Connecticut western news., 1885-05-20
FARM AND GARDEN.
USEFUL HINTS AND INTERESTING
 NOTEsG
How to Grow COrn-A Word About Potn-
 tOes-TrahsplnBtinE Trees.

How to Grow Corn-A Word About Potn- t0es-TrahsplantinE Trees.
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 How TO GROW CoRN.-Repeated ex- pertinent has illustrated the efficacy of careful selection of seed corn, the neces- sity of generous broadcast manuring on worn lands and the advisibility of plant ing in drills and giving fiat culture. Prof. .Sturtevant, after several trials, has decided that the kernels from one portion of the ear are as good as those from another, and that there is certainly no inferiority for the tip seed. He has found no evidence favorable te the breaking of the roots of corn in order to influence the crop. On the contrary, excessive root-pruning of corn during growth has proven unfavorable in the clay soil of the station. As regards dis tance of planting, it is quite evident that distance must vary with the variety grown and with the rainfall and general climatic conditions of the locality. At the New York Station trials with Waushakum corn indicated that three aud one-half feet by three and one-half feet is the best distance for that variety. The influence of weeds in the growing crop of corn seems productive of injury not only from their use of the food SUD- ply of the soil but from the shading of the ground,
 A WORD ABOUT POTATOES. For an early crop of potatoes the seed must be planted as soon as the gronnd is in good working order. The earliest varieties can be marketed in sixty five to seventy days from planting. The later varieties do better when planted some weeks after the early kinds. The best soil is a rich brown, sandy, neither too wet nor too dry. Early potatoes mature sooner in a light soil. Old sod land turned under last autumn, and lightly plowed and narrowed this spring, will produce a large crop of sound tubers. Clover sod is excellent for this purpose. Wet land should be avoided for potatoes. Many of our progressive farmers are planting potatoes in drills, about two and one- half feet by three feet, and covering the seed about four inches in light soil. The usual plan is to plant two good eyes to the hill. When barnyard manure is employed it must be old and well rotted. A common mode of application is spread ing it previous to blowing in the spring. At time of planting are used bone-dust, ashes, plaster and like fertilizers. Not a few of our most successful growers employ the complete or special fertil- izers for this crop with admirable effect. In seasons of disease wood ashes have been applied with marked effect.
 TRANsPnANTINa TREES. In trans planting trees many persons think that no matter what soil is given, or how large the top, or how broken the roots, the tree is in duty bound not only to live, but to thrive. Accordingly hole is dug the size of peck measure, and the roots crowded in; the top is left un- trimmed, and the grass soon forms a perfect thatch over the roots, keeping out the air and moisture that would otherwise nourish them. The tree dies, and the nurseryman is blamed, or the planter bemoans the ill.luck that always kills his shade trees. Some time ago two cherry trees were transplanted, and being so thrifty it was thought waste to cut back more than the longest limbs. Leaves were put forth, but toward the last of May they began to droop in the heat; then from one tree all the limbs were cut back to six inches, and all but a dozen buds rubbed of. These soon began to grow and by July 1st the twigs were nearly foot in length, while the other cherry tree was nearly dead. A small but choice lilac in it's second summer put forth few leaves, and grew an inch or so, then stopped for a years rest. The sod was then dug away, and in its place was put quan- tity of well-rotted chip dirt, while it was was watered with liquid manure. It soon commenced rapid growth, and kept it up throughout the season. A forest tree was set in sod. bound soil, and in four years made growth of scarcely ten inches. It was then thoroughly mulched with refuse from the house, and thereafter was thrifty tree. No one would expect pigs or chickens to thrive on one-tenth the proper amount of food. Neither should one expect trees to grow if denied food and drink, and yet compelled to furnish sap for myriad of leaves. - Correspondence Country Gentlemen.