Smyrna times., 1877-03-21
Suggestions for March Work.

The 1mcrican Agricult,uists for March lst
gives seven columns of practical hints and
directions concerning work to be done on
the Farm, Garden, Orchard, ETC., from
which We extract the following:
OATs.-A rough sod and moist soil will
grow good oats; it is the best spring crop
for reclaimed swamp or newly broker
clayey meadow. TwO-and-a-half bushels of
seed, per acre. is light seeding; bushels,
If drilled, or 81, if broadcast, is sometimes
sown with good results. The thick seeding
yields finer stalk, which makes a more
desirable fodder than stouter straw.
| OATS AND PEAS, sown together, produce a
very nutritious fodder. The two crops
together, upon one acre of good soil, will
yield nearly, if not quite, as much fodder
as would an acre Of each sOwn separately
We have sOwn two bushels Of oats and six
pecks of peas to the acre. If sOwn early,
the fodder may be cut for soilng COWS or
horses in May or June, and succession
Tor continuous use may be s0wn every two
weeks until early in May. Roll the ground
after sowing, so that the crop may be cut
with a mower, which may easily he done.
as the oats support the peas and prevent
lodging.
STANDING WATER.-A very important
work IS to let Oft any water that accumu-
lates upon the surface. This requires con.
slant attention, and the use of the hoe or
shovel. Whether there is Il crop i'm the
ground or not, it is equally necessary to do
this thoroughly, else the soil is soaked and
dries very slowly. The amount lost through
water remaining upon fields, would each
year buy for every farmer who permits it. a
good paper and more books than he could
well study in year.
PlGs.-The high price of pork has greatly
stimulated the breeding Of good class of
pigs. With the prevalent diseases. which
now destroy so many hogs in the West.
there Will be premium for good manage
ment. 1t is very clear that cleanliness.
and variety of healthful food, will prevent
diseases. Make a good start now, with the
young pigs Provide warm, clean pens for
the brood sows, as a beginning, and SO
arrange that they may have clean pasture
lot to run in; not bare, muddy piece Of
waste ground, but good piece Of clover or
grass, IN which they may procure the bulk
OF their food. Breed only from thorough.
bred boars: keep the best stock, and keen
them healthful and growing.
POULTRY.--Cleansc the p0uItrvh.ousns
and ncst-boXes from lice. I'VE have lined
our roultry-house with Johns Asbestos
roofing, at a cost of few dollars only, and
there Is no fear of vermin Of any kind in it
hereafter. The smell of carbolc acid from
the tar Is very strong, but not disagreeablc.
and will thoroughly disinfect the house.
Provide warm corner in the stable for the
earliest brooding hens, and give extra care
to the young chicks. March and April
chicks will give plenty of eggs next
winter.
ADMINISTRATION the weather is settled
rake off the litter and fork in the fine
manure lightly. In inland places, sow on
refuse or other salt, TBS. to the SQUARE
yard. Set new beds with onc.vcar roots
In field culture 3x3 and even 4xG feet are
allowed between the plants. For the
family garden 2X2 #. or lSxl2 inches is
usual. Give each plant a shovcllul of good
manure, cover this with , inches Of earth,
set the plant with its crown at least |
inches below the surface, and cover it +:
gradually.