Ottumwa weekly courier. (Ottumwa, Wapello County, Iowa) 1872-1899, 1878-02-20
For the Courier.l
More About Corn Raising.

wore ABOUT Corn Raising.
EDITORS COURIER 1T has been q
long time since / have written any
thing for publication, but in Wednes-
days paper there appeared an article
from "Corn Raiser" some of the
teachings of which are 30 palpably
wrong, that I cannot longer keep si-
lent. can hardly suppress smile
at the gentleman's moonshine theories
and 1t is of that that I wish particu-
larly to speak.
I am well aware that there are ma
ny farmers (and successful ones too)
who believe in planting in the
moon," but the facts are not such as
to warrant belief that their success
is attributable to that cause. A ma
jority of the Germans believe in this
moon" theory, but their success as
farmers is very far from being at
tributable to this cause but is direct
ly traceable to their rigid economy,
thoroughness of cultivation, and
abundant use Of fertilizers. This last
is one of the most important items in
connection with successful farming,
and 1 very much regret to see any
man undertake to enlighten the igno-
rant public upon so importanta mat
ter as corn raising, and entirely
neglect to speak of manures and their
manner of application.
In regard to "Lorn Raiser's" moon
theory, I would say that 1t is an old
exploded notion, that is go generally
rejected, or entirely disregarded by
the more intelligent, and successful
class Of farmers, that can hardly
bring myself down to the point Of
writing about 1t seriously. Theories
seem to be highly necessary in any I'M
dertaking Cor, in other words,
thought), but it is by their practical
workings, that their value is determ-
ined. have known many moon
theorizers; but other things being
equal, have never known one that
was any more successful than any
other equally industrious farmer
Indeed the most successful farmers l
have ever known pay no attention to
planting sin the MOON" And, indeed,
it is very plain to be seen that "Corn
Raiser" depends more on his fall
blowing, and the thoroughness of cul-
tivation, than upon moonshine or GER
tain winds. The fact is, fear, that
his theories are too much 'moonshine"
to be worth while for farmers to fol-
low them.
have always been too modest a
man to wish to speak of myself, or of
my affairs in the public prints, but !
have too good field for illustration
in my own individual experience to
refuse to speak of them, so If the read
er will pardon me, will relate few
facts:
lam tiller of the soil, and have
been for over twenty years; and,
although had the misfortune to not
"have been born with q silver spoon
in my mouth" I have come to enjoy,
at least, some of the comforts and lux.
uries of life. During this period OF
time have never paid any attention
to "planting in the moon," and my
success has been fully up to the aver
age of those who toll for living
Indeed have nice home and money
at interest, and owe no man q cent
Not long since, in conversation witt
q neighbor, who was bewailing hi
wretched lot in not being able t.
make any money last year, l remark
ed that / should have two hundred
dollars more Of moneys and credit.
to report to the assessor this winter
than last. This ia true, but it has re
quired hard work and good manage
ment to do it, on the labor of ON
man. A TILLER OF THE Soil.