The Jackson standard. [volume] (Jackson C.H., Ohio) 1847-1888, 1868-03-19
FARMERS COLUMN.
[Fr om lhe Enrnsl's Chroniclc |
I.nnnr InrImence.

The extent and operations of lunar
influence upon the earth are imperfeotly
understood, In all ages of the world,
and among aIl nations, more or less
Importance has been attached to its
supposed influence. 1t is no evidence
Of wisdom to deny the existence Of a
fact, simply because its obscurity battles
our most profound researches, Unde-
veloped science and superstition are not
synonymous terms. Strange phenom-
enons, that in the minds of ignorant
people have excited painful appreheT-
sions, upon investigation, have found
to be the result of natural laws.
That lone crow flying over house,
or the finding of rusty iron, are omens
of evil or good, seems founded on the
most absurd principles of witchcraft,
but when practical farmers, men of in
telligence, the result of half century's
experience and observation, assert that
the dark of the moon is most favorable
for the growth and development of
dubious and tuberous vegetables, their
opinions are entitled to, at least,
respectful consideration. 1t is time
that this question should be discussed,
not as scientific wiseacres, but as earnest
inquirer after truth. There is Frank
lin county farmer who has made a
specially of potato raising for nearly
forty years; man of considerable
education, who has consulted the situa-
tion Of the moon until he has satisfied
himself, and others, that there is a
right time and wrong time to plant.
Hundreds and thousands of similar
cases, based on personal experience,
can be cited. Is it all humbuggery,
and are they all foolsl
Every individual is aware that mois-
ture, warmth and light are essential
requisites OF vegetable growth. No
ordinary plant will thrive in the absence
Of either Of these qualities. Doubtless
manyot the readers Of this have noticed
a common occurrence IN spring time,
while removing old potatoes that have
taken root and sprouted in the bottom
Of a cellar, that on a long, slender,
sickly looking sprout large number
of roots will he found, upon which
multitude Of embryo potatoes have
already formed. In such instances
light is the wanting necessity, for their
more perfect growth, yet the plant
almost exhausts itself in the setting for
the future crop.
Perhaps the more correct theory for
planting potatoes, with reference to tho
situation Of the moon, is, that after the
appearance OF the shoots above ground,
the dark of the moon is most favorable
to induce n dolOn,card, rather than an
apwmd growth. 1t is well known
fact that plants grow. more by night
than by day Lime. Allowing the usual
time in an ordinary season for the ap-
pearance of the potatoes above ground
after planting, this theory, then, coin
oides with the "old whim," that they
will yield most abundantIy if planted
in the old OF the moon. Perhaps the
reason why so many individuals who
have tested this theory and failed and
consequently condemned it, is because
Of the irregularity OF the seasons, some
being warm and favorable, others cold
and backward, the one hastening, the
other retarding the appearance of the
crop above ground.
At recent meeting of the Franklin
County Farmers Club, the question of
lunar influence was raised and derided.
Will Mr.. Innis "restrain smile at the
superstitious folly of these heathens"
long enough to refute this theory of
potato plantingl Will Mr., Buttles, or
any other member of the Club, give us
reasons to confirm iti "Let there be
light" BIC WALNUT
Central College, Feb. 20, 1868.