The Marietta journal. [volume] (Marietta, Ga.) 1866-1909, 1894-07-19
MR. NESBTTTS LETTER,
his Monthly Talk to the Farmers of
the State of Georgia
REVIEW OF THE CROPS.
corn and Oats Badly Damaged fo,
want OF Kain-Wheat Doing Fairly
Well-Cotton Somewhat Late.
Other Farming News.
DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE.
ATLANTA, July 1, 1894.

A GENERAL REVIEW OF CROPS AND CON.
DITIoNs.
Up to the middle of June the belxted
crops over the entire state, already re-
tarded by the unprecedented cold, were
suffering and drying up for want of
RAIN and the parching winds, which
prevailed over a large area, but added
to the gloominess of the situation. Had
this condition been confined to one sec.
ton there would have been less reason
for apprehension, but the cry of distress
from all quarters gave rise to the most
anxious forebodings. The refreshing
rains, unaccompanied by the destructive
storms SO widely predicted and expect
60, commenced about the middle of
June, and though at first verv martial
we nope they are not too late to save q
large part of the corn crop in the south-
ern part of the state, and certainly in
time to rescue that crop in the middle
and northern sections. Cotton. with its
almost marvellous powers of recunera.
ton, may recover from the varied disas-
ters to which it has been subjected, and
with propitious seasons, a. fair crop NAV
yet be realized.
The small grain crops are much in
Jureo. FAIL oats, which were at one
time most promising, have been seriously
failure, and the yield from wheat Il
much reduced. In some exceptional
cases the preparation was very thorough.
On such lands these crops show com
paratively little effect of the long
drouth, and the yield is all that could be
expected. l have in mind a field of
corn which, through drouth of several
weeks duration, has scarcely shown
twisted blade. and has maintained a
healthy growth and color which, in
comparison with adjacent fields, seemed
most remarkable. On inquiry I find
that the preparation of this land was
exceptionally thorough, and during the
long drouth the roots, instead of drying
up too near the surface. have gone as
deep as possible into the mellow bed,
thus obtaining the requisite food and
moisture for the rapidly growing plants.
This Is but another confirmation of
David Dickson's assertion, that with
thorough preparation and manuring,
corn crop can be made with one good
rain. The corn in question has never
had soaking rain since it came out of
the ground until the splendid season of
the middle of June, which places 1t be-
yond the possibility of ordinary disaster
The general corn crop is backward, es-
pecially to the north of a line drawn
east and west through the center of the
state, but
must be laid by this month. Unlike
cotton, it must mature in a certain
period, failing in this, we have no means
of remedying the defect, and the result
is disappointment in the yield.
Just now all the energies of the plant
are directed to the development OF the
ear, and should not be diverted to the
repair of useless and ill judged root
cutting. The pillow should cut evenly
and smoothly, not more than two inches
below the surface, leaving the roots I'M
disturbed to perform their perfect func-
tons.
Where commercial fertilizers were
used the long drouth has been peculiar
ly injurious, for without sufficient moist
ure, this prepared plant food is unavail-
able, and in many cases the corn had
passed the critical period of develop
ment, before the rains came to unlock
the stores, of which it stood SO much in
need. In cases where the fertilizer was
used with composts of different kinds,
the beneficial effect of the moisture alb
sorbing humus can be plainly seen, and
indeed If we desire to secure the full
benefit of any commercial fertilizer, the
safest plan is to use in conjunction with
composts. By this plan small amount
of the fertilizer can be made to do
double duty and with far more certain
ty than if applied alone.
It would make wonderful difference
on the credit side of our yearly accounts
if not one pound of fertilizer was ap-
piled except by composing. To prepare
for this, 1t is necessary to begin now.
July marks pause in the agricultural
rush of the past several weeks, and be-
fore the heavy duties of gathering and
housing the made crops and preparing
and seeding for the fall grain begins, we
can look around and take the initial
steps towards accommodating
MATERIALS FOR COMPOSING.
During wet spells or at odd times,
when other work is not pressing, much
can be done in this important branch of
Our industry. Where this work runs all
through the year, it is astonishing, not
OILY how much is saved, but how much
Is actually gained from the ordinary
''waste products" of the farm. Of
course If it is left to the last moment or
receives only careless or spasmodic at
tention. we cannot expect certain or en-
couraging results, but if settled and
intelligent plan is followed, with a
steady aim In view, the universal testi-
mony is that it pays better than any
other investment on the farm.
The lot and stalls should be
well Uttered with leaves and woods
earth, which in turn should not be
thrown out loosely to the injurious ac-
ton of all weathers, but thrown into
compact we'll built heaps, or better still.
put under shelter of some kind. If
well managed the compost heap is in
deed the farmers gold mine, from
which he can expect much more GER
tain return than is ordinarily vouch-
safed to the bona fide gold digger. We,
as farmers, should study this question
of manures in all its phases; of feeding