The daily phoenix. [volume] (Columbia, S.C.) 1865-1878, 1869-05-25
Nature Teaching Farmers.
POAIARIA. Nav 1S. l

PoMARIA, May is, 1860.
MIR. EDITOR: The influences of our spring
climate and seasons have put my mental
machinery to evolve few thoughts respect
ing the interests and operations of the soil.
by reference to the early developments of
our farming notions South in planning and
preparing for the coming crop, it is evident
that large cotton crop was intended, influ-
enced by the idea of the so-called high price
of cotton. We use the term so-called. be-
cause, when we take into consideration the
specie value of the currency; tho price of
most articles of food; the cost of labor, tax,
&e., the price is not so high, after all.
Doubtless over-selfishness and an impatient
desire to grow suddenly rich again, under
lie the peculiar preparations for the forth
coming crop. Hence, the Influences brought
to bear upon the farmers to multiply the
use OF these fertilizers have had such gene
raj and astounding effect A great cotton
crop was determined upon, to the compare
tive neglect of corn. This is doubtful
policy at best. Some timely warnings were
thrown out occasionally by the press, and q
few conservative observers of philosophi-
cal turn of mind gave cautious hints, but
they had but little effect. The oua,,o fere,.
on NE brain mad set in, became contagious
and INFECTIOUS, and made n sweep over this
whole country. Well, it is an i'll wind that
blows no one any. good. The expectations
are not likely to be realized. The powers
OF nature are already interfering, and the
lnJudicious application of these fertilizers
have also notably failed. The continuous
cold, frost and repeated rains, lin many
places heavy, washing and leaching,) must
necessarily have damaging effect upon the
manurlal operation, even where best aD-
piled
1t is said that the waters of the last
swelled rivers gave out the smell of guano
tlnctures. From these various causes stands
Of cotton have failed to an alarming extent.
some are acting wisely and replanting in
corn, but others are running the chances,
whisting up cotton seed aud replanting
them, at the 18th of May This may do on
strong land, thriving season and late fall.
These fertilizers are, in reality, only stimu-
lators, not 1mprovers OF the soil Even
where scientifically applied, their effect is
to arouse the natural energies of the land.
to contribute its quota to the plant for that
year only, and thus serve to exhaust the ma
tive energies of the soil that much sooner.
In such agricultural movements, we are re-
minded OF the fable of the man who had
goose that laid a golden egg each day, (well
enough, one would think, but this lucky
proprietor grew impatient and put his wits
to work how to reach the ultimatum at
once. A supposed happy thought struck
him, and, resolved upon a surgical, not
chemical, operation, he ripped open the
gold Laying goose, but alas! the result was
the destruction of the source of his gradual
accumulation of wealth. The moral is the
same in both cases, very nearly. Mother
earth feeds well, but don't try to over-run
her native energies all at once by IN un-
timely lmpatlence to become suddenly rich.
Reader, do not understand the writer as
opposed to the use of 7nanu,.cs on exhaust, 4
Lands, nor even proper fertilizers Use
them judiciously; but to do this requires
study and the acquisition of knowledge re-
qulsite to understand the nature, constitu-
ton and wants of your soil, for the raising
OF the specific plants You should know
the prevailing ingredients of the fertilizers
and manures. They might require com
mixing to meet the wants of your land and
the KIND OF plant you wish to produce.
When all these points arc brought to bear
upon your farming operations, and your
tlllage, Of deep or shallow ploughinp.
adapted accordingly, you may expect to inn
prove your soil and increase your products
per acre. Add to all this patience. and OBJ
serve the workings and teachings of nature,
"Hous' has spoken once, and NAV again.
right or wrong. The public is at liberty to
Judge for itself. Truth exposes error, and
error clarifies truth. HOUS.
PosrAaE.-Ninety thousand dollars is the