The Abbeville press and banner. [volume] (Abbeville, S.C.) 1869-1924, 1877-05-23
FARM, GARDEN AND HOUSEHOLD.
Fnrui Drainage.

AL lhluu Auuoo o1O SAS1oNJ ~
and made more productive by being
properly drained From experience and
observation, I am satisfied that under
draining, if properly done, where it is
practicable, is much the best, yet, lands
which are quite rolling and hilly, would
in most cases be greatly benefited by
making deep dead furrows, every two or
three rods apart when plowing. But
when the land is only moderately roll
ing or nearly level, make good sized
open bitches, not more than eighty yards
apart, deep enough to 60 mostly below
the top soil, in order that the land may
be drained below the roots of the growing
crops, then as the surplus water runs OH,
the air will.enter the soil, and rising up
through to the surface, aerate and warm
the land, which helps to furnish good and
wholesome food for the crops, thereby IN.
creasing the yield. But undertaking If
properly done, is still better.
Drains should not be far apart, and
should be go laid as to run from the head
to the outlet with some descent, and be
from two to four feet below the surface
(of course an outlet must be provided).
This would drain the soil more evenly
and thoroughly reaching all parts of the
land or field to be drained. By this
method OF draining while the surplus
water is running off, the air is running
up the drains, and rising through the
ground, aerating and warming the soil,
making it fit for cultivation full ten days
earlier in spring, and continuing it's
warmth as much later in the fall, thereby
lengthening the growing and 'ipenjng
season, and, in 1nosts cases, preventing
injury from early and late frosts, which,
in some seasons, would add more to the
value of the crop than the whole cost OF
the drainage.
Where the land is favorable for
understanding, the cost need not be
more than from two dollars to four dol
lars per acre, according to the prices paid
for labor and materials. The drains can
be made of pine boards strip Six and
one-half inches wide nailed on to the
edge of strip five and one-haf inches
wide. and in lieu of a bottom, nail short
strips across about four feet apart, to
keep the sides in their places. This kind.of
drain will last many years, and DO good
service. Therefore, I would recommend
undertaking as being the greatest
benefit to the soil,
But persons who cannot conveniently
underdrain their land, should at least olga
few open bitches, of good size and proper
depth, for mains, and then when plow-
ing make deep dead burrows, leading into
the bitches, which will be found highly
benefcial.-Isaac Esmay,' an Rurat
Nev Yorker.
Domestic Helps.
Rich Soft Recommendations cup
full sour cream, one cupfI molasses, one
egg, one teaspoonful ginger, one tea
spoonful soda; stir rather thin.
FRIED CAKEs.-0ne cupful sugar, one
cupful sour cream, one cupful butter
milk, one teaspoonful soda, spice to
taste; mix thick enough to roll easily.
Co1oeNE.-One quart alcohol one
quarter ounce oil of lavender, one-quar-
ter ounce oil of rosemary.
II.-One quart alcohol, one ounce oll
of lemon, one-half ounce oil OF bergamot;
shake well.
BAKERS GRAHAM BREAD.-Make a
sponge as for white bread with wheat
-four, say one square of compressed
Yeast to two quarts of water; when light
make up the dough with graham flour
and one-half q teacupful molasses; let
stand to rise again, then make up the
loaves with the hands, and when light
bake.
TO Cook BEHFsTEAK.-Slit the out
side OF fat part, say every four inches,
cutting through to the lean, which pre-
vents contraction and increases its tell
derness. Have bright fire and gridiron
hot before putting it on; turn over to
prevent burning. A steak IN inch and
a half thick will be cooked in from seven
to ten minutes. To fry, prepare in the
same way; put little butter on pan or
griddle, and let it get brown before put
ting on the meat; cook quickly, and,
whether broiled, fried, roasted, OF baked
in the oven, if you want juicy, tender
beef, never salt it before it is cooked:
Bcefstcak should be served the moment
it is cooked; otherwise it loses its flavor.
Hints About Flowers.
House plants ought to be stimulated
gently once or twice a week. Ram
water, so refreshing to summer flowers,
always contains ammonia, which also
abounds in all liquid manures. II you
take all ounce of pulverized carbonate OF
ammonia, dissolved in one gallon OF
water, it viii make spring water even
more stimulating to your plants than
rain water. If you water your plants
once in two weeks with g1lano water
Zone tablespoonful to a pail of water),
they will grow more thrifty. Chicken
manure dissolved III water is excellent.
Always keep the soil in your flower pots
loose. 4 common hair-pin used daily,
will stir the earth sufficiently.
minister who had twice married tt