The Portland daily press., 1872-03-28
THE PRESS.
THURSDAY MORNING, MARCH ss, ,7s.
Cultivation of Wheat.

Our farmers are not only honest and intel
igent, but industrious and hard working, and
yet they don't raise their own breadstuffs,
but pay an enormous tribute to the farmers
of other States! 1t is fair to assume that
each farm household of the seventy thousand
in our State untwines five members, making
in the aggregate $4,000 souls. 1t is estimat-
-four year, and reckoning the -four at eight
dollars per barrel-which is low estimate
we find that the cost of it amounts to two
millions five hundred thousand dollars every
year! Let it be borne in mind that we are
speaking of farmers and no other class of con-
sumers.
Now, how many of these seventy thousand
farmers raise their own wheat? So far as our
observation extends we can safely say, but a
very few. We think the past will warrant
the assertion that farmers of Maine pay for
-four every year more than two millions of
dollars! What a severe drawback upon their
industry is this annual tribute they pay TO
other States! Over two millions of dollarsi
This is no small sum. 1t is enough to build
quite long railroad, or to carry out some
other enterprise which would be of great adj
vantage to the State.
But our farmers say: 'We cannot raise
wheat on our soil and in this climate" Well
suppose they do say SO; it is not true. Our
soil and climate are favorable to the eultiva-
ton of wheat The soil is good enough if
properly manipulated and prepared for this
crop There are some acres on every mans
Iarm suitable for raising wheat But be it re-
,sa hpercd that this cereal is delicate grain
@ anu requires clean cultivation. Most soils
mus. 1e powed deep, and all thoroughly pull
serizeo and Kept clear from weeds. Tares
aI sIeat enemy to wheat. The soil ought
10 pe maze as hne as a bed in a garden for
vegetables; at least, nearly so. and then the
grains will find good root and shoot nm vioor-
GUS blades, provided the soil is proney,r %
nured. 1t is not a difficult matter to raise
wheat True, it requires a cleaner cultiya-
tion than potatoes. We know that in wears
past the fly has greatly troubled this crop, but
they have ceased to work and the coast is
clear, and now this spring is the time for
farmers to put in this crop and trust good
Providence. But let them remember that
suitable soil must be selected and properly
prepared, for Providence only helps those who
help themselves. Some farmers say it Is
cheaper to raise oats and buy their -four. We
don't believe it. We know some farmers who
have raised their own wheat for many years
and very seldom had occasion to purchase a
barrel of flour. But they are very few and
live great way apart. a1il
Now suppose each farmer in our State
should determine to cultivate two acres OF
wheat this season and to give them clear
cultivation, and suppose these acres should
produce fifteen bushels each which is by no
means an extrayagant cultivation. They will
be quite sure of such a crop, if they properly
manipulate and manure the soil and give the
plant such food as it needs. What would this
produce amount to? To more than two mil
lions of bushels! This crop would be worth
upon fair estimate, three millions of dollars
Such crop would be great addition to the
wealth of the State.
Farmers Of Maine! Seed time is close at
hand and you have the promise of harvest.
Prepare your grounds as soon as the snow
and frost have done their work and each of
you sow at least two acres of wheat and sow
it wisely and skillfully and you will be amply
rewarded for your toll. Don't be discouraged
and remember that to insure victory in the
battles of life, your powder must be kept dry.
a9' h AGRIcoLA.