The Monitor. [volume] (Woodstown, N.J.) 1884-1892, 1888-05-04

cessity OF knowing: list, What are the ele-
ments contained in or required by the crop we
wish to grow. I'd, In what degree or to what
extent do these elements exist in the soil
where we propose to plant the seed. Sd, What
amount when, and in what form do we pro-
pose TO supply the deficiency, if any exists.
The first point is easily known, but to deter
mine the second, is a subject requiring careful
investigation. To have samples of the soil an
aIyzed would be a step in the right direction.
But more important is it to make experiments
with different fertilizing ingredients, keeping
II correct record in every case of kinds and
quantity of each used, where applied and the
crop yield in each case. This will determine
better than by any other method what our soil
is deficient in for any crop experimental with.
And it is only by these and similar experi
ments that we can manure inteligently and
economically and hope to reach the "profta-
Bile limit of productiveness GLOW to pro-
duce much upon a small area let this be our
aim.
While on the subject of fertilizers let Us re
member that we should get a brand the ingre-
dents of which are soon available, or else, we
may put our money out where the return will
be uncertain. In fall crops, however, or crops
that are to stand through the winter, we want
something more gradual, In order that its ma
nurial yalue may not be so far spent before
spring that we nor the crop derive its full ben
eft. And this suggests this question, whether
we ought to apply to our rye and wheat a
portion of the amount intended for these crops
in the spring. have no doubt we would find
this plan far more profitable than to give the
crop all it is expected TO need at one dose, and
then abandon it to winter storms, spring
winds, freezing and thawing, and yet wonder
xpbu xyp dn mt appurp heavier Yields If We
could hold the manures applied in gradual
disintegration according to the growing needs
of the crop, the ease would be different. In lien
OF this, let us give our crops seasonable meals,
/. e., frequent and light fertilizing.
The value of the latter course has been abnn-
dainty demonstrated in recent years with all
leading crops. Another hindranee Is unsea-
sonable, unsuitable, and deficient cultiya-
ton. Having the right soil and the right
manure the Importance of timely, suitable
and thorough cultivation cannot be over-esti-
mated; and we must have it In the order nam
ed, timely, suitable, thorough. The advanta-
ges resulting from this course, and the certain
failure following its neglect, wit the reasons
why it is so, / need not dwell upon, suffice it
to say that the soil Dreathes and plants breathe,
and the surface of the soil is the focal point in
natures work. A loose soil, one that is fire.
quently stirred, draws from the atmosphere
valuable manurial ingredients that a hard sur
face cannot. Growing plant life, also, makes
heavy drafts on the air around it for its growth
and development, and this is done by the
power of absorption by the roots, through the
soil from the air.
Another hindrance that | will name and one
that applies to some farmers throughout the
season, if not for life, is, not carrying their
uorl- brnuoh suppesGfufIy fo the end A crit
Icism made by General Grant respecting one
of his generals was, "He does not fight his bat
ties through A moments reflection will
bring to mind many who have not and do not
succeed for this and no other reason. They
own as many acres, buy rs much manure, keep
as much stock, have as good machinery, and
have as large an area planted to orchard and
TO the different crops as their more successful
~neighbor, and yet wonder why they do not
succeed as we'll as he. The General named
was very successful in making a brilliant dash,
would put the enemy to flight and then halt
and go into camp, instead of making a thor
ongh ruin of the foe and securing other adj
yantages by following up his victory. Failing
in this the enemy gathered his scattered
forces, secured reinforcements, and turned the
tide of battle against his former victorious an
tagonist. just so in ouI work, begin a Job and
then leave ii.
Another hindrance to success is want of at
tention to detail. General Washington wa. a
farmer. When engaged in the service of his
country he did not forget the farm and the
home interests. on one occasion he wrote
home to his farmer the Importance OF giving
especial attention to detail . and a wiser than
Westinghouse some things-says, prov. %,
2s.) sBe thou diligent to know the state of thy
aoola and Look uRlI tn fby herds for riches
are not forever" We have many good farm
ers sin general, " but not so many good farm
ers in particular. There is no part of farming
operations that does not require close and con
slant attention., and this is especially true OF
our stock interests and of fruit culture. Ads
cussion OF successful methods in these Will
bring into prominence the necessity stated.
Another serious hindrance is lack of
knowledge, and wisdom to know how to APP
ply it. knowledge, and the capacity 10 make
due use of it, is very important in any calling
1t is this hat makes some branches OF bust
ness, in some mems hands, successful, while
in other mems hands, lacking his, the same
business becomes n failure. knowledge alone
will not suffice. A man may read all the books
and possess himself of all the rules, and buy
all needed machinery, but if he lack wisdom
to put these rules and this machinery to use
he will fail. This wisdom to "know how
comes largely by experience. Hence the man
other things being e~qual-who grows up in a
certain business il most likely to succeed in
il. And for the lack of experience many theo-
retical. amateur farmers fail. Time was when
il was thought that any ignoramus could be a
farmer, but that time has gone by. A man
who expects to become a successful farmer to-
day must have ideas, push, business capacity
and good common sense, as we'll as money, in
order TO succeed. This knowledge is proeura-
Bile in four ways, as by reading and study, by
experiments, by observation, and by discus
sion among our fellow farmers.
A person who is in the habit of exercising
close observation for a purpose, will learn IL
great deal as he passes through life. lnvesti-
cation. science and invention are very here
AZ work and within the last half century much
has been learned and written concerning ag-
riculturc that was but little o previous
to that time, and these Investigations are go
ing on all the time, not only by strictly seien-
tiic men, but by practical, intelligent farmers
also. and among the most valuable OF such eN-
periments are those made by the latter. The
conclusions reached by these men, With the
discoveries made, are being published in ON
cial bulletins and in our leading agricultural
papers. The man who. needing" Information
and who does nots-disregards these IS certain
Nv blind TO his own interests. A few dollars
expended in this direction will give a return
| more prof table by tar than some that is spent
i'm questionable luxuries. Resides being a