Bellows Falls times. [volume] (Bellows Falls, Vt.) 1856-1965, 1861-03-29
AGRICULTURAL.
Farm Crops-Indian Corn.

Farm CropS-iiuinn S0TH'
This ranks first in the list Of grain crops,
and from its American origin and habits, is
adapted TO any part of this country--its
character varying with the soil and climate
from the hardy, diminu'iye species OF the
North, to the largs and fully developed va
rieties of the West and South. From its
Importance as an article of food for man
and beast, it has ever been, and still contin-
ups 10 be a special object Of cultivation.
No farm is considered complete without u
liberal area Of corn land, and the fields de-
voted to this crop are the prize and joy OF
the farmer, 10 say nothing of the golden
harvest and well filed grainery.
This grain delights in warm, dry soil,
and with liberal supply of manure AMI
proper cultivation, will give good return.
II can be raised either on green sward or
s,ubble ground, A good system of rotation
is 10 plant on the sward, and seed the fol-
lowing year with wheat or oats, as special
object should be to have the land in as good
a condition as possible when laid down TO
grass. in the cultivation Of this crop, much
depends ON the preparation Of the ground.
If this is smoothly and evenly pioughed
and thoroughly narrowed, the labor OF till
ing is greatly diminished.
The depth of plouehing should be regu-
lated according to the nature of the soil.
Light and sandy lands ahould be ploughed
deeper than those that are more compact ;
but every farmer can easily ascertain the
depth at which he obtains the best crops.
Whether manure should be turned under
or spread on the top is a question, but most
farmers, think, consider the top dressing
thoroughly mixed with the surface soil, as
the best. A small quantity of wel-rotted
manure placed in each hill, gives the crop
good start, and is generally practiced.
Corn should not be planted too thick. A
good crop Of ears is preferable 10 larger
one of stalks without this important addition.
The distance, of course will vary with the
size of variety planted.
In the selection Of seed, special reference
should be had in this latitude, to the earli-
ness of the variety; otherwise there is a
liability to much damage ere The crop is out
of the way of autumnal frosts. There is
no necessity for changing the seed of corn
rs often as that Of wheat, as by proper
care in selecting, a variety may be very
much improved.
If a field is so planted as TO admit Of the
culIivator's passing between the hills. as
well as the rows. much labor with the hoe
will be saved. The after cultivation of the
crop is an important consideration. and
should not be limited to certain number
of times, but adapted 10 the nature of the
soil This should be kept loose and porous
and not allowed to become compact, or a
fruitful bed for weeds and grasses.
A top-dressing of some fertilizer, such
as plaster or ashes, applied to the hill, is
beneficial to the plants in the early stage
of their growth, and the latter may act as a
preventive TO the ravages of the wre-worm
The cut-worm is IA larger enemy, and the
surest way 10 stop their depredations, is TO
dig them out Of the Hill and kill them.
There are several methods pracliced in
harvesting corn, but the one seemingly best
adapted to this part of the country, as the
stalks are of considerable value as feed fol
cattle, is to cut the crop near the ground
soon after the grain becomes glazed, lying
in small bundles and shocking carefully in
the field, when it will not hurt for long
time, and can be husked AT leisure.
This grain usually yields from twenty
five to seventy-five, and sometimes a hund.
red bushels to the acre but sixty may be
considered fair return.
Formerly, corn was made the medium o.
exchange with the merchants, mechanics
&c, but farmers have found out that it pays
better to feed it 10 their stock, and look fol
their return in the enhanced products anc
value of the same, which is seldom found t
be below good market price. FARMER.
st. Adams Messenger.