Port Tobacco times, and Charles County advertiser. (Port Tobacco, Md.) 1845-1898, 1875-02-12

clated, and enterprlslng farmers all
through the South, in sections where
it was formerly supposed it would not
flourish, are giving practical demon
strations to the contrary.
LUCERNE.-This can be sown in
the same way as clover, though we be-
lieve that here sowing in August, and
further South in September, would be
found more advantageous. 1t Is use
less to SOW this on poor ground, or on
land that is full of weeds. 1t stands
drought we'll, but it does only its best
in seasonable years. To escape weeds
it is best probably to sow in drills, so
that it can be cultivated, but if proper
pains are taken it may be sown broad
cast and do we'll. On ground which
has been cleanly cultivated in corn,
SOW lucerne with about half the guam
tity of oats generally sown, and cut the
oats for feed when coming into head.
In this way the lucerne will have pro-
lection until it is able to take care of
itself, and the weeds will be avoided
or crowded out. Sown in drills, 10
to IL pounds of seed are required for
an acre; sown broadcast, Is to 90
Not only should the land be rich, but
a top-dressing should be applied after
each cutting. If liquid manure can
be given, it will be the best applica-
ton possible.
PAsTUREs.-When the ground does
not poach when a team goes on it, as
often is the case for day or so at this
time of the year. it affords good op-
portunity for applying to grass lands
a renovating mixture Of say 100 lbs.
fine bone-dust, to bushels of ashes,
l of plaster and one of salt to the acre.
When practicable it will be we'll to
harrow the ground first, then SOW this
mixture and roll. Glover seed may
be sown. if desired, when the ground
is narrowed.
SOWING OATs.-It is not too early
to begin to think about and prepare
for this crop, which is generally re-
garded as rather an improbable one,
probably from the fact that an INSULT
cient amount of care is given it. 1t
is a crop which will not grow on poor
land without considerable fertilizing
material is added. Meagre supplies Of
manure and hasty preparation of the
ground is the key to the production
Of the poor crops so often gathered.
| The late Robert Sinclair, Jr., of this
city, very close observer, was a great
advocate of sowing oats in February
upon the snow, as practiced in sowing
clover seed. His plan was to~sow on
land plowed the previous Fall, and,
after the plants had grown sufficient
", to borrow the land and roll. The
uniform result, he claimed, was heavier
crops, both in grain and straw, and
much earlier maturity than from seed
sown III April, on similar ground no
better prepared.
1t is prudent to make frequent
changes of seed with this crop, as it
rapidly deteriorates. Twenty-Five
horse cart loads of manure, or well
rotted compost; 800 pounds of good
super-phosphate, or 400 pounds of
bone-dust, with say 10 bushels of ashes
and one of salt, ought on most soils to
!. produce a crop which would prove re-
munerative.
ToBACco.-No chance should be
missed to make ready ground for beds.
!, Brush may be gotten together and the
ground made ready for burning, in
order that as soon as sufficiently dry
the seed may be sown. As rule the
earlier plants are, the better, and there
is an opportunity then also of repair.
ing any losses which may be incurred
+ LIVE SToCK.-All that we said last
, month, concerning the needful atten
ton due all kinds, applies with equa
force now. Try to give milch COW.
, some succulent food occasionally, an(
regularly little bran or middlings
. Provide shelters for cows and heifer
: in calf, and brood mares. Keep you
hog pens supplied with ashes, rottel
wood, &C., and provide free supplies o
pure water. Roots now are especiall,
valuable for sheep. Ewes about, o.
after, weaving, are particularly bene
flied, so are fattening sheep, by thei
use. Do not let early lambs suffer any
set backs. Give the ewes dry and
, warm quarters. Poultry need mixet
food. Scraps from the house, soul
milk, bran, are all good. Provide
gravel and lime for them. Do moi
omit to salt all live stock. 1t is pref
cradle to put salt where all kind;
can get it as desired.
IMPLEMENTS, MACHINERY, &C.
f Have these overhauled now and re.
pairs made, if needed, before they are
!, wanted for use.
; ORCHARDs.-If you intend to plant
one in Spring, you may be able to for
ward the work by doing some of il
now. You may have a chance to pillow
the ground. If you have not your
trees on hand, do not delay to make
; out your list and send it to reliable
nurseryman. Take no risk on your
trees. Buy from parties of known
. character. 1t is not wise to deal with
itinerant tree peddlers, and in select
ing kinds it is wise to consult the ex-
perience of those of your neighbors
whose fruit does we'll.
] FARMERS CLuBs.-Encourage these
!, Do not grow lukewarm as their novel.
ty wears off. If You do not belong tc
one, join one. IF there is none in
- L.. l.,