Worcester daily spy. [volume] (Worcester [Mass.]) 1850-1888, 1863-04-16

IMPORTANCE OF GOOD PLowING.-The pillow
will do its work on millions of acres the pres
ent month. The abundant or meagre return
in harvest time very largely depends upon
whether that work be well or poorly done A
soil of only moderate richness, if brought to
Il proper mechanical condition, will feed grow
ing plants far better than stronger land i'm
perfectly titled. Every one knows that new
ly titled forest land usually produces its best
crops during the first few years of cultivation.
This is not only owing to the plant yield
ed by the vegetable deposit which it contains.
For many years trees have been sending
their tibrouS roots throughout its whole sub
stance; scarcely particle has been left I'M
disturbed. Every square inch is permeated
with decayed or decomposed matter The
soil is thus made loose and friable. 1t
holds moisture, admits air and and
warmth, and the roots of grain or other
crops extend unobstructed, and find nour-
ishment at every step. Now, merely manur-
ing such field will not keep it in this condi-
ton. The fertilizing material must be dis
tributed throughout the soil, not only that it
may be readily appropriated by the growing
plants, but that it may aid in keeping the soil
i'll proper mechanical condition. Those who
advocate only top-dressng lose sight of this
TACT. The stimulating properties Of manure
Will undoubtedly be felt by the soluble parts
being carried to the roots by the rain, but an
important condition for plant growth will still
be lacking. Perhaps for the same reason, in
part, guano and other concentrated manures
are beneficial for only a limited period. This
also explains, in part the favorable action of
clover IN rotation: the decayiug roots are dis
tributed throughout the soil more evenly
than could be done by any method of ma
min
given to enforce the importance of good
blowing. The very best execution of this
process will only partially supply the most
favorable condition for growth. Every care
should therefore be taken to have the soil as
thoroughly pulverized, and manure as finely
mixed through it, as is possible. Good plow-
ing can be done to clayey land while wet
The furrow slice may roll smoothly as from
a brick mold, but it will be compacted into
Jumps which no narrowing can reduce.
crop put in two weeks later than ordinary, on
ground in good condition, would stand better
chance than if sOwn on field OF Jumps. The
advantages OF draining will be readily seen at
blowing time. On drained ground week or
fortnight'is often gained for growth of crops.
Much will depend upon the excellence of
the implement used. We can not name the
best pillow, for the reason that the styles must
of one or two inches in depth of plow-
ing may require a radical change in
the implement. A pillow which works east
ly on stubble may entirely fail on sward
As general rule it is the safest to use pillow
adapted for deep work. 1t may be adjusted
to run light; but pillow for shallow work
cannot be made to go deep effectively. If
possible, purchase new pillow only on trial
at first. If it runs with light draft, turn
furrow slice well at from four to eight inches,
is easily kept at uniform depth, and is well
put together, it is a good implement. A good
plowman strikes Il straight turrow, leaves it
clean behind him, and the surface of the field
as nearly level as the nature of the ground
will admit. No written instruction will ex-
plain how this can be done. A man must
learn the art at the plow-handle, and it will
require thought and ingenuity as well as
strength and agility. Paying few dollars
extra to an expert hand at this business, rath-
er than entrusting it to an awkward bungler,
will in the end be found to be profitable in
vestment.