The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1874-12-31

We uiNoi eooN w iilPiOsc 4 slc1ile piece OF
ground 1t was pine SOIL nearly white, ifand
very thin, producing very dwarffsh growth
OF corn, and covered with fire stone. After;
cutting off the corn, and gathering and haul
ing off all the surface gravel, we spread over
it about an inch OF lime, as regularly as we
could, with the shovel. The next year we sold
the farm, and embarked in 4 more congenial
business. A few days ago, in conversation
with the gentleman who purchased the land,
he spoke of the luxuriant growth of grass upon
this particular piece of ground-more vigor-
Gus, probably than upon the other portions of
the field, much of which was good land.
We mention this par ocular fact to show the
solid qualities of lime as fertilizer. Its eff
fccts are shown in the yearly improvement OF
the products Of the soil, extending at least,
through a decade, as we have been Informed
by others who used lime in similar cases.
very popular error In Virginia consists in
the conclusion, that what is called limestone
land does not need lime, and that the only
fertilizer adapted to it, is barn-yard manure.
Or some of the patent fertilizers imported
Our theory has always been, that the fact Of
the existence Of large quantities of limestone
lodges, argued the necessity Of using lime
upon the surrounding ground. These lime
stone formations are the result of some con-
vulsion of nature, which extracted from the
ground the ingredient of lime, and threw it
into soldified form. In order to bring the
land up to its best producing capacity, this
essential element must be returned, and that
can only be accomplished by the liberal use OF
lime as a fertilizer.
We believe the producing capacity of the
lands Of Virginia, and especially the Valley,
could be more than doubled by the free and
judicons nse Of lime. 1t is evident that there.
is some important ingredient for the growth OF
wheat absent from the soil. In the West, and
even in the Rocky Mountain country, the pro-
duct is three and sometimes four fold of that
raised with us. The experiments which have
been made with us show that this defect is
largely supplied by the use Of lime, and also
demonstrates that one liberal application of it
will last for ten years.
In Pennsylvania, where the natural condi-
ton Of the lands is the same as in Virginia,
the producing capacity is at least twice as great
at with us. There they lime literally. Every
farmer has his lime-kiln, and the utilization eff
fects the double good Of clearing the stones
from the farm and greatly improving the lands.
There are very few farms in the Valley where
! limestone does not exist in sufficient quanti-
ties to keep mp permanent kiln, with capac-
ty to produce two or three thousand bushels of
lime each year. On many Of them, the dead
and useless timber might be utilized to burn
the lime. Where the timber is scarce, refuse
coal could be purchased at nominal price;
andi such instances. the cost OF the lime C uld
not exceed two or three cents per bushel. The
kiln could be constructed during slack work on
the farm, and thus the only real outlay would
be for the coal.
We throw out these suggestions in the hope
that some of DIR readers may take theSr up and
give them practical application. We have seen
the benefit of limng-wllere the richest grass
es have grown off Oh generally poor land, after
lining. 1t matters very little how Or when the
lime is spread--whether upon the sod or bro
ken ground; but it should always be plowed
under. The result is not perceptible for sew
eral years, which argues that the improvement
| Of the land is deep and permanent.
REV. J. G. WHEAT's SCHOOL, Win
chester papers notice the first Musical Soiree at
! the Episcopal Female Institute, Of that place
Rev. J. G. Wheat, Principal. The Necs says
Que Of the m st agreeable and recherche en-
tertainments of the season was the muslcal
soree at the Episcopal Female Institute last
Friday evening. We regret that we were un-
able to be present, but learn from those who
were more fortunate than ourselves that the
affair." in every particular, was q great success
| The pupils gave evidence of the thorough man
ner in which music is taught within the Insti-
tuition, and reflected the highest credit upon
| their instructors Everything passed off char
mingly, and the evening will long be remem-
bcred by all who were'in attendance.
| The Principal of the Institute deserves the
greatest praise for the energy he has displayed
in the organization Of this school, and is emit
| tied to the largest success. Within short
space of time he has succeeded i'll placing it in
the foremosts ranks of our institutions OF fe-
male learning, and this is saying much, Tor
Winchester is noted for its schools BY assld-
uous labors he has given it reputation, which
in many cases, it requires years OF patient toll
| to achieve. In his management, MIR. Wheat
has not fallen short OF the reputation as an ed
ncator.of youth with which he came among us.
In every department, in the selection OF the
most competent teachers, as well as in the do
nestle arrangements of large boarding school,
he has proved himself eqnal to the undertake
ing, and we trust trait his efforts may be
| crowned with the fullest success that his mer-
its so justly deserve.
| There has been three brick buildings, three
stories high, erected opposite the Spottswood
Hotel, Harrisonburg, J. T.. Sibert, Richards u
Wasche, and Harnsbcrger and Haas being the
propretors. The latter building was put up
in sixty days by e. Roger, the steam horse i'll
breaches carpenter of that place. MI. Roger
has also erected commodious residence for
himself on German street. 1t contains ten
rooms and has every needed convenience
There is a little life in the old town yet
A BIG CHRISTMAS GIFT.-Just ten years
ago last Friday Gen. Sherman sent to Presi-
dent Lincoln the following historic dispatch:
IL beg to present you, as a; Christmas Gift.
the town of Savannah. with one hundred and
fifty heavy guns and plenty OF amntnnition. and
also about twenty-five thousand bafes of cot
/ ton. ". =. oHE y N, >,
WNT2LlJHGS.