Catoctin clarion. [volume] (Mechanicstown, Md.) 1871-1940, 1876-03-17
AGRICULTURAL.
TFRoM THE AMERlc CAN FARMER.
WORK FOE THE MONTH or
MARCH.

w
less given many opportunities for
pushing matters ahead, the active la
bors of the field will not be less press
ingly felt; and, as good beginning
always largely tends to good end
ing, ii is essential to 60 to work
promptly and with vim; that we may
not only keep up to, but ahead of our
work. 1t is truly said it is the first
step that costs, and it is often equally
true that it is the first blow that
wins. A resolute determination to
deserve success often leads to it;
and while the many wait for opportu-
mites, the few make them. To take
advantage Of every favoring circum-
stance is as important on the farm as
in any other branch of business; and
commencing to our readers the need
for activity, and thoroughness in sea.
son and out of season, we proceed to
some Of the topics awaiting us.
OATs.-The earlier oats are sown,
the better the prospect Of good crop
in yield and quality. AS soon os the
ground is dry enough it should be
broken up and narrowed and the seed
gotten in as soon as possible after
wards. Some prefer to wait a few
days for the soil to settle, claiming
that this grain thrives best where the
ed-bed is compact. The same OBJ
ject is attained by rolling after the
seed is drilled, plowed or narrowed
in.
Manures suited for this crop will be
found in the compost heap, and the
barn-yard. All tho inorganic ma
nures will likewise be- uesful, espe-
cially asLes, bones, salt and plaster
This crop, usually sighted, will re-
pay any extra attention it receives in
tins respect. The seed of oats ought
to be frequently changed, and that
from a more northern latitude is pre-
ferable, being heavier and less chatfy
than the grain becomes as grown in
warmer districts.
POTATOES succeed best in coils with
a considerable proportion of vegeta-
bic mould present in them, such as
new land or good sod ground. Ma
nures applied should be given in lib
eral doses, but they ought to be thor
oughly rotted; and, by choice, Of an
inorganic character. Ashes are pc
culiarly adapted to these tubers, and
the same holds good of salt, plaster,
and bones, either crushed or dis
solved. Rank and fermentng stable
manure tends to produce disease.
The soil must be good naturally, or
its faults artificially supplied; deep
blowing and complete rulverization
are equally necessary to good crops;
and, thorough drainage not less i'm
portant. The seed for early crops
should by preference be cut somewhat
larger than that for late ones, and
our custom has always been to roll
the seed in plaster to dry the cut sur
faces before planting, but some doubt
the efficacy or importance of doing
this.
Growers generally will have be.
come familiar with the appearance
and treatment Of the potato beetle
For ourselves we incline to doubt
whether climatic causes will not OPP
crate in the eastern country to miti
gate the attacks Of this plague;t though
in the west it seems no longer to be
apprehended, SO thoroughly is it un-
der control by the use Of Paris green.
MEADOWS AND PASTURES that need
renovating may be improved by pass
ing heavy harrow over them in diff
ferent directions and sowing two
bushels Of fine bone-dust and five of
ashes upon them. Seeds may be sown
either of clover or timothy and or
chard grass mixed, and a heavy roller
passed over the fields.
The Corn CRoP.-Abundant ma
nure Of good quality is requisite for
the corn crop doing its best. This
cannot always be attained, but the
nearer the approximation to full
supply, the better; and it is well to
bear in mind that there is more to be
gained by making good crop on ten
acres, than poor one on twenty
Not only are the organic mauures
readily appropriated, but the mineral