Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1877-05-11

May Hints.
Planting is the great work of the month.
TO realize the greatest profit, we must cal
culate on using as little hand labor as pos
sible on our crops. Corn may now DO
planted with horse planter at small cost,
which will pay for itself on five acres in a
few years. A good one can also be used
for beans and peas. If the corn land has
been kept properly free of weeds, there
will be no necessity of using the hand hoe
at all. The best corn to plant, as a rule, is
that variety which has small, close ears,
and producing two ears on a stalk. There
is no question but that little phosphate in
the hill Is Of value in starting the young
plants, though the bulk of the manure
should be applied broadcast.
Root Crops for cattle many profess not 10
believe in because OF the cost of cultivation,
and a sound objection it is. This overcome,
and roots for cattle we believe would be
held in as high repute among us as by the
British farmer. By planting on land con-
tanning few weed seeds, and by use of i'm
PIGMENTS in cultivation and harvesting,
the question of cost would re largely set
tied. Mangolds are the best roots for mich
cows, and should be planted while yet the
winter moisture is in the land. Lanes i'm
proved sugar beet is the leading sort. Tur-
nips are planted later, as a rule. Mangolds
require rich soil and should be planted in
drills wide enough apart to admit of horse
culture.
Manure from the stables will have the
best effect on heavy soils by being near the
surface. Ifplowed under deep, it will de-
compose slowly and become of use to the
plants only after a considerable period of
time, because of the exclusion OF the air.
So we would pillow it in very shallow, or
only harrow IL in. Heavy soils that require
deep blowing, should be plowed before the
manure Is applied. On light soils, barn
manure may be plowed in deeper; for such
soils admit the air readily to act in decom-
posing the coarse manure. For similar
reasons fresh undecayed manures have a
much better effect on light than on heavy
soils. The roots of plants permeate the
soil in every direction, and to long dstan-
ces. Hence, it is better to apply manure
broadcast, and much cheaper, than in the
hill. This, as general practice, to carry
the crop through the season, and give the
roots wide range for food and moisture. As
before mentioned, however, a little fine
manure or superphosphate in the hill or
drill, for almost any crop is an aid in start
ing the young plants.
Tree Planting, where not attended to last
month, may still be done by the majority
Of our readers, especially il the trees were
heeled in last fall, or early this spring. Or
chard planting has gone out of vogue with
many because Improbable. Why I'M
profitable they have not asked. We say
because of improper care and lack of culti-
walton. A young orchard should be as
well MANFRED and kept as free of weeds as
a corn field. Ornamental trees planted
about the grounds and along the highways
will enhance the value of the farm, and be
ajoy for life TO the owner.
Black6erTieS, raspberries, currants, and
gooseberries should be cleared of all dead
canes, and a liberal dressing of manure
dug or plowed in about them. This class
of berries might be cultivated with profit to
much greater extent than now. The mar
ket is never fully supplied, and they al
ways bring good price. All of these may
be planted early this month.
The Garden work must be pushed for
ward now. Melons are most delicious
aud healthful fruit, and usually meet a
ready sale in market. These, aud squash
es, and cucumbers should be planted this
month. A few hills each, at least, of canta-
place in the garden; likewise the citron for
preserves to please the good wife, and your
own palate. Hoe the cab bages early and
often To root prune," and push them to
quicker growth and heading. Tomatoes
will be set as soon as danger from frosts is
past. A trellis made of barrel hoop nail
ed 10 three uprighls for supporting the
plants, will he found to greatly increase the
yield OF fruit, and improve its quality.
Successive Crops should receive more at
tention, for they increase the income, and
provide continual supply of good things
tor the table. Early beets may be sowu
fornightly until July. Peas of early and
late varieties, and planted in succession
are very desirable. Late cabbages in coun
try towns sell better than early ones. Swee
corn Of early and late sorts should be plant
ed for home use and for the village market
AS rule, farmers gardens are poorly sup
piled with vegetables, when they should b,
the best supplied Of any with these indis
pensables to health in summer.
Weeds will come on rapidly, and be al
eye-sore and enemy TO good crops If no
attended TO promptly. A wheel hoe is
necessity to cheap culture of garden crops
And after 1t should go Noyes' Hand Weed
or, which Is an efficient little implement.
The Animdls.-The cows when turned
out on the new grass should still be fed ad
ditionally in the barn, for the pasture fec
does not yet contain much nutriment
Make the change of food gradual. 1t /
being suggested that pork raisers can ge
more profit from pasturing their pig
through the summer, only feeding then
enough to keep them growing and in goo
health, and not force them until fall-al
idea worth trying. But the pasture shoul
be large enough to give them wide range I
grub for themselves.
IRSeets.-The sportive squash bug an
the gay cucumber beetle will soon b
crawling from out their winter quarter
and beginning their playful depreciation
in the garden. Let Us meet them half way
Aith plaster, ashss. and ahinsie trap !