The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1897-06-12

There is no other grain of which a
dollars worth will plant as many acres
as Of corn. 1t does not pay to use any
but the most thoroughly trustworthy
seed of the beet varieties procurable.
If seed corn has been exposed to ex-
treme winter temperature, test it by
planting given number of kernels in a
box, and placing by the kitchen stove;
95 per cent. should show healthy
sprouts.
A miss in getting good stand of corn
to start with is miss clear through. for
no after work can atone for mistake in
laying the foundation for crop.
II cultivated soil dries off and remains
crusted after rains, enormous is the
amount OF water which will evaporate in
a hot, windy day. it is claimed that the
amount will reach 100000 pounds an
acre. Stir it.
Oats are just as hard on clover as are
weeds on the corn plant. and it does not
need shade any more than does corn.
Why not give it a chance by sowing it
alone and moving off the tops of young
weeds.
The first 10 days experience after plant.
ing constitutes crisis in the history of
the corn crop; the weeds grow rampant,
but frequent shallow cultivation is thor
oughly equal to the occasion.
There are too many people in the
world short on the necessaries of life to
give room for the serious PRONUNCIATION
OF the theory of overproduction. What
is needed are improved methods and
cheaper means of transportation.
While dairy farms may not give as
large yearly yields as those devoted to
grain, they are worked at much less ex-
pense for labor and tools, and give as
large clear income. Moreover, the land
is the gamer all the time.
Bones consumed with wood will great
ly increase the value of wood ashes, and
money cannot buy any article which
will so enrich the soil. The bones will
not be hard to find.
Practically, an acre consisting of
plat 160 rods long and one rod wide
which is "back furrowed" is much larger
than one which is 20 rods long and eight
rods wide which is plowed in the usual
manner.
The first thought of the careful and
thoughtful corn raiser is to get in his
quick and timely work on the weeds.
After the little rains is the one time they
can be effectually eradicated
After blowing sometimes only few
hours is required to so dry out the soil
that when narrowed it is impossible to
get the surface in such a fine state as is
necessary to ensure the best results.
The blowing should be so deep that
all moisture will be soon absorbed and
stored for use when it is needed at the
surface, at which time it will be brought
up by the capillary action of the earth.
When corn is drilled rather thicker
than usual for fodder purposes it should
be remembered to let the rows run north
and south, that the sunlight may have
better access to the plants.
Corn should not be planted until the
soil is sufficiently warm to induce speedy
termination and vigorous growth.
Green, not yellow, is the normal shade
of the corn plant.
Manure under cover is dry and easily
handled at any season. Those who have
hauled out wet manure from wet barn
yard will appreciate this fact.
OF two farmers with equal mental and
physical attachments. the one with
small farm gets more comfort and salts
faction from his work, and quite as much
net profit as the one with larger farm.
Might it not be we'll for those farmers
who have been growing more wheat and
corn than they could sell at paying
prices to turn their attention to the sug-
ar beet? The home demand will absorb
two million tons annually.
The United States has been annually
paying ahundred millions for raw sugar.
Why not occupy this field and add a
most valuable article to our productions?
The sugar beet is destined to deliver
us.
1t is the profit we must aim for, the
profit which comes from the best farm
ing, from raising most at least expense,
the raising on one acre what our neigh
bors raises on two.
The man who increases his yield an
acre saves in seed, in expence of cult
walton and harvesting, and has land
left to put to other uses. and to add to
his profit.
STOCK.
When fed intelligently milk is one of
the most imDortant elementa of a we'll