The comet. [volume] (Jackson, Miss.) 1877-1882, 1880-10-02
A MODEL FARM.

We spent last Tuesday very pleas
antly on the place of Mr.. G. Menealas,
twomles from Brookhaven. Although
Mr.. MeneaIas was absent, his brother,
Mr.. NJ. Menealas, and his nephew,
Mr.. Pandely Mickey, entertained us
in most hospitable manner.
During the absence of the brother in
New York, who makes that city his
home, the farm is managed by these
gentlemen, and he has left it in good
hands, as everything is conducted in
the most systematic manner. We are
glad to see so much attention paid to
the raising of diversity of products
on the place. Although they have
about 200 acres in cotton, Il large crop
of corn is grown; they have planted
nine acres in Louisiana sugar cane !;
will save great deal of hay and other
provender for the stock during the
winter. Considerable attention is also
paid to the cultivation of fruits and
vegetables; introducing improved va
rieties of sheep and cattle the cult
walton of improved grasses, tea plants,
etc. Owing to the disastrous spring,
vegetables did not pay much, but
from the sale of early cabbages in the
Chicago market, about $50 net was re-
allied from an acre, and about the
same amount from an acre of water
melons sold in the Brookhaven mar
ket We saw about 100 tea plants,
and they seem to be growing finely
He has also planted quite number
of mulberry trees, for the purpose of
making experiments i'll silk culture.
He has also planted out great va
riety of rare trees and pants, which
heretofore have been strangers to our
climate and soil. How they will sue
coed, remains to be seen. Among
these, we noticed the pepper tree,
which grows to be Il large tree,
olive trees, and the eucalyptus tree
the latter was killed down last winter
and don't seem to be able to stand our
winters.
Among The forage plants, we saw
growing most luXuriantly the teo-
sinthe plant, which Prof. Gray has re-
commended so highly rs being adapt
ed to our Southern soil and climate.
We saw one plant which had thrown
out from the roots five or six huge
stalks, which had grown to the height
Of fifteen OF sixteen feet, loaded from
top to bottom with splendid fodder,
and the whole stalk would have
weighed forty or fifty pounds. 1t can
be cut down two or three times during
the year, and both cattle and horses
seem to be passionately fond Of it 1t
is wonderful forage plant, and on
rich soil is destined to be valuab lGI
acquisition to the South.
Among the fine stock Nr. Menealas
is introducing, is he Amgora goat.
Olie ckas".ias sheared about four
pounds this season, and the wool is
worth a dollar a pound.
BY numerous experiments, which
have cost great deal of money and
labor, Mr. Menealas is testing the
of a great many plants and
products, which otherwise might re-
main in obscurity, while their devel-
opment only shows the wonderful ca
pacity Of our salubrious climate and
productive soil.
To show what he is doing, he had
forwarded this year from Alexandra,
Egypt, Il lot Of cotton seed which cost |
him, delivered here, over $500. I'm
the seed don't seem adapt |
ed to our climate. But he exhibits
great spirit of enterprise.
After spending Il most pleasant day,
we We're driven into Brookhaven,
where we took the night train for
Crystal Springs, much benefited by
our short visit.