The Opelousas courier. [volume] (Opelousas, La.) 1852-1910, 1874-01-03
Work for the Month";
four Home journal. I

January is the month in which we have to
start anew our planting operations for the com
ing year Planters and farmers should, by
this time, have their plans of operations ma
tured, and make their preparations accord
ingly. There are, meanwhile, some points we
would guard them against. First do under
no circumstances attempt to plant more land
than YOU can cultivate successfully and tho
roughly under all emergencies; but make it
a rule to cultivate less, and we'll Second ::
make it an absolute rule to keep your teams
in good condition at all times during the wear
and provide accordingly. Third: bear always
III mind that few minutes lost every day
will amount to days and weeks before the
year has elapsed Fourth be strict in having
your fences put up we'll and in good order =:
neglect in this way destroys the labor Of weeks
i'll a few hours. Make it rule-not to be vio-
lated-to open your drains, and keep them
open. Fifth do not for the mere sake of hav-
ing tue number, engage poor hands. Better
do without them. One scabby sheep will in
fest the whole flock.
The Farm.-Whenever the weather and con-
dition of the soil permits, keep the plow going.
On heavy soil plow deep with a two-horse
plow, and see that the work is thoroughly
done. On sandy soil without clay foundation,
ploW deep enough to cover grass and weeds.
Where the soil is heavy. have the last fur
row between the beds well plowed out so the
water may run of freely in case of heavy rains.
w here manure Is used broadcast, it has to be
hauled and spread before plowing. In spread
ing, particular care must be taken to have it
done as even as possible.
This is also the month to plant Irish pota-
toes. The soil must be plowed deep: well
prepared and manured with rotten manure or
commercial fertilizers, such cotton-seed
meal, if the land has not been tertized to q
previous crop. Do not plant deeper than two
inches cover with light furrow, and as soon
as they appear above ground mulch them
with straw or leaves to the depth of three
inches. if it is practical even if combined with
some expense, it ought to be done, as it in
creases the yield and facilitates the gathering.
The top need not be pulled out, as the pota-
toes can be grabbed" without disturbing the
growth of the plants.
Cut the potatoes for planting down to one
single eye, and if so desired, put two pieces i'll
each hill, although one is enough. Make the
rows two-and-a half feet apart, and the hills
one foot.
The Vegetable Garden-Whenever weather
and the condition of the soil permits, the plant
ing and seeding must be done-supposing that
our readers have taken advice given i'll for
mer month, and have their ground in proper
state of cultivation RadisheS, to be sown
from time to time Peas, to be sown every ten
days. Cabbage for spring, may be sown, such
as Early York and large York Cabbage; also.
Flat Dutch Cabbage and Drumhead SOW for
early crop turnips, beets carrots, spinac, pars-
ley. Dress the asparagus beds, if not done
already use plenty OF salt. transplant let
tuee plants; earthing celery. Plant garlic,
shallots and onions. Of onions, select the
smallest ones for planting.
Oachafd.-It is now the time to examine the
trees and destroy the Larvae of insects. Cut
out any dead limbs, cultivate the soil shallow,
and when necessary, apply manure but no
fresh manure. Most orchards will be vastly
benefited by the application OF Stacked lime
and ashes. When insects have appeared, it is
advisable to wash the tree with a weak solu
tion of lye, or lye-soap. We have found the
! lye-soap suds most efficient.