The times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1882-1897, 1895-10-11

PrenarInc for Corn.

In preparing ground for corn we
nlow in the spring about six inches
deem. says A. S. b. in Farmers
Guide" We think this sufficient in
our soil, while on land that had been
'skinned" for many years this depth
might bring up too much subsoil. We
think it better to deepen the soil grad
ually by blowing little deeper each
successive year until good depth is
obtained.
After the ground is plowed the har-
row is often the best tool for pulveriz-
ing. If very dry on some soils 1t would
be economy to use the roller first, than
harrow. We never use the roller when
the ground is sod or wet enough to
pack. We prefer the drag to alternate
with the harrow in the spring in pre-
pairing a seed bed as rule, and use
the roller in the fall, when the ground
is more apt to be dry.
We never use any commercial fertil-
izer on our farm, but apply in the fall
all the farm yard manure we can make
to the fields intended for corn the fol-
lowing summer. 1t may be hauled any
time during the fall, but we do not aim
to spread it before cool and rainy
weather, so that it will not waste go
badly by drying out, but it should not
be allowed to lie in piles all winter, as
the rains will leach out the strength
and not be evenly distributed over the
ground.
We prefer hilled corn to drill, as ii
Is nicer to farm, and in case of a wet
spell in the spring, if weeds get start,
they can be killed without the use of
the hoe, which, although very effec-
tive tool for destroying weeds. is too
slow for the nervous temperament of
the hustling American farmer. We
plant in hills three feet eight inches
each way from two to four grains to
the hill. If the ground has been prop
erly prepared before planting, so that
1t Is fine and free from clods, about one
or two days before the corn comes
through the ground we harrow all over
nicely. This gives the young plant a
lice, clean start. Should the ground
harrow up cloddy we would roll, if dry,
when the corn is up sufficiently to be
readily seen. Then follow up at least
once a week with the spring tooth Gull
tivator, running very close to the corn
while small, but never very deep close
W IHe CO!u dlIeT the FOCUS get well
started. We continue with the spring
tooth cultivator until from the first to
the middle of July, when we leave it,
and call it 'laid by" feeling that we
have done our part for corn crop.
Reclaiming Swampy Lands.-No
Westinghouse ought ever to be built
near swamp. If such a one exists
either the house should be removed or
the swamp should be drained. There
are many places where the deepening
Of bitches already made is all that is
needed to make dry land fit for cultiva-
ton of what has been an eyesore to the
neighborhood. This making of an out
let is much the most expensive part of
the reclamation. 1t Will improve the
neighboring upland also, for that
equally needs under draining, but can
not get until safe, reliable outlet has
been provided. All swampy lands
have been for ages the deposit for vege-
table matter from uplands. So soon
as the matter is under drained the
water falling on the upland sinks down
to the tile and enriches the soil instead
Of washing away its fertility.
Labor omnia vincit, which means
that there Is no chance for the lazy
'arIuer.