The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1896-03-28
GRICULTURE.

AGRICULTURE.
The value of the atmosphere as fer
tilizer is shown by the fact that fallow
land gradually increases in richness and
producing power. This is far more than
resting the land; it is feeding it as
well. The process is enhanced by turn
ing the soil frequently, especiallyif made
so fine that the air can do more than
reach the rugged clods.
Many fields can be vastly benefited by
merely blowing them in the fall OF the
year, leaving the soil exposed for single
winter. This will not do in fields so sit
uated that they will wash. If one win
ter can do so much, we might expect
much more from course of years of
such treatment.
The best method to assure success is
not in cultivatiDg many acres, but in
producing steadily large crops. Gar
deners and fruit growers should espe-
cially heed this, and farmers who have
been successful in growing large crops
OF some specially; and the best way is to
stick to the crop you understand.
The frequent.painting or oiling OF the
wagon rims pays WE'LL No part of the
vehicle is subject to so much destruc-
ton as this-rolling between stones and
through hot sand, grit and mud. Thus
cared for, they demand less frequent
setting and renewal 1t pays to keep all
wagons we'll painted, whether for work
or pleasure.
No wagon or sleigh should ever stand,
even for one hour, exposed to sun and
wind outside the owners barn; and the
careful user will seek protection from
the elements whenever he stops for an
hour. With such patient care the dura-
bility of vehicle may be doubled.
The average value of wood ashes as a
fertilizer is placed at about SO ton.
Where large amounts Of refuse wood
can be gathered with no other cost than
the labor, it would pay to gather and
burn such just for ashes. To garden
er who watches every penny. all the rub
bish he can pick up is treasure, espe-
cially for the strawberry bed.
Celery plants are an item that the av
erage village gardener rarely succeeds
in growing for himself, and he must buy
from his more painstaking neighbor,
while cabbage, tomato, sweet potato and
numerous other plants are in demand at
garden making time. There should be
a HAT in this to some enterprising man.
Why do we not grow more beans?
That it is profitable crop under proper
conditions has been proved by success
in certain regions, notably in Central
New York, where they have been max
ing speciality of it for many years; yet
it is true that the beans we import cost
us about million dollars annually.
The farmer who takes to his barn a
lantern with loose globe which is liza
BILE to fall out may not be exactly play
ing with fire, but he is risking much. A
lantern out of fix is but a nuisance. 1t
should work as perfectly as house
lamp, and be kept where it will be con-
venient to get and to light.
A hop plantation, once established.
will last for many years, and one should
build we'll from the beginning. The
roots are perennial, and the vine starts
anew every spring. Almost any good
corn ground will raise them, but it
should be high. sunny and we'll drained.
II there be no water tight gutter in
the stall the liquid manure can be saved
by placing behind the cattle quantity
of road dust. muck, saw dust or other
absorbent. AS thrown out let this be
we'll mixed with the heavier manure,
and it will give a rich and quick fertil-
izer which will more than repay all labor
given.
1t is said that skill makes the plow-
man, but genius makes the farmer.
Books are full of the successes of men,
but what volumes it would take to re-
cord their mistakes and failures! Per-
haps the greatest blunder we make is
often in failing to plan our work before
hand. A liberal mind must go with
liberal hand, in planting.
One pound of pure beeswax with two
pounds of resin makes good grating
wax; when melted, add three table
spoonsful of pure linseed oil; then turn
into a pan of cold water. Work until
plable. More oil can be added if need
ed. This will last for years, and is es-
pecially valuable for placing over wounds
where limbs have been cut off.