The spirit of democracy. [volume] (Woodsfield, Ohio) 1844-1994, 1875-10-19
plowing Heavy Land In Autumn

HlOWIuB HhC0Vy Aa"u -.
The New York Herald says that the
advantage incident to plowing heavy
land once or twice in autumn often
amounts to as much as would be derived
from light dressing of manure the next
season without blowing the previous
autumn. When it is not impracticable
for farmer to plow his heavy land, the
blowing should be done in the fall for
planting anil sowing the ensuing spring.
The tenacity of the soil may thus be
temporarily broken up by the winter
frosts, it's particles more thoroughly
separated, and the whole mass reduced
to a finer tilth than can possibly be Ell.
fected in any other manner. There is a
still further tand important advantage
from this practice which ensues from
the attraction existing between the clay
and those gases that are furnished from
the atmosphere, snow, rains and dews
In consequence of being thus thrown
up and coming in contact with them,. it
seizes upon the ammonia and carbonic
and nitric acids which are in tue air, and
holds them for the future use of the
crops; while their great affinity for ma,
nures effectually prevents the waste OF
such as are in il. sm
II the land is in sod. the furrow slices
of compact soils should be turned over
so as to lap on the preceding, and lie at
an angle of As degrees, This will allow
of the burrows lying regularly and even.
lily, and in the proper position for the
drainage Of the soil, the free circulation
of air, and the most efficient action ,ol
frosts which in this way have access tc
every side. of them. Land thus thrown
| up is found to be finely pplverized after
the frosts leave it, and it is comparative
lly dry and ready for use some time ear
llier than such as is not plowed til
spring. )
For sowing, land plowed in this man
ner requires no additional plowing, bu
is better fitted for the reception of see(
than it can be by any further operation
unless by a slight narrowing, if to-
rough. The different kinds OF grain o
peas may be sown directly upon tn
surface and covered by the harrow; and
!. if sown early, the grass and clover seed
, require no covering, but find their bes
positions in the slight depressions whic
, are everywhere made by the frost, an
which the subsequent rains and wind
t fill up and cover sufficiently to secure
!, certain growth. If tue land has bee
!, previously cultivated (not in sward
, and is designed for planting, a stiff ella
, is sometimes ridged up by turning
: double furrow, one on each side, and s
( close as partially TO lap upon q narro
/, and 1ubroken surface, thus leaving tn
e Egreatest elevations ano depression
!. which can conveniently be made wit
9 the plow. The frost aud air by th
9 means have greater surface to act VI
!. on than is afforded by thorough plov
a ing, unless it be in q firm sod, whit
, maintains it's position without crum
]. ling. The advantage Of dry surfa'
y and early working is equally secured
b this latter method, and to prepare f
Is planting the burrows need only to !
,f split by running plow through the
Y center when they are ready for the !
N ception of the seed. But let tiilers
,e the soil bear in mind that it will be lab
Is lost to plow heavy land in which the
is no excess of water Let wet grou
be drained thoroughly, then fall ploWi
I'd win prove to be doubly advantageol