Nashville union and American. [volume] (Nashville, Tenn.) 1868-1875, 1872-09-07

1t is hardly possible to give, in a single
article, plan for the raising of wheat,
suited to every locality and variety of soil
Much must be left to the careful and con-
siderate judgment of the farmer. Varie-
ties of soil are so numerous, climate, and
climatic influences so various and so varia-
BILE, that nothing short Of wise experience
and scientific knowledge combined, can
give the best results-both now and for
all time to come-from this precious
grain.
And every farmer should bear fully in
mind this fact-in the application of any
rules for cultivation of any crop-that his
own judgment must be exercised in their
appliance, if he would not miss the mark.
1t is a singular fact, that none except civil
lized nations pro6tably raise wheat, the
perfection of this crop being commensu-
rate only, with the civilization which fos-
tiers it.
Every proyident farmer is continually
asking himself, and using all available
sources Of information, In regard to the
best varieties of seed, time of planting, and
plan of cultivation. Nothing short of this,
can bring agricultural pursuits up to that
standard which will afford the best results.
Is mental labor more difficult to perform,
or expensive than manual labor?
Much has been said, and written about
manures and their application, and COM
mon sense teaches that constantly exact
ing without returning an equivalent, must
eventually inpoverish the land; yet how
little effort, il properly directed, is required
to keep up the original fertility of the soil,
and in all the prairie States especially.
SOIL AND SEED.
After all that has been said in regard to
certain properties of the soil, required to
grow certain crops; as silica, the phOsphates,
ETC., to form the perfect grain of wheat;
VINO ever saw field of straw, waving in
glaring brightness tinged with yellow, as of
pure gold, without seeing fine crop of
wheat? Farmers! get your straw right,
and your generous soil will furnish the ma
terial for the grain.
TINE OF SOWING.
This depends on the season, insect enc
mics and other things, to be decided by
each farmer for his own immediate vicini-
ty. Other things being favorable, it is i'm
portant that wheat should be sown early
enough to become well rooted, and also to
form whatever protection the blades may
give; and here lies the great difficulty in
connection with successful wheat raising
in the great central region between perpet-
ual winter and summer. Having every
other advantage in favor of sure crops,
without the necessary protection from
the rigOrs of winter, with its alternate freeZ-
ing and thawing, a poor crop is the result.
Everything which will tend to guard it from
this danger should be applied. Light soils
Oh bo nnuavraooaA hu tho rOlfo, that tho
roots may easily penetrate the ground. 1t
certainty pays to thoroughly prepare the
seed-bed, before the seed is inserted, and If
put in with drill, much will be gained by
having it of uniform depth, which should
not be more than One-half inch below q
Well-compressed surface. A half bushel of
oats sown broadcast and drs ged in pre-
vious to planting the wheat, might prove
enefciaI as a covering for the young plant,
thus preventing the rays of the sun from
suddenly thawing the surface of the ground
while it is yet frozen beneath. The pro-
cess of freezing brings all the surplus
moisture to the surface. When the ground
is bare and thaws so rapidly, the
water has neither time to evaporate |
nor to find its way back. Neither CAN'T be
held by ths soil, and both run down to-
gether, leaving Ine crown anu rooIs vi Ine
wheat plant bare, to be killed by the first |
dry weather. 1t is of the greatest impor-
lance that all wet lands should be drained |
thoroughly.
EXHAUSTED SOILS.
Has the soil become exhausted from a
succession of the same crop? Then proper
means should be applied to restore it-by
rotation, clovering, and the application of
manures. If coarse, putrescent manure is
applied, it is hardly safe to risk wheat the
first year, from the liability of an abnormal
or over-growth of straw, too much subject
10 climatic influences. This is especially the
case on most prairie soils, where the native
fertility is abundant, yet not in state tOb be
Appropriated to the growth Of plants. Clay
Or heavy soils are considered the best for
wheat; yet, with proper cultivation, it does
well in all parts Ofthe United States, except
from local causes.