The Hocking sentinel. [volume] (Logan, Ohio) 1871-1906, 1894-04-05

StlTIicS urE. lutO LIllS OSSH Welt cDFH
stalks and other refuse, and by &C ction
of the water and heat all was well rot
ted by midsummer. Manure was the
thing sought, as it secme'l to be needed
for top dressing fields that would be
needed to clover. 1 now think that
the work of converting the surplus
straw into ma nure and drawing it back
to the fields, was worse than wasted,
and nothing casts gloom of sadness
over me SO quickly as the thought that
have done WORK that was wholly un-
necessary when that work
was drawing and spreading manure.
In 1892 drew some surplus straw di-
rect to 4 field that had been broken
and prepared for wheat. This was in
the latter part of July. The straw WAS
put on the ground as n mulch, being
spread just thicl, enough SO that one
could not sec through it. Here it lay
until seeding time. when it was burned
off. The result was that although the
mulchcd land was the thinncst part Of
the field. it grew not only the finest
wheat. which was only secondary
matter, but had at harvest time by far
the best clover and timothy. so
marked was this that the irregular
line dividing the mulchel from the ur-
muSched land was closely defined IS
students of agricultural chemistry you
understand the beneficent effects of 3
mulch upon land-how the land is
made to retain moisture, remain per-
Gus, and is enriched in nitrates. and
understand further that burning at
fects the sol am persuaded that a
ton of straw used rs mulch is wor. h
as much as two tons of straw converted
into a rotten mass and used as a top
dressing.
Had the time it might be well 10
call your attention TO another problt IN
that concerns us We have been
taught that land lying bare during tie
winter suffers loss of plant food from
teaching, anil this we believe. Desp.;e
this the practice of fall or winter plow-
ing increases with us. Farming Us We
do for living and not for our health,
we must have as big crops as we can
conveniently get, and in southern Oh o
early planting is so essential that Q
are led to break our clover sos.s in tie
fall or winter for next springs plant
ing of potatoes ana 1 wish to add th.t
the most successful growers OF corn are
doing the same more uEd more each
year In the case of potato it is nee
cssary to grow the crop. if possible, be-
fore the extreme heat of August is upon
us. To accomplish this we want early
planting on somewhat rottei 500.
Still, there is 4 question about tn S
practice, and hence I would mention it
as one of our problems
This disintegration OF the soil, upon
which we depend for our stock of avail
able mineral manures, and this grow
ing of legumcns. on which we depend
for stores of nitrogen, are affected ly
underdrainage and by tillage. As our
chemists tell us, the chemical changes
in the soil are incessant, except it be in
mid-winter. but after we assist nature
all We can by draining the soil, stirring
it, seeding with clover and peas, al d
using carefully all the manure that
work animals and family cows may af-
ford us, in nursing the manurial crops
VIC Notlt iCNs SHu We AVN All " "a -
to increased yields from our fields.
This is the biggest problem Of all.
WI the day como when chemicals will
either furnish us the plant food on our
soils that is needed or else &C. as solv-
cnts? viii there in the near future be
rebuilding of fences and return to
competition with the great west in
cattle and horses and mutton? ] think
not Careful return of all refuse AID
all manure we now have as top
dressing for plants like clover, good
Indcra:-a mage SO that natures labora-
tory is fitted for work, wise rotation
and an approach to- such tillage as
Jethro Tull once urged. seems rcu-
sonable basis for future work along
present lines Who can tell us how to
pursue this course with more safety and
better results?
There used 10 be conviction that
little heresy ought to go long way,
but in this age Il great deal Of heresy
goes only little way. ] am not one
who thinks that the holding of heretic-
al views is any mark OF exceptional
ability to think in a straight line. how
ever much the holders Of such views
may pride themselves upon such pos
sessions. Southern Chic is orthodox in
kcr religion, but i'll her agriculture |
have had 10 bring to your notice three
hercsies: Partia! abandonment OF stock
ra ising in limited sections, some burn
in:, of straw and some fall blowing. AS
you gentlemen leave this school we
look to you for correct guidance in
q agricultural lines. and if we are stray.
ing too far away from faithful land
marks. the money devoted by the state
and nation to your education will have
been well expended if you lead us back
AN UNDERPAID LETTER.