The Louisiana cotton-boll. [volume] (Vermilionville [i.e. Lafayette], Attakapas, La.) 1872-1883, 1874-02-04
Save the Manure.

It makes but little difference what the
section of the country, or the character
of the soil !; there are certain general
agricultural principles that are ever the
same. Thus, in the soil richest IN fer
tility there is continued exhaustion, by
constant cropping, the same rs there is
in one of less fertility. In fact, the de-
gree Of exhaustion probably increases
in the proportion of the increase of fer
tiIitv /. C., inasmuCh rs much larger
vegetable growth is maintained, where
there is great fertility, there must of
necessity he more material consumed to
perfect Il large vegetable growth than
one of ono half the size, or else the
economy OF nature must be sadly at
fault in some respect. Then We have
hero a universal principle that continued
cropping without any return will finally,
almost wholly, exhaust a soil of its
fertility, and thus render it worthless
for farming purposes. Many farmers
have been too regardless of this prinCi-
pie in carrying on their operations, ana
because a soil possessed peculiar fat
ness, have not considered the effects
they were producing, bUS under an APP
parent belief that fertility was to hold
out indefinitely have awakened to find
that cultivation was producing only me-
dunn or small crops, and this has been
OCcasiOned because they did not save
and apply their manure to their soils.
Farming consists in something more
than the cultivation of crops, the tend
ing of fOcks or herds for while the
cultivation of any crop may, so fnr as
the labor part is concerned, be carried
on to perfection, the general effect upon
a farm, rs n whole, may be very dlsas.
trous for instance, one particular crop
may be made n specially of to that de-
gree that other portions of the farm de-
voted to other crops may be neglected,
so that on the whole the general man
agement of the farm has proved a fail
IRE. One great source of failure in
farming operations is a great neglect IN
the saving of manure, and when that
farm is used it is intended to include all
substances provided by the farm pos
sessed of fertilizlng properties. 1t is
questionable whether it is advisable for
my farmer to make extensive eXpendi-
cures for special commercial fertilizers,
when vast quantities of rich material is
being lost daily upon his own farm for
the want of q little care in the saving.
The amount of the most valuable plant
food contained in the contents Of privy
vaults, which is lost, would surprise any
one if it could be accurately deter
mined. What vast quantities pass off
in the atmosphere, simply for the want
of some absorbent at the proper time!
Also. what vast quantities are afforded
by the Stops of the house, which are
too often cast out in a way to be wholly
unavailable. 1t is the careful saving of
these substances and outstanding them
by composing that increase the size
and value of the manure heap, and in
turn adds to the fertility of the soil,
and SO increases the crop and makes the
farmer glad. By composing, any re-
fuse substances, which are found about
most farms can be clennsed up, thus
improving the looks of the same, as well
ultimately to add to its fertility.
This subject is one of great Importance
to all farmers, and in consequence of its
neglect, should be continually rung in
their ears until that which Justly be-
longs to mother earth is properly re-
turned to her bosom.-RurGl Ala
bGmidn,