The farmer and mechanic. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1877-1885, 1879-04-24

wet. But all the other neighbors have
been blowing. And some were plow-
ing next morning after a very heavy
rain. When will our people learn not
to plow when the soil is wet. Better
ten to one let the men and cams be
idle.
Let me quote from a letter Just re-
ceived.
Il think you asked me in your first
note whether our farmers would use
much of the Prickly Comfrey. | do
NOT think they will until some one
here tests it fully, and finds it cery
profitable. Most of them are exceed
'ingly slow to take up anything new.
They know how to raise corn and
wheat enough to feed themselves, but
seem to care nothing for improved
stock, improved machinery, nor any
other idea Of advanced farming. But
Il think Il spirit Of improvement and a
desire for better methods is beginning
ITO spread, and | hope the coming gen
''eration will take a long step ahead.
And SO say we all. Nothing is more
important to US han a good forage
plant, and skill in growing and curing
it. There is no doubt that the Prickly
Comtrey and the Pearl Millet are to be
the great fodder plants for us in the flu
ture. This, with the new method of
preserving w corn fodder in a green
state. will soon open a new era in the
beef and dairy products Of our State.
Among other evidences of refinement
and culture is the increasing taste and
demand for natural flowers for the deco
ration of churches, dining and supper
tables, weddings, funerals, &c. In
oriental countries a selGm. or bouquet
of flowers, is often made the interesting
medium of communicating sentiments
to which words are inadequate. And
SO we have the Language OF Flowers.
I'm all ages Of the world history and
~ navy dttutIitt ~ lIoNtlS DdIt1CtiltT
association. Nley are not 50 hard to
grow as many think
Very many amateurs have not sue
ceeded well in growing flowers, and have
become discouraged. To eli such |
say try again, and write to us for in
structions. | employ two first-class
Florists, who have had long experience
in some of the best houses in this coun-
try and IN Europe. and we will always
be glad TO answer any questions in re-
gard TO the growth and and treatment
OF any plant named in this catalogue.
One great cause of failure is faulty
pots, and another is growing plants in
toe large pots, and in soil not suited to
the plant. Still another in leaving the
soil too loose about the roots.
A Flower Pot should be porus and
soft, SO that it will absorb. and give off
moisture readily.
Fill IA pot with water. and if the mois-
.ure ~percolates through the side in n
Ii two minutes. it is safe to use it.
Plants thrive and bloom better i'm
mall pots than in large ones. use
zone larger than six inches, except for
peclnlen plants, very many grow plants
Ii large tubs. cans. or boxes. which are
cry heavy to move about. while the
are the same plant would do
etter i'll a four or five-inch pot. The
oil should be fine and rich leaf mould
1t can be had or good garden soil
18th we'll decompoSed manure. :
Never use chip manure. as it is apt
} generate fungus and DESTROY the !
liant. I
In potting. have the soil dry, and I
ress it firm about the roots. as hard as \
Du car pack it with the hands. Leave a
alf an inch ofthe pot above the soil SO
to retain the water: in this way the !.
I'll will take up only a sufficient amount ,
{ moisture, and the plant is not left to |
row III mud. c. b. FAIRCHILD.
Raleigh. :
Silk Raising at the South. :.