The Weekly Kansas chief. [volume] (Troy, Kan.) 1872-1918, 1873-03-06
fnr the farmer.


PLowISG.-The foundation Of the years work
for every cultivated crop, is complete and
thorough breaking and turning OF the ground
One good blowing will pnt the ground in better
done. Indeed, no after pains can remedy the
deficiency. 1t il Of the utmost Importance, then,
to be prepared in every point for the proper exc
cution Of % heavy part Of the farm labor.
Turn . fnrrow Of seven inches IN aePth ,et the
least, and the nearer it approaches to twelve IN
ches 10 the better. There may lie soils that form
exceptions to the rule Of deep plowing; and
which require, from some peculiarly 10 tne SUD-
SOIL gradual deepening. In our own experience,
we have met with none such. We have, without
fear. thrown up four inches of clay sub-sOil which
had never seen the light before, on the surface
of Q bed of ten inches, and, with moderate manu-
ring. made the best crop of corn the land had
produced within the memory of living men. we
look upon deep soil as the very hrst requisite
of the successful cultivation of almost every crop
Summer crops, % very uncertain on shallow
soil, are almost insured against the vicissitudes
Of the season in q deep one. We do not think
the all-imporfant corn crop would fail OF good
yield one year in twenty, planted on . bed Of
twelve inches in depth.
In order to be sure of having the land plowed
deeply, see that you have teams enough, and in
proper condition for their work. Ample strength
of team is Of the first importance to the success
Of the farm operations, and any deficiency should
be promptly supplied, that the advantage may
be felt in the earliest and most important labor
of breaking the sOd-land. Each pillow should have
three horses for this operation. The most care
full supervision should be bestowed by the master
or manager, to insure that the plsw, the gearing,
aud every other requisite be in proper order, and
that the work be not slighted by the plowman.
Inconsiderate plowmen, by laying of their
portion Of time at the turnings. THERE'S strong
predlection on the part of the negro plowmen
70 work the short way Of piece of ground, when
they have their choice. A little observation and
calculation will show the great advantage, in
time of blowing, in long lands.
OARS AND BARIEY.-Thess crops are usually
sown upon such corn land of the past year a.
was not considered fit for wheat. Sow, at the
very earliest time that the ground can be got in
order. Put bushel and half of seed to the
acre-plow in with light furrow; follow with
the roller. For q heavy crop we should put more
than bushel aud half Of seed.
CLOVER sEED.-If clover seed has not been
sown upon wheat land, wait until the frost is cut
of the ground, and then roll well Immediately af-
ter. The rolling Is very beneficial to the wheat
crop. The common allowance of clover seed,
half peck, is not sufficient to insure good set"
Put half As much more, and SOW only land
that is tOlerably sure to give q crop. 1t ia a very
useless waste to throw this costly seed upon thin
light lands, unless fertlized with the express de-
sign of producing clover. On all quite light
lands, it is better to SOW field peas broadcast
corn, until they are highly improved.
ORCHARD AND OTHER GRASS SEEDs.-Timothy
seed should have been sown in the fall, but may
be sown now. This is the proper time for SOW
ing orchard grass yields abundant crops of good
hsy-hardly inferior to timothy if cut in proper
time-starts very early in spring, grows very late
in fall, making large aftermath, endures drought
well bears close grazing, and, indeed, makes the
better pasturage by close and constant cropping.
1t is not worth the expense Of purchasing the
seed of this grass to SOW in q rotation, when it
will stand but one season after the crop of small
grain; but for q longer rotatiOn-which We think
very desirsble-or for hay standing pasture,
we would not fail to have it. Two bushels of
seed is not too much to insure good turf. If
not sown thick enough, it has the fault Of grow
ing in uusightly lunches; STILL if clover seed he
sown with it, and the condition Of the ground
and season favorable, good "set may be
pected from q bushel Of good seed.
FENCES AND GATEs.-Your fencing timber
should now be in place for repairing old and ma
king new enes. Your csrnfeld fence will, of
course, be thoroughly repaired. If post and rail
are out of your power, get at least portion Of
it made with stakes and cap, in preference to the
against the universal propensity to mani fence
rails into the most convenient size for lifting.
Small rails soon shrink and wrap, and last but
half the time they should. Have good we'll
hung, well-latched gate to every field and lot.
Cows.-Cows approaching the period Of calv-
ing require especial care. Remember the pecu-
liar languor and weakness with which all ami
mails more or less affected by the change from
winter to spring, and guard against the danger
to yonr cows by ample feeding and protection
from, bad weather, otherwise there is great risk
Of loss. Exercise is good for them, but do not
for the sake of the early bite of worthless watery
grass, allow them to go into marshy places where
they are almost sure to be mired. A half bushel
a day of ruta-baga, sugar beet, carrot or parsnip
would be now especially valuable, not only to
these, but to oxen, young cattle, and horses. All
animals begin now to crave green food, and such
roots supply the demand, il You have them; if
you have them not, take now the hint for the
coming year. Heifers coming to the pail, should
have the best attention and foed to make their
bags spring well and foster their milking quail
ties. e..
PLASTER OF PARrs.-Have your plaster on hand
and SOW npon your clover when it begins to leaf
ont freeley, and upon newly sown clos not un-
til the third leaf is we'll developed. Early in
April, in this latitude, will be time enough
CHINESE SUGAR CANE.-This plant has 50 we'll
established its value, that no one who has oow
hog to feed, can be without small crop of it,
even if be does not care to make syrup and sugar.
For hogs it is invaluable, being fit for use when
the heat and drought have dried mp the grass,
and when it is desirable they should be abundant
" supplied with food. In point of economy,
there is NO source of supply to compare with the
Sorghum. 1t is equally valuable either as sum
mer or winter food for cows. The seed should
not be planted before the middle Of May, aud We
only remind you Of il, that, in your allotment of
crops, you may make provision for it.
Roor CROPS FOR STOCK FEEDNe.-Fer an &C.
cssoaal change Of food during the winter, and
for daily supply during the first six weeks of
spring, for all sorts Of stock, from horses hogs
there should he supply of roots. The most
easily raised and most productive are sugar beet
and ruta baga- We should have an acre of one
or both Of them for every ten head Of cattle and
horses. The carrot and parsnp are very valu-
able, but they require more care in the cultiva-
ton than the others. The carrot is considered
especially suited for change Of food for hor-
ses.
SWEET PorAroEs.-This is a very valuable
root crDp, which Is entirely too much neglected.
Provide yourself rs yen can with roots
for planting. Four to six bushels are required
to make paintings for an aero.
IRIsH PoTxroEs.-Irish potatoes, for early use,
should be planted without delay.
PRUNING.-Let ell necessary pruning be done
1t once. Apples, pears, peaches, ounces, grapes,
gooseberriss, and currants, should be pruned, if
not already done.
New - Make HesbeAs.
Take white cotton cloth, of . close texture,
stretch and nail it frames of any size you
wish: take two ounces of lime water, four oun-
ces linseed oil, enc ounce Of the white of eggs,
two OuuceR yOlk of erpa mix the lime and oil |