land which will greatly increase the demand for supplies.
 [Pine Bluff News.
 CROP PROSPECT IN TEXAs-The Austin Gazette of the 10th says: I've learn from our country friends that the ground is in ex- celent condition for planting this year. Itis probable that we will be blessed with abun- dant crops this season. The farmers have prudently divided their enclosed lands be- tween corn, cotton and small crops. It is best not to rely entirely upon q single crop Had this policy not been adopted during the droughty years our country would have re- ceived very little injury from them, but pro- visions would have abounded, and the immi- grafton maintained"
 PINE BLUFF HoRsE MARKET-Our mar ket, gays The Pine Bluff News, continues to attract the horse and mule drovers of Missouri. A large number have been disposed of the past six months. There are now on the mar ket here some four droyes, with fair sales the past week. Eight horses were disposed of on Saturday for upwards of sl00 each Pine