Ellsworth American. [volume] (Ellsworth, Me.) 1855-current, 1878-09-12
tarn' ann houssboIO.
Fall g.:w:.s.

Now that the small grain crops are
out of the way, it is n question what
should be done with the ground intend
ed for Spring planting. This cannot be
decided in 4 general way. No other
question in agriculture depends moic
upon circumstances than this, and each
case must be decided upon its merits
and the contingent es affecting it. No
absolute rule can be given; but if it
were possible, il would most frequently
be that bare stubbes should be Fall
plowed, and sods lett until the spring
Yet there would be so many exceptions
that the rule would be about as much
honored in the breach as in the obser-
vance. For instance, the character OF
the soil is OF the greatest importance TO
be considered; then, if it is piece OF
sod ground, the condition o: the sod
should be taken into account; lastly, the
Spring crop itself complicates The ques.
ton.
Clay soils that break up in clods
should by all means, be plowed in the
Fall, and left as rough As possible, that
the irosts of winter may break down
and mellow it. Ii such soil is full OF
weeds, early blowing and frequent
working with cultiyator would be
very beneficial. Soils that are wet in
the Spring should be thoroughly plow-
ed as soon as possible, while they are
Cry and should be left in condition to
be sown with oats or barley as early as
possible IN the Spring. This may be done
by throwing the ground into ridges
blowing narrow or wider lands; by
making deep back burrows and blowing
TO these III such a manner as to form
rounded beds with open burrows be-
tween them. These open burrows
should be finished clean, so as to give
al easy passage to the surface water
and OF course should be plowed in such
direction as TO prevent this from re.
naming upon the ground. Ii weeds
spring up, the ridges may be cultivated
or narrowed; and, If it Is needed, q
final shallow blowing may be given a;
late as possible. again blowing to the
middle of the ridge. The ground, thu,
treated, will be dry early in the Spring
and may be sown to oats or Spring
wheat, while the sub-soil is still frozer
hard. This has been done successful,
by farmers who are forehanded, ans
therefore prepared to take advantage O
favorable accidents of weather ane
season.
Sod ground, as . rule. should b,
Fall plowed if the growth is heavy AMI
the land at all clayey. In cold els,
soils the vegetable matter does not de
compose 80 rapidly as IN warmer loan
and sandy soils, and for early potaloe
especially heavy sod ground should b
Fall plowed. For corn it is not s.
needful, but it is well that it should b.
done, for the reason mentioned, as we
as that the work may not be DELAYED b
wet weather in the Spring. Thousand
of acres OF corn would have been I'D
vanced the present season two or tire
weeks had the ground been Fail plowe
and idged ss above mentioned. S
with coru stubbles intended for oats
These may be plowed in the Fall wit
benefit, unless the soil is very light an,
dry. For early potatoes upon s:ubble
the land should not only be plowed i
the Fall, but should also be msnured O.
the surface sfier the blowing. No 9th
er treatment will give SO good q croI
or will bring such large and smo0tl
potatoes.
Spring blowing should be practices
upon all lights soils, except those whicl
are infested with weeds and need Fal
following. In that case the land shoula
be again plowed in the Spring, unIes
il has been finally plowed in rougl
ridges, which can be worked dow