Shepherdstown register. [volume] (Shepherdstown, Va. [W. Va.]) 1849-1955, 1875-08-21
FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.

FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
CLEAN CULTURE.-Says the Western
RmaI: Every farmer knows the impor-
'.qnce of clean cultivation, where the
g.owth of weeds interfere directly with
the yield of crops; yet many farmers
who as a rule secure good crops at con-
siderable expense, allow weeds of all kinds
to trespass upon ground used, as turning
rows, fence corners, etc, which scatter
their seeds in every direction, requiring
the farm n each year to eXpend addition
al labor above what otherwise would be
required to hold his own with them.
As the land grows older, the danger
Of this increases, unless great care is ex-
ercised in keeping up the fertility of the
soil, and in destroying weeds in whatever
quarter they may present themselves:
Along hedges large enough to be beyond
the need of cultivation, stri p wide
enough for a turning row should be de-
voted to grass. In this way the dirt, in
blowing, may be thrown from the fence
as often as in the opposite direction
without difficulty, and not only adds
wonderfully to the convenience, but also
to the artistic appearance of the fields
All these unsightly patches so often
seen about a farm, doing so much dam
age, and bringing nothing in return, may
be occupied in some way to advantage
without much labor. A grove may be
planted, a few shrubs and flowers, or
some of the small fruits may be cult
waited to advantage. If time will not
admit of these things, scatter upon the
surface plenty of grass seed, and it will
take care of itself
Some weeds are so prolific In their
seed bearing capacity that the ground
becomes full of the little germs, which
remain hidden in the earth for years, to
spring up and choke the growing crops
whenever the conditions are favorable.
To prevent this, farmers should not even
allow such to grow along the roadside.
Early and thorough cultivation of the
corn crop, thick seeding of small grain,
early fall blowing before the weed seeds
mature, are all valuable aids to clean
cultivation.
LAWNS ON FARMs.-We see far too
few good lawns. The lawns of England
are said to surpass those of America in
that rich, velvet-like appearance which
characterizes fine lawns. We are apt to
overcrowd our lawns with trees, shrubs,
walks, and flower beds, thus despoiling
them of their beauty. Mark the wide
difference between city lawns and those
of the country. In the cramped city lot
every foot of available space is utilized
The farmer often fences in from one
fourth to two acres, and sometimes more
He seeds to grass and perhaps mows it
once year, while a few dwarfed fruit
trees and clump of lilacs constitute its
shrubbery. By close scrutiny you may
discover the remains of what was once q
flower bed, made by the tired hands of
the mother, but long ago trampled be-
meath the hoofs of horses, which have been
turned out to eat while their master is
taking his daily incoming" | think
this picture is not overdrawn. So many
farmers live in this slipshod way, and
what is the result? Their daughters
grow up to womanhood disconnected
with farm life, while their sons take
refuge in the overcrowded cities.
The American farmer fails again, often,
by having too much land included in
the lawn. Weeds grow up in the fence
corners, sprouts from the trees, and the
lawns become unsightly in appearance,
while the land is valueless to the owner.
One half of an acre, neatly laid out and
well taken care of, will afford ample room
for fruits, flowers, shade, and walks.
Great care should be taken in the
formation of lawn. 1t will show off to
better advantage if there is gentle
slope from the house to the roadside. 1t
should also be free of stone. Plow and
harrow until perfectly smooth, mark out
with walks if any are wished, and top
dress with fine, well rotted barn-yard
manure. Then procure your lawn grass
seed from some reliable scotsman. This
seed is mixture of crested dogs tail,
Kentucky blue grass, slender-leafed fes-
cue, and sweet vernal. Sow seed and
roll the ground till it is very smooth.
you want to keep a fine lawn do not
plant any wide-spreading shade trees.
Plant such trees as the maple, horse
chestnut, and elm, along the roadside.
If you plant any on the lawn, let them
be shrubs of a dwarf variety, or ever
green's that will bear vigorous pruning.
Our hardy evergreens, massed or planted
in groups, give a lawn a bright and
cheerful appearance in winter as well as
in summer. There are also great va
riety of low growing shrubs, noted for
their beautiful foliage.
SUMNER CARE OF STOCK. Many
farmers act upon the hypothesis that
during summer time, when grass is abun-
dant, stock of all kinds needs no further
attention after being turned upon it.
Pigs, calves, colts, etc., are allowed to
share the same fate as the older animals,
when little extra care and feed of the
proper kind would give them such an
impetus in growth as to bring better
profits than all the capital in the way of
labor, food, ETC., applied in the usual
way. The adage, 'The eye of the owner
fattens his stock" is fuller of meaning
than the farmer generally supposes. 1t
is this careful supervision over the little
things that brings to bear the domestic
ating process which distinguishes our
improved stock from the primitive wild
beasts of the forest.
The contrast between two contiguous
farmers, practicing the opposite extremes
as stock breeders, will demonstrate, more
clearly than we can express, the differ
ence between the man who devotes lit
Al r. H. sc