Staunton vindicator. [volume] (Staunton, Va.) 1860-1896, 1892-04-22
FlshersvlIle Farmers Club.
HOW THE NEW THRESHING PLAN WORKS
INTERESTING DISCUSSION ON
CROPPING THE LAND.

FIsHERsvILLE, April 16.-The following
members were present at the club meeting
| ing to-day-G. w. c. Karnes, w. F. Gilke-
son, DR.. M. G. Hildebrand, H. A. S. Ham
ilton, J. w. Churchman, W. A. Freed,
Capt. C. B. Coiner, F. M. Bell, Maj. A.
Koiner, J. R. Kemper.
MI. L. W. Drumheller was elected a
member of the club.
MI. Freed submitted prices from dealer
on binder Irvine, and the matter was con-
tinued for future action.
MI n. J. Drumheller, the veteran thresh-
erman, was present and contracted with the
club to again do their threshing and baling
upon the same terms as last year. He fur
nishes his own hands, pays and boards them
and charges cents per bushel for wheat,
81 cents for oats and $1.S5 per ton for bal
ing. MI. Drumheller is the pioneer in this
movement of so great Importance and sat-
isfaction to the farmer, and this club may
yet erect a monument to him. Every
neighborhood could have this arrangement
if they would demand it. and for the infor-
nation of those who are contemplating it,
we assure them that it has been entirely
satisfactory here and no other way will
suit us now.
The question for discussion to-day was:
els it expedient to set aside certain lands to
be cropped in wheat continuously, rather
than the regular rotation as now"
Maj. Koiner thought this an important
subject, but the limited time at our COM
mand was not sufficient to discuss it in de-
tail. After examining the ROthemstead
station reports he was satisfied we were just
on the surface of the facts. The subject OF
drainage and it's effects on the land and
crops was very interesting. This station
has put the same land in wheat for forty
years and with success. He would be glad
if these reports could be published and lis
seminated throughout Virginia, as they
touch upon interesting questions we have
never thought of before. He thought it
might be good policy to select our level and
most suitable lands for wheat, rather than
the rough and steep hill sides. His friend,
Elijah Conner, had grown wheat on the
same land for IS years successfully. The
straw produced was not SO long as that
grown on fresh land, but the grain was
well matured.
MI. Churchman said he had experienced
gathering wheat from steep hill sides where
it took man riding on rail on the upper
side of wagon to keep from upsetting, and
he was favorable to more level ground.
But it could only be done by fencing off
the hill sides for pasture at great expense.
MI. Freed thought that wheat could be
grown for long time on the same ground,
| but on account of the broom sedge it was
necessary to pillow up the grass fields, and for
that reason he did not think it practicable.
| Mr.. Churchman wanted to know some
remedy for broom sedge, as it was getting
all over the country.
MI. Karnes thought by continual crop
ping of wheat it would run into blue grass
and choke out the crop, and it would be
necessary to continually increase the
amount of fertilizer used to maintain the
yield. His land produced not less 2 tons
| of hay per acre. and there was more money
in that crop. It is necessary to cultivate
in corn to kill out the broom sedge-two
crops of corn will usually effect a cure.
MI. Bell said his father had piece OF
land in wheat for IL years continuously
The first crop was only 5 bushels Fer acre.
and the last crop was % bushels per acre.
The first question for discussion at the
May meeting is ''Can anything be sugges
ted by this club to secure more efficient
execution Of the laws for the protection 'o1
sheep from dogs.'
| I'd Question. farming pay? II
not, what changes can be made with profit!
The club then adjourned to meet the Sd
Saturday IN May, at which time officers fol
the ensuing year will be elected. A full
meeting is earnestly desired.
J. R. KEMPER, w. A. FREED,
Cor. Sec'y. Vice Pres't.