The New Orleans daily Democrat. [volume] (New Orleans, La.) 1877-1880, 1877-11-02
rur nICE LANDS IN ST. MARY.
pY EDWARD HICKEY.

T.e rice lands on the Bayou Shaver border on
each side of this expansive tide-water stream
the topography slightly elevated ridge, tim
bered on the margin, and gradually declining
io the uniform level Of the surface of the real
land par excellence the prairie"
These plains. rs far ms the eye can extend its
vision. TO the boundless horizon in the east and
south east extending into the parish Of Terre.
bonnie, possess propert es and features at
tracing notice of the close observer.
The annual growth. a rank vegetation Of wild
cane. Occasionally in the last few years we find
the Scotch thistle an indication Of the aceumu-
ference Of many that we have met in our Jour
neys believe them embl' matte of rich soil;
The principal growth, however, II an a ahh is,i
on other ranges q genuine grass. six feet totop
Of stem, resembling rye IN Its appearance and
growing stools Aga rast e9' pras 81 'its
blades about fifteen inches long ana roots one
and one-half inches in depth, like the saw
4 drag and rotary harrow will in a season pre-
pare any Of this character of land for planting,
and opine for years at least dispense with the
wild annual cane land on account Of its supe-
rior and very deep soil and solidty, and tho
numerous roots attached to this growth were
better to break up with small steel pillow and
sharp coulter or doubtless circular harrow. and
subsequently the rotary harrow and iron tooth
rake to collect the debris.
This cane land will undoubtedly produce a
satisfactory quality Of RICE, The land is firm,
solid. durable and stiff black soil. the ac,umu-
lation OF ages of alluvial and the annual decom-
position of decayed yege ation. The surface
soil on all these prairies, from twolves inches
to twenty inches, lays on an impervious
blue clay.
TO make and convert these lands into and
prepare them for rice culture, an experience of
eleven years OF study and close observation
leads me TO the conclusion, viz:
4. 2 pIuW
and sharp coulter, will make q levee two feet or
more high. This leyee should have base at
least eight feet Such levee will to greater
or less extent prevent crawilsh from penotrat-
ing.
1. Oxen. single Or double yoke, will make
winter tdrains) courses running from the bayou
to The main cotch drain; this, latter must be
me- me the es ana from na Sr W
and, by well constructed gates. at the mouths,
keep IN pr Keep out the water from the ebb and
i. The daily tides differ in their altitude: or
binary tides about fifteen inches, spring tides
twenty, -four inches strong eastcrly wind for
several days III succession, the rise Is equal to
thirty inches for few hours.
4. The surface of all this area can be sub
merged with clear and fresh water of a temper
ature adequate to and supporting vegetation in
Its ineipencv to its maturity, when Ii becomes
necessary to dry the surface prcparatoryto har
yesting; and when harvested and hauled Or
boated to the stacking places on the bayou bank.
where the th1eshing machines are to be driven,
the grain can be Immediately forwarded to the
railroad depot-a saving of extra handling and
country insurance.
And now the after flooding of the rice field
destroying NIL red and volunteer rice. This i'm
portant and superior advantage will be In time
fully appreciated. and which this basin alone
presents.
The Mississippi river water during the
months oil February, March and April is too
frigid to start vegetation the latter requires
like all other plants. heat ali and moisture. The
degree necessary to vegetata or sprout this
grain Is not found at this early date in our
great river, and if planted too early may occa-
sion the loss Of the seed to the utter ANNOYANCE
OF the planter, Hence the superior advantages
OF this water from the interior, elevated by the
tide water from the Gulf Of Mexico permitting
vi early planting and early maturity. and like
early corn usually heavy grain.
D. The height and strength of the surround
ing leyee, and being impervious, not even
Transportation water or seepage. thus offering
all the requisites for the safety and security of
the growing crop, whilst the hidden resources
held In sou Ion in these waters, conveyed and
brought hither by the Red river furnishing
constant supply Of gypsum, etc. SO essential to
the formation OF stem and grain, Nor can |
fail to note the washings of the great delta, the
valley of the Ouaehita and Its tributaries. tho
source OF the Atchafalaya river whose lands
were once considered a mine of annual wealth.
and whose soil has never failed or disappointed
the industrious laborer.
Miriam Grove, October 1877