The gold leaf. [volume] (Henderson, N.C.) 1881-1911, 1894-08-02

obtain the best results by sowing peas
on land that was grown in corn the
previous year. In this section wheat
should be sown from 18th Oct. to is.
Nov. As a rule, never turn green
pea vines in hot weather, such as we
have in August, and also most of Sep
tember, as old mother earth don't like
too much sour medicine in her stom
ach. Need not turn pea vines earlier
than October Ist, when the peas will
be ripe and the vines dead. Vines
should be mown off of the very rich
land for hay, which is excellent feed
FOR COWS. The root Of the pea is an
excellent fertilizer, and much benefit
is derived from the shade Of the vine
in hot weather. The vines should be
cut for hay about the time the peas are
full grown. 1t is not necessary for
the vines to remain but few hours on
the ground, as they should be placed
loosely around shaggy poles about 8
feet high, and topped off so as to aid
in turning off rain, and if the weather
is fair, they can be removed to barn
in 6 or 8 days.
Some claim that peas do no good
only for the follow crop, and that the
land receives no permanent improve
ment and some contend that unless
we keep up the business our lands in
a short time will become worse than
when first brought up. Our own ex-
perience will enable US to answer the
first statement or question. In 1890
we cultivated nearly 9 acres in corn,
and no peas turned under for this crop,
but the field had been brought up by
sowing peas and we think the last crop
of peas turned under had been two
years before, and we gathered not less
than 600 bushels of corn, and no fer
tilizer used in the hill. Now this same
piece of land under the old system,
with nearly ~ acres more than now,
produced from $50 to 200 bushels.
In 1892 this same field was in wheat,
perhaps 81 acres, and we harvested
17o bushels, and under the old way
of farming the yield was from IS to
81 bushels, and the field, as above
stated, being larger. Of course our
land will soon go down unless we con-
tinue TO feed it. A fellow would soon
get mighty thin to work hard and take
no food. Peas and plaster will cause
their land to double its yield in wheat
the first coat turned. Peas, plaster
and extra work should not cost over
81 Loo per acre. A farmer can aver
age about $500 per acre clear by SOW
ing peas, not counting the improve
ment of the land, which is no small
item. 1t pays to sow peas for corn,
after the crop of wheat comes off, but
the vines should not be turned. Now
farmers, take the case and decide for
yourselves. Many have desired to
know our experience in the business,
and we have given it in our scattering
way for all to read. We want to see
the farmer prosperous, for we know
the present and future welfare of our
country depends upon his prosperity.
Farmers should keep themselves sup
piled with good literature treating
upon their occupation. You need no
secret societies as they take too much
of your time and means. Remember
that we are all poor, dependent Great
ures that the world needs men en-
gagged in different occupations, that
there must be consumers as we'll as
producers, and all are dependent upon
each other. Men engaged in one oc-
cupation should not fight against men
in different calling, unless it be the
liquor business. The great curse is
upon US, and we as true citizens must
lend our influence against the deadly
evil. You farmers need not take a
big stock in politics. If you do your
dividends will be powerful small. Give
your farm your whole time, and you'll
be likely to succeed. Above all,
l." Let your affection be on things above,
and not on things OF the earth"
SCATTERHEAD.