Herald and tribune. [volume] (Jonesborough, Tenn.) 1869-current, 1871-06-08
MISCELLANEOUS.
sl.ort crops and The Remedy.


1t is now a tolerably well-established
fact that the crop of oats and hay is so
badly cut of by the long-continued spring
drought that only a very partial resuscita-
ton is possible with the most favorable
weather. The loss of these forage crops
is of such a serious character that steps
must be taken Immediately to make up
the loss in part at least. As. it is to meet
a want in the forage of our milk beef and
work animals principally that we must
undertake, there are three articles that
being yet in good time demand our con.
sideration.
First Millet (Panicum Maiaceum)-
This is a very valuable animal forage
plant Its stocks and leaves are somewhat
like Indian corn, but smaller, grows to
the height of three to four feet, bears u
long panicle of very solid seed that makes
edible cakes. The length of the panicle
prevents the entire grains maturing alike.
and it is best to cut it when the tips are
hard and the base yet in the dough state.
1t loves warm, rich and rather sandy soil,
but will do on medium clay. Sow broad
cast on a very thoroughly prepared soil.
at the rate of about a peck to the acre,
in the end of May or june, and you can
cat a heavy crop of excellent feed. Some
years ago it was sent out at fabulous prices
as Japan wheat.
Second Hungarian Grass-Tbis is some
what similar to the last natures its crop
in rather less time requires thick sowing
on fair ground at the rate of a peck or
l-1r e A. ,o.o Il - q - a-callopf for.r
crop, generally relished by our draft and
milk animals, and makes very good re-
turns for the cost and labor expended. If
allowed to become quite ripe it sheds its
seed and fouls the land, and it the seed
becomes quite ripe it is apt to remain I'M
digested in the stomach of the horse, and
cases of death are reported. We have
used it ard seen large crops used on the
farm With great profit and without detri-
ment.
Third Corn Yea Mois)-This, after
all, is an unexceptionable crop, can be
grown until the middle of June or first of
July, and make good crops of excellent
forage. We have used the sugar and the
Sanford varieties for this purpose. Drill
in rows two 20 two and d half feet apart,
and quite close in The drill. and cultivate
twice with a shovel pillow, aud the amount
of most excellent fodder that comes off an
acre is quite remarkable. We never had
cattle or horses winter in better order
than on the sugar corn fodder instead of
hay. While on this point we may suggest
another crop asa
Fourth Sugar Beet-or. IN fact any of
the large growing varieties. While in
cur climate they are not 50 certain as the
others named, they often make heavy crops
of invaluable feed. They require deep,
rich, warm. moist soil thoroughly prepared.
Sow in drills at the rate OF four to six
pounds to the acre. Keep clear of weeds.
store carefully, and an acre of beets viii
be fonnd invaluable.
As many may wish to drill corn, beets,
&c, who bave not a drill, we recommend
u spout or tube for sowing. Take four
pieces of thin siding of such length thet
a man can sling it over his shoulder and
the point trail behind. Let it be cut
the point and four to six inches at the top.
A collar or gaunt of leather can be nailed
ITO the top to facilitate the entering of the
seed from the hand. Carry the seed in a
bag over the shoulder, and pour it from
the hand into the the tube. the point
trailing on the ground. \ man can thus
walk as fast as he pleases and drill the seed
regularly into the burrows made by
tbs shovel plow.- COlcmdp'S RuTuL World,