The daily dispatch. [volume] (Richmond [Va.]) 1850-1884, 1866-03-19

The radication of plants, rs connected with
the subject of tillage, forms IN exceedingly
interesting as well as useful study. 1t serves
10 indicate TO the intelligent farmer the mode
of culture bes adapted 10 the particular object
which demands his care.
Iappears TO be Il well established fac. that
tho roofs of plants-as far 1T least rs they have
been made the subject OF Observation-Disclosures
an extension fully equal TO that OF the
branches The lutcrals of trees spread them
solves over a surface as wide as the sweep OF
the limbs while the vertical roots descend, If
there is no impruetrahle obstruction 10 their
progrpss. 10 a depth equal TO the length OF the
stam Some Sppcips of trees send ont their
feeders to an almost incredible distance. Yard
trees, such as the yellow locust, Otahcitc mul-
berry, and ailanthus invade the cellars of
houses, and penetrate beneath stone walls.
We have known the weeping willow to project
It's radcles to the bottom of II well ninety feet III
depth.
The case is equally remarkable IN respect 10
vine, Leaving out of view those Of Il woody
nature, we may briefly refer 10 the SUcculeh'
vines OF the garden, such rs the inherent
varieties of melon squash, and cucumber, the
main latcrals of which form rs extensive
a prepared soil, the strawberry will seek for
nourishment three feet below the surface. The
ramifcations of asparagus roots form perfect
network to a great extent, showing the impro-
priety of crowding the plants III a narrow bed,
however deep and well supplied with manure.
Extending our inquiries to the bread plants,
the Developments are no less striking anal
structive. A grain of wheat placed three
-. ,A,.T.1 NJ
throws out bunch of roots from the point Of
termination, which sustain the plant Tor
brief period, until it acquires sufficient strength
TO form n new set about an inch and half
below the surface; after which the old set
perishes. This indicates the depth ut which
seed wheat should be covered, showing plainly
that when the covering is too deep there is
waste of the energies of the plant in accom-
modating itself to the conditions that sur
round it, In process of time the lateral roots
of a field of wheat occupy the upper stratum
of the soil; but those are far from being sulli-
Gent to carry the crop successfully through
the various stages of its growth TO maturity.
The vertical roots constitute a system OF the
highest importance. The fact may be deemed
incredible TO those who have not investigated
the subject, but il is nevertheless true that
these roots sometimes descend several feet into
the subsoil deriving therefrom much of the
mineral ingredients which enter into the for
nation of the grain. The writer of this has
seen an instance in which the root was nearly
four feet in length. All farmers are aware Of
the fact that the best wheat seasons are such
As are tolerably dry and cool. We have heard
old people speak of the year 1906, when there
was no rain from April TO September. The
ears of wheat did not fully emerge from the
boot, but the harvest was unusually ahun-
dant. Whence, then, could the sustenance for
the crop have been derived but from great
depth beneath the surface?
The same course of remark is applicable 10
rye and in q less degree TO oats. The last
mentioned being spring crop, has less time
for the development of its radicle system, as
is proved by the fact that ii requires rain at
least every week. If it was capable OF being
treated like wheat or rye, ii would doubtless
exhibit the same phenomena. As substitute
the winter oat is more certain but It's pro-
duct of grain, though ii yields more straw, Is
not equal TO that of the spring oat'
No instance has come 10 our knowledge OF
the depth 10 which the roots OF corn nave
been traced The radices are known to oc-
cupy every part OF the surface, forming II
close network ; and from the vigorous grown
Of the plant, and the size and strength OF the
underground roots, far rs they nre uhco
Sered by the plough, IL Is fair TO presume thal
they strike 10 considerable depth.
It's unnecessary 10 pursue the SUBJECT III
regard 10 cotton, tobacco, &c. Our purpose
Will have been attained If the in telligent
farmer is induced TO apply the lessons taught
by these facts. Snb.soil pionghing, save NJ
intervals OF two or more seasons, In pursuing
asystem of gradual improvement, is not neces-
sary. Give plant good, rich, dry bid, In