The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-05-11

the plants are four inches high, practice
surface cultivation. stirring only the top
two or three inches OF the soil.
This loose top soil acts as mulch, TN
earth mulch. and prevents evaporation OF
the moisture underneath. After every
rain, surface cultivation should be given,
not only or chiefly TO stop weed growth,
but 10 make this mulch. The roots un-
derneath feed upon this pent-up moisture
and withstand the effects OF severe
dfouths- They are much longer than
many farmers suppose, as examination
Will show q network OF them extending
from row TO row. Deep blowing cuts them
oil and crlpples the plants.
CanRassn Agriculture.
Canada promises TO become an import
ant riya. of the United States in supply
ing tue world with agricultural products.
While much OF her territory lies too lar
north TO be productive, yet an immense
area IN the southern half is well adapted
TO agriculture and stock raising, much OF
which has never been developed. Fifty
five per cent. OF her inhabitants are en-
gagged agriculture, and her exports, which
ara already considerable, are increasing.
The natural prCduct!veness of her wheat
area is hardly exceeded by any wheat
ields of tie word Her average crop OF
this cereal is about forty million bushels.
The chief grain crop is oats. She raises
25.O000 QUO to 100000 bushels OF barley
annually, Of which the United States uses
al! her surplus, when averages about ten
million bushels. The other principal pro-
ducts are peas, corn, hay, potatoes, tur-
hips and live stock. As the heavily tim
bered country becomes cleared and opened
up 10 markets by railroads we may expect
20 see our northern neighbOr5 come into
more direct competition with us in tie
markets OF the old world.
Deep Plowin-.
4 few weeks ago q correspondent OF q
leading farm journal spoke OF blowing his
land twelve TO fifteen inches deep. Tins
statement brought out comments from
many farmers in diferent sections Of the
country, from which an idea may be
gained OF the average depth 10 which sod
land Is plowed. The exact depth is not
so important to US as is the principle regu-
iating it. The belief IS that sod for corn
should not be buried more than five or
six inches, or even less, as any greater
depth places the plant food below part OF
the feeding roots.
It is the experience of THE SENTINEL
farmer that fOur-inch blowing has given
splendid results for corn, but the practice
cannot DO com mended, as il tends to les
sen the depth Of the soil, while it is ODe Of
tie first principles of good farming that
soils should be deepened rather than per
mitted 10 grow shallow. For "a single crop
oil corn, however on most land clover
sod Eve inches deep is fully as effective az
any. roT potatoes these farmers advo-
cate blowing seven or eightinch deep, ii
the soil permits, and this is the usual
depth, bat even with this crop in many
coils six inches is fully as good as 8 single
crop.
The writer does not like to advocate any
other than deep p0wing, as very gradual
deepening Of the soil tends TO increase
fertility and ability TO withstand drought.
Single crops often &c, more benefit from &
SOD turned com paratively shallow, bat any
increase does not always recompense for
the Ill effects of shallow blowing. Com
pact, rolling land always demands a
gradual deepening of the soil 20 increase
the absorption Of the water, thus helping
70 Withstand drought and TO prevent wash
ing. II Is safe to say that the permanent
land value OF any farm is increased by
continued deep ploWlng. Inn soils can
not be deepened safely moro than a half
inch each year.
Grooming Horses.
The currycOmb and brush are 20 horses
what water for bathing is to man. The
millions Of pores of the skin are con,in-
ually throwing o. the waste matter of the
system, and if they are permitted to be.
come clogged the health of an animal will
become injured. More food is required TO
/ keep 1t fat and the hair becomes rough,
which Is q sure sign of unthriftiness. The
I discomfort thar ungrOomed horses expert
/ ence is sufficient 10 prevent them from
/ thriving even when fed most literally.
When currying is done regularly everv
! day the comb should not he sharp, nor
/ should 1t be used so roughly as is common.
/ A light scratching Of the skin is sufficient,
4 but rubbing cannot lie done 10 excess. II
cleans the hair and causes the oil to flow
/ freely. For the legs OF a horse nothing is
! better than corn cob and a Wisp of hay.
| A comb is too severe and may DO injury
/ as well as annoy the animal IL always
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