The Valley Virginian. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1865-1895, 1879-07-17
Farm Work for July.

Farm Work for July.
HAY AND SEED WHEAT.-July is upon
us with its long days and oppressive heat.
In many portions OF the country there is
still much hay uncut 1t is rapidly going to
seed, exhausting the root and becoming OF
poor quality as the woody fiber increases in
quantity. Cultivate corn frequently till the
tassels appear. During July the wheat har-
vest will be successfully under way in the
various parts of the country. Before cutting,
select piece OF the best. Save it by itself,
and from this pick some of the best heads by |
hand for raising improved seed. This will |
help to prevent wheat from "running out"
INSECTS. -Witll increased heat insects are
numerous and lively. There are so many
such foes that farmer these days cannot
keep up with the times unless he makes it
part OF his business to wage systematic
warfare on insect enemies. Caterpllars
must be hunted and destroyed: white hele-
bone busted on bushes infested with the cur
rant worm Paris green applied to trees to
kill canker worms: trees rubbed over with
thin soft soap TO kill bark lice; Paris green
or London purple in water sprinkled on po-
tato tops; bands put about trees to catch
codling moths the plum trees still Jared to
catch the curculios. La the vegetable gar
den there must be a constant warfare.
VEGETABLE GARDEN.-Keep planting
succession of some vegetable such as will be
wanted late in the season, as corn, cabbage,
beets, lettuce. Keep cultivating every week
at least once, to prevent the weeds from get
ting start. There is no royal way to kill
weeds; but the nearest way to it is that OF
very frequent cultivation. Sweet potato
vines at the North should be lifted occasion
ally to prevent them from roofing. Guilt
vate melons and squashes often as long as
the vines will permit. Celery plants should
be set out. Place them in soil which will
not dry out. Celery is a marsh plant. Break
the flowers off from the rhubarb to prevent
it from seeding, and that weakens the plants.
Tomatoes Should be trimmed and some on
low trellis to keep them offthe ground.
SMALL. FRUITs.-Strawberri will be
ploushed up after fruiting. unles another
crop is expected. If they are to remain an
other year, give good cultivation. Some fine
manure should be added, and the runners
kept cut off. Thin out and remove the old
canes of raspberries and blackberries as soon
as the fruit is ripe. Cut the tips of the new
canes when two feet or two feet and half
feet high, and cut the branches after they
have grown foot or more. Treat suckers
as weeds, unless they are desired for plant
ing.
This is the time to layer many blants. A
liberal supply of small fruit is an essential
part of good living. 1t is now possible to
have supply the year round by Gaming. The
housewife will now be laying in stock of
currants, goseberries, cherries and raspber-
ries.
Grapevine will need cultivation for month
vet. Some of the new wood should be pinch
ed off, and some Of the smallest branches
cut off while young. 1t is a serious damage
to any young vine or tree to bear heavy
rop.
MIscELLANEoUs.-Keep everything grow
ing in July; trees, shrubs, and young cattle.
Attend to trees which were set in spring.
Cultivate often il not much literally. Flower
beds will often do best if the land is we'll
mulched with fine manure, or even manure
little coarse. Thin apples, especially
where they seem small or too full. 1t will
pay. Attend to the gratis. and cut away
limbs which shade too thickly. Rub off
young twigs which start where they are not
wanted. A little pruning of fruit trees may
be done at this time. Now the lawn often,
even little piece Of it just about the house
will add much to the beauty of farm. Take
good care OF the flowers and shrubs. few
we'll cared for are far preferable to many
poorly attended to. 1t is good time to clip
evergreens. They need not be formally
sheared, but limb may be cut back here and
there to crotch. Tho new growth. if cut
in two at this time, will set literally with
buds for growth next year. Cut the tops off
at least of most sorts, and the bottom will
grow the thicker.
Go A-FIsHING.-The days are long and
the work is hard. Do not neglect to take a
little recreation now and then. This espe-
cialv for the younger members of the fam
lily. Even the girls generally like fishing.
Perhaps some other recreation may be more
agreeable. Very we'll, anything Tor rest
once in while. The mind and body will be
all the better for it, and labor will be more
cheerfully performed after day or two of
rest.-Rural New Yorker.