The commonwealth. (Scotland Neck, N.C.) 1896-1929, 1897-02-25
AROUND THE FARM.
VALUABLE HINTS 70 FARMERS
About Stock and Things.
Fhiladelphia Record.

Philadelphia Record.
Cherries are profitable, and the sup
ply is usually below the demand. The
growing of cherry trees would be more
general but for insects and the ravages
of the black knot. Growers who have
made cherries their speciality, however,
state that the crop pays tor the work
given in protecting the trees. The
trees OF some varieties come into hear
ing early, and can be planted closer to
gesher than apple or pear trees.
The onion crop is sometimes put IN
before March Is over, but 1t depends on
the location ard condition of the
weather. Onions are planted very early,
however, especially when sets are used,
and they can endure quite degree OF
cold. There is no time now to lose in
getting ready for onions If the ground
has not been prepared.
If the grape vines have not yet been
trimmed it may be too late in few
weeks more. The cutting back OF
grapes, raspberries and blackberries can
not be deferred. All of the cuttings
must be burnt in order to destroy in
sects and fungi.
Plow as early as possible, so as to
give the early weeds chance to grow,
which will enable you to destroy them
when they are small with a harrow.
Every weed that can be started and
destroyed before the crop is planted is
one more that will be out OF the way.
Some weeds come up as soon as the
frost leaves, and others do not start
until June. Constant cultivation de-
stroys them before they can make
growth and rob the soil of plant food.
Two crops of cow peas can be grown
and plowed in during the year. Sow
the first crop when corn is planted, and
turn the vines under just when the
seed pods are about to form. The plat
may then be seeded to COW peas again
and furnish another crop to be turned
under Lime and ashes are excellent
for such crops.
An apple orchard can be used in
several ways. A successful grower states
that OF his orchard he raises apples,
poultry, eggs, grass and pork. He
allows the hogs to work in the orchard
eating the fallen fruit, while his poultry
house sets III the centre. In estimating
the receipts and expenses he credits the
land with all that it produces, and says
that the orchard pays more than any
other portion of the farm.
In all communities where the farm
ers appear more prosperous than in
other sections it Will be noticed that
dairying is specially. Stock and
clover are the foundations OF success, as
the farm is thereby kept in good con-
dition while being made to pay. A
large portion OF the profit is in the in
creased capacity Of the soil to produce,
az the plant food existing therein is so
much available material upon which to
draw, and represents capital invested.
Hundreds of farmers gradually become
wealthy, owing to the increased valua-
ton of their farms, although they may
have apparently realized no profit.
Make it point to always have some
thing to sell at all seasons of the year,
even if only eggs can be obtained. a
lot of thrifty hens that are well cared
for will pay we'll, and they are worthy
the attention of the farmer himself In
stead of being turned over to the other
members of the family.
Planting corn too close I'm the rows
may be disadvantage should the
season be dry. A Missouri farmer, who
makes from 40 to go bushels per acre,
lays off his rows seven feet apart. His
reasons for 80 doing are that the plants
have more room Tor feeding, and they
secure more moisture. The crop can
also be cultivated later in the season.
His plan is worthy of consideration,
and those who have not tried it should
experiment with small plat.
Damp stables and wet pig pens are
costly. They cause diseases of the feet
are the foundations of colds and render
the animals very uncomfortable. Alb
eorbent material should be used liberal
" to prevent dampness and save the
manure.
The wider the country road the
greater the cost. The road should be
of sufficient width, however, to permit
two wagons loaded with hay to pass
without difficulty. Wide tires should
be the rule also. In France some
wagons have five-inch tires, and they
assist in packing the road instead o.
cutting it into ruts.
- T.. L.