The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1891-01-15


ence according to locality-the former
being more practiced north of forty
degrees latitude, while the latter is
preferred south of that line. We will
here give both, that planters may
choose for themselvs:
PREPARING THE PLANT BED.
For hot bed, select a southern or
southeastern exposure, sheltered on the
north, dig and shovel out a space five
by twelve feet or any required length,
to the depth of eighteen inches.
Place straw to the depth of three or
four inches in the bottom of this trench,
and cover with fresh unrotted manure
from the stable to the depth of six or
eight inches; then cover the manure
with soil (woods mould is besD five in
ches deep. How to cover the bed with
canvas will be presently described.
Tobacco seed is sown on the bed
thus prepared at the rate of two tea
spoonfuls to bed five by twelve feet.
To SOW regularly, mix the seed with a
fertilizer, ashes, or plaster, and SOW in
drills three inches apart. When the
plants have pretty we'll covered the
surface of the bed, remove the canvas
during the day, and only replace it
when there is danger of frost, or to
keep off the flea bugs. There is the
advantage Of having earlier plants by
this mode and perfect security against
the Aea-bug, which will repay for the
additional cost Of raising at least
portion of the plants needed for the
crop by this safe mode.
But there is no question that open
air beds are cheapest. And where this
mode ofraising plants is practicable,
it is greatly to be preferred for the
main supply of plants. 1t is welles-
tablished opinion that plants raised in
open air stand transplanting better
and usually grow off quicker than
plants raised in hot bed or cold frame.
On the selection of proper locality
for plant bed, and its preparation
largely depends the timely supply of
strong, healthy plants, without which
it is impossible to raise crop of fine
grade. The planter, therefore, cannot
be too careful in choosing sheltered
spot. neither too wet nor too dry, as
rich naturally as can be found, and To-
Gated so as to possess different degrees
Of moisture.
Go into the woods-original forest,
if possible-and select spot near a
branch or stream Of water, embracing
both hillside and fat, and having a
! southern or southeastern exposure, pro,
tected by woods on the north. Burn
over the plat intended for plants, either
by the old or new method. The first
consists in placing down a bed of wood
on small skids three to four feet apart
ON the ground we'll cleared and raked.
Then fire this bed of wood and permit
it to remain burning long enough to
cook the soil brown for half an inch deep.
With hooks, or old hoes fastened to
long poles, pull the burning mass OF
brands distance of four and one half
or five feet, throw on brush and wood,
and continue burning and moving the
fire until the bed is burned over. Never
burn when the land is wet. 1t will
require from one and one-half 20 two
hours to cook the soil porperly.
! Or, better still: Rake over nicely
the plat to be burned, then place down
| poles from two to four inches in di-
ameter, three and one ehaf to four feet
apart, over the entire surface to be
burned. Then place brush thlckly
over the plat and weight down with
wood, over which throw leaves, trash
or other combustible material; over thi:
sprinkle kerosene oil, and set the whole
on fire and burn at one operation.
y But any mode of burning the pla