Spirit of Jefferson. [volume] (Charles Town, Va. [W. Va.]) 1844-1948, 1869-05-11
tFrom the Maryland Fararrs
Farm Work for MAY.

1
been seeded, and by this time should be well
up. Both wheat and cats have been seeded
down to grass, aud the clover fields Of tha
past year are now taking rapid start Where
the winter grain is thin a light top dressing
| should have been given to il, and If this pre-
caution has not yet been taken it may stilf bs
done. Of course the fences are in good con-
6itfon, or ought to be made so, and If this
work has been accomplished the entire euer-
gies of the farmer can be devoted to the prep
aratiOn for, and the planting of corn. EAls
crop, the most important of any that is grown
in the spring, demands, and should receive
special attention. 1t is the money crop Of the
ssasoni and enters generally so largely into
the years account of profit and loss that no
pains should be spared in the preparation OF
the soil and in its subsequent cultivation
Heavy manuring, except in very fertile soils,
is one of the first conditions requisite 10 q
large yield, but much also depends upon
thorough culture. The general work of the
north is as follows:
PLANTING OF CoRN-An article. to be-
found elsewhere in this number OF the Earaer,
will furnish many of the essential particulars
in regard to the cultivation of corn. We re-
capituiate briefly the following points:
As to SOH-The best soil an alluyial. light
and rich, the next best n rich sandy loan;
good supply also of soluble vegetable mat
ter. An old grass lay literally manured,
deeply ploughed aud the fuIrows turned Hat,
constitutes an admirable seed bed for corn. rs
the fermentation of the decaying roots and
grasses quickens the growth of the plaas in
its earlier stages, whilst the large amount OF
plant food diSen2aged maintains it in full
vigor throughout the going season.
Plough deep and evenly,
harrow and cross harrow in loomy soil until
the whole service Is as light as aa ash heap.
Lay off the rows four feet by four or three
by four, according to the quality of the soil
Stir the soil frequently throughout the season,
never allowing the surface to bake. bu, keep
ing it open to air aud light aud moisture up
to the time of tasseling. Let no weeds cum
ber the ground, and allow no more plants to
the hill than the land can bring to the high
est perfection. On level lands cultivate by
the fat method, or in making hills leave thsni
broad and fat ut the top aud slightly dish
shaved to catch and utalize the rains. On
hiIsides liable 10 wash, plant lengthwise of
the HILL allowing the surplus water to pass
off by slope SO gradual as to prevep: wash
ing
0ATs.-oats may yet be planted up TO ths
10th of this mouth if the production Of soms
sort of crop, even at this late date, should
be thought advisable. But the best season
for planting has long since passed, aud only
a comparatively light crop can reasonably be
expected
MILLET.-If the crop of hay threatens to
be light, either by reason of the grasses rum
ming out or from other causes, an additional
supply of good proyender may be obtained
by planting millet. The objection TO this
grass, nutritive as it is, arises chiefly from the
tendency of the seed to shatter whilst har-
vesting. 1t is nevertheless, in good soil, an
excellent substitute for hay, is of quick
growth, and will yield heavier crop on land
adapted to its growth than the best timothy
meadoWu. Cattle of ell kinds are fond Of il,
and whilst It stands drought well it is easily
cured. The chief care in harvesting it ia to
handle it in such manner as to prevent a.
much as possible the seed from shattering.
The Soil Jor Aliet A deep sandy loan
aliuvial is best adapted to the growth of mil
let. But any rich soil which is not too tsna-
eious wiil grow good crop.
Time Of ISOiciDg.-Early in May.
Qunntity of Seed to the Aere.-For hay,
SOW one bnshel of seed for hay and seed SOW
half bushel TO the acre.
Time of Hurvest-Commence harvesting
as soon as the seed begins to turn yellow.
Mode of Cuting.-Same as clover.
CAETELEUPEs. Musk AND Water VEL.
oNs-Pant these in hills heavily n1abured,
rs possible. Plant each patch at a consider
able Distance apart from the other or the pol-
len will mix aud the fruit become worthless.
For water melons let the bills be six feet
apart for canteleupes and musk melous four
four feet is good distance.
FIELD PEAS AND BEANs-These should
be planted early in the month.
RooT CRoPs.-C Carrots parsuips, besis and
mangOd wurtzel should have been planted q
month or SIX weeks earlier The may. how.
ever, be still seeded with advantage.
BROADCAST Conn FOR SoILINo-Corn
seeded broadcast is one the best forage crops
for green suiliug that can be grown. The
land should be made very rich to give tho
plants a rapid start. for the quicker their
growth the greater will be their succulence.
1t is a crop which under proper cultivation
yields luxuriantiy. aud even it harvested for
fodder, may be used in the winter season cut
up and mixed with sprinEliDg OF brown
stuff Ut corn meal with great advaDta2e.--
Corn ulautiug early IN May on rich. light
soiI will be ready for the Use OF stock within
two months from the time Of planting
HARvgsTIxG CLovEE.-CI"ver IS best
harvested when halt ths blossoms are turn
ing brown. In this condition it makes the
finest hay and Dies not exhaust fhe soil near
so much as When it is permitted to form its
seed.
The New York Uor7a says there are
40 600 Offices. great and small in the gift Of
the covernBent. For each Of these ofaccs,a
Washington correspondent estimates here ere
ten applicants This presents a Du5le M
Of go OOe Radical of5ee be1.-ors or count
ing ont Dana aud Greeley. 4f9 99s Throw
ing ont the negroes who voted for Grant 10
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