Sunbury American. [volume] (Sunbury, Pa.) 1848-1879, 1864-02-27
AGRICULTURAL.
By the Agricultural Editor.
Farm Notes for March.


Our readers have had, during the fine
winter weather, the opportunity was sug-
gestcd in our January notes of getting off
their hands the important but troublesome
work of putting their tobacco seed in the
ground. 1t is well if they have availed
themselves of it if not, they should take
the earliest time that the state of the ground
will allow. Let it be borne in mind, how
ever, that they gain nothing in time by
working their land when too wet.
OF the crop now in the house let the bulks
be frequently examined. They are liable to
damage by heating, and should be promptly
moved whenever it is ascertained that the
tobacco is becoming softer in the bulk this
indicates an approach to the condition when
it will very soon be warm, and when it
should be shaken out and hung astride sticks
in the house till thoroughly dried. After
this, whenever it becomes soft enough to be
handled with safety and when the stems are
still dry enough to crack when bent, it
should be put into large bulks of four or six
| courses, packed as closely as can be, covered
with thick layer of tobacco sticks, and
| heavily weighted down. 1t is then in con
dition to be packed in hogshead for market.
The first plowing done ON the tobacco
farm should be the breaking the sod of the
tobacco field. 1t gives it the opportunity
| of early decomposition, and enables YOU 10
get 1t into the best possible condition to in
sure quick and early growth-an impor-
tant point in securing profitable crop. 1t
is not necessary to apply the manure before
blowing, but better TO put it on the surface
afterwards, whenever it may be convenient.
CoRN.-The preparation for this crop is
one of the early works of the season, whica
involves much heavy labor. The sod should
De turned whenever it.may be conveniently
done. We do not care, however, to have it
finished, narrowed, &C., much in advance OF
the time of planting, which in this latitude
is not before May. Whatever manures are
to be used broadcast should be thrown on
the surface after the first blowing. Super
phosphatcs or other prepared fertilizers,
should be applied soon after the pIowing,
that they may have the benefit of the spring
rains. Their action is much more uncertain
on,spring than on fall crops, owing, proba-
bly,, to their being applied too late in the
season.
Roof CRoPs.-In the allotment of ground
for the crops of the season, bear in mind the
advantage to your stock of supply of fresh
food during winter. 1t is especially useful
to mich cows, and they, at least, should be
provided for in crop Of roots of some sort.
Sugar beat, mangold wurtzel and ruta baga
are all abundant and profitable crops under
good culture, but the parsnips and orange
cannot make better food for COWS than eth
er. All stock profit by dialy feed of fresh
roots. We have had our stock of horses
receive gratefully, throughout the winter, u
mess of ruta baga.
All of these roots require deep cultivation
and very abundant when SO treated
FRUIT GARDEN.-ln the fruit garden, this
is the great planting season. 1t should be
completed as early rs the condition of tho
ground will allow. Take notice that in
taking up trees or shrubs for transplanting,
every care should be taken to preserve the
spongioies, or small fbrous roots, that sup
ply nourishment to the plants. If these are
bruised or broken in removal, the injured
parts should be cut off before setting them
in the ground. Careful transplanting, and
well prepared ground are the first clements
of success in this interesting branch of cul.
ture.
A good fruit garden is not limited to two
or three varieties of fruit, but should include
apples, pears, peaches, cherries, plums, apri-
cots, nectarines, ounces, grapes, currants,
gooseberries, raspberries and strawberTies.-
In making new plantations, dwaris should
be taken To some extent, as well for apples
as pears, ON account Of their coming So early
into bearing.
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