The Cecil Whig. [volume] (Elkton, Md.) 1841-current, 1894-02-10
February Farm Work.

Sometimes when the land is very rich,
young apple and pear trees make very
rapid growth, and produce more wood
than should be the case, while larger
trees that have grown much wood will
not bear fruit proportlonately. In such
cases a grass crop in the orchard will do
no harm, especially to the young trees
but the sod should be turned under the
second year. Ii the season is dry the
grass may secure the greater share OF
moisture, hence when the orchard ie in
grass, and drought appears, the grass
should be piowed under at once.
The sweet potato is crop that en-
dures drought remarkably we'll, aud but
for the rot it would be more remuueI-
alive crop. The fault is partly in the
use of the manure. II the manure is
allowed to become heated sufficiently to
spores which lead to fungus growth
would be destroyed and the crop secure
more plant food.
Some farmers have curtailed the area
of land devoted to wheat, because of the
low prices that prevailed for last years
crop. A safe rule to follow is to plant
more corn and grow more wheat than
before, as it often happens that high
prices follow simply because less wheat
is grown the next year owing to the
reduction of area.
The estimate for this years crop of
oranges is about 4, 600, 900 boxes. Apples
however, seem to be better crop than
oranges. The fruit grower who gives
his attention to the best kid of apples,
and who knows low to keep them until
winter, will make more profit han can
be made from oranges on the same area
of land.
Poultry droppings, when allowed to
become very dry, are almost insoluble
and remain in the ground for months
without nefitting the crops. Il is best
to mix them with dry dirt and keep them
moist (uot weD with soapsuds.
The farmer who confines himself 10
two or three staple crops, and who has
not ventured beyond them, does not
know the full capacity of his farm. He
should try some special crop on a small
area, and endeavor to have q greater
variety of articles to sell. The causes of
failures IN some crops do not Influence
other kinds.
II the farmer is not an educated man
he should educate his sons to theoreti
Cal as well as a practical knowledge of
farming. AS true farming includes stock
raising, horticulture and the growing of
all crops required for use, there is a wide
field for learning more. In fact OF all
industries in which education gives the
best results to class, farming is in the
lead.
There is not an over-production of
everything Some crops may be abuG-
dans, but there will always be some
thing of which the supply is less than
the demand.
Oae of the remedies for low prices is
to endeavor to make each acre of land
double itself 10 production. AS many as
60 bushels of wheat have been grown
on one acre as an experiment, yet the
farmer who secures 20 bushels per acre is
contented. There is always room at
the top" in farming. as in every other
occupation.
Economy in feeding the animals while
the farm tools are exposed and rusting is
more extravaganza than any system of
reducing expenses with stock.
How many farmers can truthfully
state that they know the value of their
farms, stock, feed and implements
Very few, as it is seldom that an inyen-
tory has been taken, and yet it should be
done every year, just as the merchant
examines his stock. Farming is 'bns-
mess" occupation.
To find proper market after the crop
is grown is a matter that is very import
ant. 1T will pay the farmer to clip the
max reports, daily or weekly, and
cc.npare them, as well as keep him
;.elf informed in regard to the reports
from cities that may be apparently
beyond the territory in which he sells.
Do not overlook the fact that onions
are often planted as early as March, and
the ground must be very rich. Now is
an excellent time to spread manure on