The Ottawa free trader. [volume] (Ottawa, Ill.) 1843-1916, 1867-05-25
.Farnl an0 Gar0e,l.
Crop Prospects.

.ff OEOP 1EVoPCCSSs
The Springfield Ill., Jour,u,l of the 18th dis
courses as follows of crop prospects, farm work,
&C., in central Illinois: 47r
Despite the lateness of the season, the heavy
rains of March and April, and the severe frosts
Ut May, there is now every reason to anticipate
not only an abundant wheat harvest, but also
yield of fruit such as has not been enjoyed for
years. We have carefully examined our exchan-
yes from all parts of the State 1t is the general
opinion that the wheat crop will be larger and
better than for many years past Nothing but
June rains and the rust can now prevent a harvest
that will gladden. the hearts Of all, and be of i'm
measurable benefit to the country
In Northern Illinois, the fruit was not sufici.
emily advanced to be seriously by the recent
frosts: though it be true that some damage was
done. In the central portion of the State, unless
further harm is done, there will be liberal crop
Of peaches, apples, pears, Strawberries etc. Fears
have been entertained that these fruits wore
tlrely destroyed, but there is no ground for any
such apprchensions Even if half the buds have
been killed, there enough left to promise more
than an average yield, In Southern Illinois
some damage has been done, but not much; and
that great fruit garden will send its rich treas
nres .om market inquantities that will bring wealth
TO the producer and give the consumer all the
work he can desire. ....... III.
Corn throughout the State is pretty we'll in the
ground, and in this locality is coming mp well,
with every indication of a good stand. Flowing
has begun.
Garden products have been seriously hurt here
away, but the damage can be easily repaired the
only inconvenience being a delay of a week or
two.
AS a whole, all the crops considered, 1867 pro-
misses TO be one of the most fruitful years vet
know in Illinois.
This is the busy month for the farmer. Corn
is about ready to bc plowed. Let the first pillow.
ing be done well Replant every hill that has
failed. Plow deep, and yet not too deep. Throw
the earth well away frow the low, so as to make
the soil dry, and give the corn every chance to
grow. After blowing. il will be of immense
benefit To run cultivator over the ground. The
first blowing often settles the question of good
crop. All good farmers will see to it that their
corn fields are thoroughly plowed the first time.
Land in moderate fertility will often produce
better crops if well and thoroughly plowed, than
land in good heart poorly plowed. Use a good
plow. and turn the burrows straight, and Of q
uniform width and depth.
Keep good account to the condition Of the
fences. The grain fields may prove strong temp
tation to your own neighbors' cattle, and weak
place i'll fence may enable them to do great
damage. f.r.
Do not change too suddenly from dry feed TO
grass, and be careful that wher you have turned
the stock on the pastures, the young grass is not
injured by too close clipping.
Work cattle often have hard time at this
season OF the year. being compelled TO work all
day and then pick their food from scanty pasture
They should have grain regularly, and usu-
ally it will be better for them when at work, as
well as for the horses, to DC kept in the stable
or yards, rather than 10 be turned on the pas
lures at night