Shenandoah herald. [volume] (Woodstock, Va.) 1865-1974, 1879-01-29


that'the writer understands the main
object in view Of the editor of the Amer
can Farmer, to be, the elici.ing Of such
Information as is Test adapted to the
wants OF The great majority OF farmers;
those whs are dependent on the pro-
duct of the soil for support. aad whose
resources are comparatively limited; for
although it may be equally desirable to
those with more ample means, to I'M
prove their lands at least expense Of
time and money, yet the number of
such is comparatively small; and it is
not perceived why the same plan may
not suit both; the one who Lives by the
sweat of his Brow improves his ten
acres. while he with the "plethoric
purse" may in the same. time enrich his
hundred acres. With the view, there
fore, 10 adapt 1t to the more numerous
class of readers, the effort will be made
to condense the essay as much as
possible and so PLAIN, and free from
technlcalities. that she that runs may
read"
1t is almost impossible to establish
theory, or mode of farming, that can
be made to suit alike. all localties-ot
soil, climate, and the facilities of OBJ
tanning the various kinds OF manure
now in use in different sections of the
country. But it is believed that with
proper energy and industry on the part
of farmers, and even with the present
facilities Of transportation, an increase
of double if not quadruple the lime, mari
and bones might be used to advantage;
the two former IN many sections ofour
country are inexhaustible for genera
tons to come: and much greater
amount of the latter might be obtained
in sections where they are not used,
but greatly needed, if more attention
was paid TO their collection and preser--
walton.
The first step would advise towards
the Renovation Of Worn-out Lands"
is complete and thorough draining,
both surface and under drains. where
the location and nature of The soil rem
ders it too retentive of moisture late in
the spring 1t retards early seeding
the winter grains and grass roots are
very liable to be thrown out and injured
by frosts; and on such land the injury
from drought is much more severely
felt. The writer has not known a case
where this operation was performed
with ordinary skill and judgment that
did not fully repay the expense; and in
some cases the product was increased
from FIVE to ten-fold.
DRAINAGE.
To 90 into full description OF the
methods used in different sections, to
accomplish this most important branch
vfthe husbandman's duty, would require
diagrams, and also too much space;
nor is considered necessary; FOR IN the
American Farmer" (Which every
tiller, ofthe soil ought to pOssess) very
full and ample information may be OBJ
tanned on the subject. A few general
observations here may suffice. If the
soil is rendered too wet By springs,
whose sources are lower than the
surrounding land, the drains, must be
extended to at least the same level, be
the distance and depth what they may;
or to a sufficient depth below the sur
face to admit OF Undertaking clear OF
The pillow. This may sometimes be
effected by gong through the clay sub
soil, and without much expense Of ditch
ing; as the water can then pass ef
through the under stratum of gravel or
sand.
Wherever tie under drains will
answer the purpose they should be
adopted; for the land thus reclaimed is
often The most profitable for CIVILIZATIONS;
and where The expense ofbrick, or tile,
is too great, or suitable stone cannot be
had TO construct trunk drains, good
substitute is general within reach, by
II TO Is inches in depth Of small loose
stones: covering first with leaves, straw
or small brush, TO prevent filling the
interstices with the returned earth.
Logs or poles. laid lengthwise, also
form good underdrains; but are more
liable to clog from decay.
DEEP FLOWING.
The next important step. in my
opinion, in "Renovating Worn out
Lands is to plow deep, and thus ex-
pose neic surface TO the acton of frost
and atmospheric influence, in order TO
make soil in place ofthe one provided
by nature but which either from
cupidity or bad management-perhaps
both-man has destroyed. 1t is con-
sidered enc Of the most certain means to
attain this desirable end: and although
sub-soil blowing is fully approved Of, it
is considered less important than to
break up the earth from 10 10 inches,
If The subsequent treatment is properly
attended to.
The writer is well aware that there is
strong feeling Of prejudice IN the
minds of many individuals against this
practice. What are the arguments OF
the advocates of shallow plowing' They
I. Z. IL.