Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1868-04-23
Aarifnltnral 9epartnleut.
From the Southern Culdvator.
WORK FOR THE MONTH.

WORK FOR THE MONTH.
If any of our readers Fascinated by Wis
ions of fortunes quickly made) have decided
to plant large cotton and small provision
crops, we beg them to reconsider the mat
ter. The price of cotton varying with the
amount produced, the net gain from small
crop does not differ materially from that
of large one. If a farmer raising lC
bales, and selling at 20 cents per h., re-
ceives as much money at the end of the
year, as one who makes 20 bales and sells
at 10 cents per h., the former really makes
much more clear money, because his ex.
penditures are so much less. In the one
case, one half as much capital is invested
in mules, implements, &c., the expenses Of
cultivation, picking, ginning, packing, send
| ing to market, &c., are only one-half; the
tax is only half; the number of negroes to
vex and worry the soul is only half, Ito say
nothing of thefts and depredations Of every
description); and last, but not least, more
good land is left for corn, potatoes and
other provision crops. If the calculation
has been made, as to how much corn will
be needed, and how many acres required to
produce it, let the latter be at once doubled.
Hope is so strongly developed in the far
mer's mind at this season of the year, ne is
induced to believe that his land will yield
about twsee as much, as in average seasons
lit actually does. When the rains of win
ter and spring are still fresh in memory,
the droughts Of summer are forgotten, wind
and hail storms are left out of view, and
rich, green luxuriant fields, magnificent
stalks with heavy ears, so fill the eye as to
exclude. everything else. But alas the
droughts of summer will come, and the
bright dreams of spring too often fail to
become realities in autumn,
Plant enough land in corn to make a
bountiful supply. Estimate at the msna-
mum instead of the maximum yield per
acre. In the present and recent Nos. the
culture of corn has been so fully discussed
by correspondents, that we will add moth
ing on the subject, except to remind our
readers of the old adge, circumstances
alter cases." and that soil, climate, &C.,
necessarily modify the method of cultiva-
ting. Stiff clay land and sandy soils
cannot be treated in the same manner-up-
land and low grounds each require differ
ent management, but we may add, in some
respects they all agree, for thorough prep
aration, cultivation and manuring improve
them all. As a matter of prudence also,
we suggest that part of the crop be plan
ted late. If the early planted fail, from
unfavorableness of-seasons, the late may
succeed.
Much of the success in cotton raising,
depends upon the preparation of the land
previous to planting, and the first working
given the crop. Let the ground be nicely
bedded, so that the plant may receive its
first plowing very early, without danger of
covering it up. If pains is taken to have
the seed planted in very straight drills on
beds), a scraper, Constructed with the edge
next to cotton, bent forward so as to throw
the dirt away from the young plant) can be
run directly up to the cotton and kill all the
young grass, except that mixed up with the
cotton. The strip, thus left unplowed, is
so narrow, that the hoes can pass over the
ground very rapidly and do most beautiful
work. When barred witha turn plow or
s'rooter," with board on it, in addition to
the work not being done so well, the ridge,
upon which the young cotton stands, is 50
high and narrow the cotton is very apt to
fall down, when chopped over. If the first
blowing and hoeing is properly done, the
battle is half won-remember they can be
done properly, only when the land has been
bedded and the seed sown in straight mar
row drills. Taking one season with anoth-
er, we should prefer covering cotton seed
by listing on it with small pillow, and
knocking off with board, $50 followed out
as to have the cotton, when up, upon a
slightly elevated ridge.) A better and ear
lier stand is more certainly secured in this,
than in any other way. Covering with
harrows, boards, &C., does we'll when the
spring is not too dry, or the rains too heavy.
If sweet potatoes have not been bedded
out, attend to that at once in those regions
remote from the sea shore it is matter of
first Importance to get the crop started ear
ly-the season may suit late crop, but the
chances are against it. By all means have
"slips" ready for transplanting by the first
of next month.