The western Democrat. [volume] (Charlotte, N.C.) 1852-1870, 1861-02-12

most farmers and indeed in many respects of US ALL is
that they do their farming in sioveny, indifferent
manner Our land is not half prepared not more than
half plough and not than two inches Deep and
even so deep sometimes. Walk over your fields
after being poughed and you will find often that great
part of it has only been scra2ed. Now, from such
superficial preparation only expect superficial
results and the wonder is that succeed as
well as we do. 1t would be an inevitable sign of
prosperity in our midst witness still deeper and
more lively interest manifested by the intelligent and
reading farmers of country this important ques
tion whereverit has engaged the greatest amount
of attention practical, scientific men, there has
the greatest amount OF success crowned their efforts
and rewarded their labors
If you wish to succeed in raising clover, you
plough deep Take two, three, four horse plough
and plough your land from five to eight inches deep
Rest assured the and labor will abundantly re-
ward you Plough in the months of August and Sep
TENDER; take your time and do it WELL 1t is poor
plan to trust the the judgment and fidelity of
or even If you do So in nine
out of ten YOU will be disappointed. The master
employer should himself be in the field: his presence
there is incalculabe. Being the spot, he can
that his land thoroughly prepared and that no part
is neglected.
would say again not only plough deep, but plough
often and harrow with big two-horse harrow flor
believe in the harrow) Plough until your land is
peely broken up and ,ceH utverized Although the land
which raised clover in cultivation for many
years never thought of ploughing it less than three
times before putting in the seed. When therefore the
soil is broken up and pulversed it is in good con-
dition receive the seed. Having in the previous
generally put in the clover seed the last of February
following find this to be the best time of year. just
Immediately at the close of the freezing weather and
before the land is together by the first hard rains
Here would add a word regarding the kind Of seed to
be sown. My experience extends principally to the
medium sized red clover; and having hater myself,
succeeded in it's culture, ! cordially recon-
mend it; and would therefore say sow the medium
sized red clover.
Hitherto we have been in the habit of bringing our
seed yearly from the North-the impression being prev
a1a tha Of he
in the soil has tendency to degenerate and
decay SO far this theory relates to clover, have
not tested it yet am very far from believing it. AL
though have heretofore purchased my seed believe
that if tried could grow good seed in in this
section get from the North We are every day
becoming convinced of the Importance of depend
ing upon resources, and why not in this as
well in other things do not believe in the theory
of degeneracy of all seeds, when proper is
taken to select the best Everything ia the world that
belongs to man will degenerate without proper care.
raising corn to-day from seed that has been raised
plantation for years-seed used by my father and
grandfather-anG the is good now as
when was boy. So. believe that by proper care
we raise seed in Western North Carolina
Tins shall rely upon ourselves thus shall
be and feel more Independent as farmers while at
the time will keep much money in the COM
munity which is now drawn ont of it.
| have thus, gentlemen, only given you plain alb
sract of experience in the cultivation OF clover
have no hesitation in saying that by dilligent and
faithful attention to this department of farming the
planter would be much in pocket and his plantation
and stock greatly benefited Hence most cordially
that all planters give the matter fair
trial.
To our young farmers I would say a concluding
word.
1t is a serious disadvantage to all that do not
wait to out plans This is the secret of so
many failures in every calling of life but it is particu
larly the evil genius of the young farmers Before they
the old plan thoroughly, they off to
We all in too great hurry to be rich and in our
hurry to accomplish ends, shift from plan to
plan, from theory to theory until in the end gain
little or nothing. 80 Wealth is not acquired, mahy
suppose by fortunate speculatons and splendid enter
prizes but by the daily practice of industry rngality
and economy. He who relies upon these means will
rarely be found destitute and whoever relies upon any
other will generally become bankrupt"
My advice to you, my young friends, is, stick to one
thing and stick your farms If you have system,
land he is farmer who has not system, and good
one) adhere to it carry it out; exercise industry,
patience and prudence, and plenty will crown your
labors. If your gains in the beginning SMALL do
not be discouraged remember that they sure and
that they will naturally increase you grow older
The progress of modern civilization is raising the
standard of every calling in life. The present age de-
mands higher attachments in everything than was de-
manded by the ages preceding it; it demands better
things of the farmer. The field of agriculture is a
great and wide one, and young farmers should
up in everything good that belongs to their excel
lent calling and be equal to the demands o. the age
While you unite all her virtues you should strive to be
better farmers than your fathers and grandfathers Be
more economical, industrious and enterprisng. Take
pride in being model farmers take pride in advancing
the agricultural interest of your State and especially
Ike pride and pains make Mecklenburg first in agri
cultural prosperity she has been in the declaration
and support of her civil and religious liberties.