The morning news. [volume] (Savannah, Ga.) 1887-1900, 1891-05-25

the seed has germinated and the plants have
made considerable growth
according to the old, aud until a CON-
parauYely recent period the generally ac-
cepted doctrine, tire quantity OF grain and
vegetables which viii be produced has been
practically decided. The acreage has been
liked anu the manure has been apoliei
These were looked upon as the determining
factors as far as human agency goes. II
was admitted that much depended upon the
character OF the season, but that was
known to be governed by a higher power
than that Of man and nothing that human
agency could accomplish would affect 1t in
any manner.
In those days, and when they are not
very far behind us, cultivation was looked
upon rather as preventative of evil than
as power for good. The farmer knew
that If he did not cultivate his crops the
land would become filled with weeds and he
realized that when he came to harvest the
crop these weeds would make him trouble
de also knew, from unfortunate expert
ence, that if they once obtained possession
or the land they would not only be a source
OF annoyance to him that year. but that
they would remain IN the ground for many
years and give him trouble as long as the
land was plowed. That the weeds worked
great harm to the crop by taking
the food which the cultivated plants needed,
and by preventing the free access of the
sunlight and air is apparently theory OF
more recent introduction. Cultivation was
not given for the purpose Of improving the
crop, but in order to uproot the weeds. The
weeds were destroyed, not so much be-
cause they were considered injurious TO the
plants which the farmers decided to grow as
because, il left alone, they would be In his
way and would perpetuate themselves to his
disadvantage in future years. II the land
was not weedY cultivation was looked upon
as work Of supererogation. To cultivate
clean field was regarded as a waste of
time and toll which was wholly inexcusa-
ble
Fortunately for the farmers of the pr es-
emf time there has been a marked increase
In knowledge regarding the effects of culti
walton. Though there are many, in all,
who cling to old beliefs and follow old GUS
toms, the majority have accepted the
teachings of science and the results of care
fCl and long continued experiments. In too
many instances their knowledge is more
perfect than their practice. Their fai tn is
not. to as great an extent as it should be,
manifested by their works. They are con-
tident that the old belief was wrong. They
are persuaded that it is possible to largely
increase the yield of crop even after the
area devoted to it hos been fixed and the
manure has been applied to the land. They
recognize, in theory at least, the fact that
extra tiliage promotes the growth and in
creases the yield Of crops as surely as an
additional quantity of manure would have
done.
The reason cultivation promotes the
growth of crops is simple. 1t unlocks some
of the stores of plant food which the soil
contains. These elements were in too coarse
form to be utilized by the plants. Culti-
walton pulverizes them, and thus renders
them available. The more frequent and
thorough the cultivation of the soil the
greater the quantity OF food which the
plants can use and the more rapid will be
their growth. Still another reason why
these beneficial results follow cultivation is
found in the greatly improved condition of
the surface soil which it insures, and which
in no small degree protects the plants against
the evil influence of extremes of drought
and moisture.
No farmer should be contented with pro~
ducing small CROPS. Even if his land is not
very rich and mas not been heavily MANFRED
he may be able by means of thorough and
persistent cultivation to secure q very good
yield. The work should be commenced
early and should be continued until the
plants reach a stage at which cultivation
can no longer be prof1tably performed. If
any one doubts the efficacy of the plan
recommended let him try it, at least on part
of his crops, and note the result. But he
must uot wait until the plants are half
grown before he begins the work. To give
it's best results cultivation must be attended
to early as well as often. 1t then becomes
a sure and profitable method of increasing
the yield of crops.