The weekly Union times. [volume] (Union C.H., South Carolina) 1871-1894, 1881-02-11
COTTON PLANTED IN CHECKS.

COTTON PLANTED IN CHECKS.
A correspondent ofthe Walhalla Courier,
writing from Fair Play, in Oconcc county.
gives that journal an article on the above
subject, in which tho results Of some expert.
made by citizens of that community are
detailed. 1t is something new in cotton
culture, and the fine yield secured would
seem to indicate that planting in checks is
an Improvement on the old way Of drilling
in the row. The correspondent says:
The time for planting cotton will soon
be here again, and rs | have noticed several
farmers trying the experiment OF checking
their cotton, 1 will give you word or two
on the subject. giving principally the views
OF the farmers who have made the expert.
ment We should keep abreast of the
tunes aud all new practical theories in
regard to the profitable production of out
chiefstaplc should be thoroughly looked into
by our farmers. / give the statements be-
ysshat other farp.ers may reap the beueGts
or this mode OF planting cotton,
Last summer while at Mr. George w.
Phillips on Colonel's Fork, noticed that
he had planted little over one and II half
acres in checks. On making some inquiries
in regard to the cultivation of cotton in
checks, &C., Mr.. Philips informed me that
he had laid off the rows three feet each way.
but before doing this he had broken the
ground very deep with small plows and
bedded it. The guano was put in the checks
and then covered Lightly with little earth.
The whole amount of guano used was 1926
pounds. After putting in the guano the
o.
check, then covered with small plow. At
the proper time the cotton was put to a
stand, two stalks being left in each hill or
check. The land was plowcd both ways,
making the work done with tho hoe verv
light. The yield from this acre and half
was 1915 pounds Of seed cotton. The land
was by no means of the best quality, but
rather ordinary. Mr.. Philips also iniormel 1
me that he could cultivate us much cotton
again planted in the check as he could
drilled. Owing to the condition now. o. .days
OF labor in this State our farmers will have
to use all the means in their power to cul.
tivate their crops as cheaply as possible, aud
to make what they do cultivate yield as
much as possible. 1t is contendcd by some
that cotton in checks can be worked with
onc.half the labor and expense that it re-.
quires to work drilled cotton; that it will
grow larger and produce more squares and
hold them better. The above are four very
important essentials in cotton culture. The
first tends to reduce the cost of labor in the
cultivation Of the staple, and to necessarily
increase the net profits. and tho last three
in increasing the yield per acre, and also
increasing the profits.
Mr.. w. j. Hix agrees very nearly with
fMfgP Philips, in his statement in regard Ia
checked cotton. He is convinced that it is
by lar the best way to plant cotton. IIc
will plant number of acres this way tho
present year Mr.. Hix planted two.acre
lot last year, and though he did not succeed
in getting good stand, still he made an
excellent crop on the two acres. The rows
were laid off about the same width as those
mentioned above, but instead of having two
stalks in the hill, only one was left. About
one hundred and fifty pounds of guano
were used, and the yield was about 2,7OO
pounds Of seed cotton"
The gentlemen mentioned in the above
article are well known in this County as
enterprising and successful farmers, and
their opinions on any subject connected with
agriculture will have weight with the farm.
ing commuuity.-Andcrson MtcNigcncer.
------------ . -
A PLUcKY GIRLS SUccEss.-Washing
ton, January 27.-One bright morning last
spring the Hon. John Sherman Was sitting
in his Office when suddenly bright. haired,
pretty girl dashed into his presence. She
was apparently IL, and had about her an
air of business which even the cold gaze of
the Ohio statesman could not transform into
maiden fright or furry. Deliberately TAX
ing seat, the girl said: "Mr. Sherman,
have come here to get place." There
arc none va,ant," Was the reply 81 know
you can give me place If you want to, and
l think am as much entitled to it as any.
body. My father spent his life in the
United States army, and when he died he
left nothing. The responsibility of the
family is on me, and l think I've got as
good claim as any one else on the govern.
ment." What kind of a place do you want /"
IL don't care what it is, but | must have
work at once" Mr.. Sherman assured her
that there were ten applicants for every one
place, and there was very little chance
She deliberately told him that such an an
swer wouldn't do, and declared that if he
would allow her she would come up every
day and black his shoes, if he couldn't do
better for her. The secretary was struck
with her determination and charmed by her
bright face and her sprigh.ly manner. He
told her to come back. In less than week
she had good place in the treasury, which
she still holds. Every morning she walks
to the department. with the step of bust
ness little woman who is proud that her
delicate hands can be the support of others
She receives one hundred dollars month,
and supports in comfort her mother and