The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1878-05-02

nient, and in some cases unavoidable to pre-
vent stress of work, yet with corn it is a
question if anything is saved by hurrying it
into the ground. The first operation, that
of blowing sod ground, we generally pest
pone until ready to plant, so that the seed
may go into fresh mellow soil, and the clio
yer grow as much as possible. With fallow
ground this may not apply.
Manure for Corn.-Corn is gross feed
er, and fresh manure is acceptable to 1t.
Where the sod has been top-dressed early in
the spring, and the manure turned I'M
der with the vigorous growth of the her
bage, no better preparation can be made for
this crop. Then after narrowing, light
dressingo of some active artificial fertilizer,
guano, blood manure, fish scrap; or either
of the special corn manures may be given
broadcast, or in the hill. When the sod has
not been previously fertilized, the manure,
if course, may be spread upon it and plowed
under, or, il fine, may be narrowed in.
When no stable-manure can be had, liber-
al dressing of artificial manure, of some
kind, should be used for the corn crop. 1t
is very certain that an improved agriculture
must be based upon the use Of this kind of
fertilizer; because, as we can not help TAX
ing something from the soil which, under
the best system can not be returned to it, it
becomes necessary for us to find something
to replace the loss. This we may do by pur
chasing five Or ten dollars worth per acre of
artificial fertilizers, and gaining twenty or
thirty dollars worth of extra product in the
crop. Fertilizers, well applied, can be made
to return their cost, and hundred per cent
profit; and this ought to be satisfactory
Hoao to Use Fertilizers.-Many chemical
fertilizers are highly concentrated, and
should not be brought into close contact
with the seed. We are using several tons
of these fertilizers the present season, and
apply them in the following way: About
two-thirds is sown broadcast on the harrow
ed soil, and one str&heof the harrow is them
given to mix soil and fertilizer together
The seed is then drilled, or planted, and the
other third is then scattered evenly upon
the surface. In this way a very thorough
mixture is secured.
The quantity to be used.-After many ex-
periments last season, we have fixed on 500
to 600 pounds per acre, where no other ma
nure is used, and 200 to 800 when the soil
does not need full dose. 1t is not wise to
half feed the soil, any more than to half
feed an animal.
Choice, and Preparation of iSeed.-No
plant is more improved by choice of seed,
and careful cultivation, than corn. For
some hints on this subject, see article last
month. To deter birds from pulling the
seed, and cut-worms from nipping the
sprouts, it has been found effective to roll
the seed in pine-tar, and then in plaster
The scent Of the tar will remain a long
time, and will be disagreeable to the verin in.
The tar can be most easily applied by mix
ing it with hot water and then stirring in
corn.
Top-dressing Fail Grain.-Grainfeld
that look unthrifty and yellow after the
drying winds of the spring, will be benefited
by top dressing of active fertilizer; this
will help the clover and young grass.
Plaster is often very useful upon young
clover frequently doubling the hay crop.
Thus applied, it will serve to produce good
crop to be plowed in upon distant fields
where manure can not be easily handled.
One bushel 80 pounds, up to four, six, or
eight bushels even, may be used to the acre
as early as practicable this month.
Root Crops.-The article upon "Rool
Crops for Stock" given last month, may be
very profitably read over again. Nothing
can be added to it, except, perhaps. to say,
that where the drill culture there described
is found difficult, very good results may be
had from culture on the fiat. On the whole,
are to be preferred to any other
root, as they yield better, are more certain,
are less troubled with the fly, and make ex-
cellent feed.
Horses.-Now, with hard work, teams re-
luire good care. Horses will come from the
from worry by the flies. The best
protection is thin sheet made to fit the
neck, with holes for the ears, and to buckle
Under the throat, and to cover the back,
hanging loosely at the sides to give access of
air beneath. 1t should be held by a crupper
,and beneath the tail. Too much corn fed
low, is apt to produce irritation Of the skin,
md make the animals restless. Cleanliness
will be found a great comfort to them.
Sheep and Lanabs.-The most profit from |
sheep is to raise lamb that will sell for |
more than the mother is worth. This can
'e easily done by caring well for the earliest |
ambs. A lamb, 80 days old, and well fat
ened, will often sell for ten dollars in the
tiles, and half that in the country villages.
half-bred Cotswold lamb, fed now with a
tile mixed oatmeal and bran, and sucked
n q native eve, will make an excellent
larket lamb. Lambs now being fed should
G protected from cold storms, and the ewes
lould have some extra feed.
Sheep WasAing.-To wash the wool on
re sleeps back is not a profitable practice.
he wool is not half washed, and the differ
ace in price will not pay for the loss OF
eight, to say nothing of the trouble and
SIX for sboth men and flock. If the sheep
e kept reasonably clean, and the wool free
ON rubbish, it will be found better than
aving to wash them to get rid of unneces-
ry filth.
Coaos and Calces.-Caution should be ex-
cisco IN turning OH to the fresh grass. {
Dung stock are especially subject to disease t
ON oVer-feeding with succulent heritage.
lack-leg, blaek-quarter, or carbuncular cry t
peias, frequent at this season, is SO caused. s
here there is danger, seton in the the a
'wlap has been found effective 10 prevent 7
10 change the feed gradually, however.
the best preservative of the health Tn. S