The Columbia herald. [volume] (Columbia, Tenn.) 18??-1935, 1899-03-03
Citizens Telephone 70.
Agriculture.

Agriculture.
Glover roots penetrates the soil to
great depth, loosen it and carry
down the plant food. Every farmer
can afford to use at least this means
of feeding and draining his land,
even if he can not afford subsoil
pillow.
When we pursue the plan of haul
ing the manure to the fields as soon
as made, and spreading it, we at
least display our ability to keep
things neat about the stables and
barnyards.
The most economical way is to
haul the manure to the fields as
made, but this is sometimes impos-
sible or unadvisable. The next best
way is to keep it in shed and mix
with land plaster, to prevent fer
mentation and to absorb the ammo
mia in which the nitrogen is con-
tanned. Now and then farmer can
not do even this then let him make
basin in the yard, and in this scat
ter the manure so as avoid fermen-
tation. The rainfall will keep the
pile wet, and the water from the
teaching will all be retained in the
basin. In the spring let it be forked
over until thoroughly rotted, and
then hauled to the wheat field or
meadow, while the ground is still
frozen, if possible.
Cucumbers, melons and beans can
be ready to transplant very early if
placed in a box in inverted sods of
considerable thickness. In due time
the sods can be lifted out and placed
in outdoor frames or in the ground
without disturbing the new growths.
Careful management will bring
melons and beans a month earlier
than is ordinary, and but very little
trouble will be expended.
Growing other crops in the land
until it has run down SO that a good
growth and yield can not be procur-
ed, and then planting to fruit and
expecting good yields without build
ing up the fertility, does not indi-
cate good judgment.
The last of our fall pastures to
fail were our fields of rape. 1t keeps
green and nutritious we'll up into the
winter, supplying fodder for long
time after our common grasses and
cornfodder have gone.
The only permanent agriculture is
that which provides not merely for
maintaining, but for increasing, the
fertility of the soil. A system which
increases fertility naturally i'm
proves the yield year after year, and
puts the soil in such mechanical
condition that it is less likely to be
Injured by drouth or excessive rain
fall.
There is no better opportunity Of
fered for doubble cropping, perhaps,
than to grow good crop of sweet
corn for forage after the early pota-
toes are harvested, and this may be
part of your years plans.
Plant the stony fields with or
chards, and let these orchards be
made into runs for poultry. The
two will make not only pleasant, but
very profitable, employment, and, if
carried on with determined pur-
pose, will bring in full and constant
reward.
If we do not now make plans, in
the hurry of spring work, we shall
be obligated to start out In the old,
old ruts. Too many men are not
farming the best they know how.
Let every year be one of progress, or
you will soon be out of the race in
these times of discovery and inten-
sive work.
We have found that our sweet po-
tatoes were not harmed because
slightly frosted in the leaves. The
quality was improved by the curing
process which they underwent since
they were stored away. After rain
or frost they are soggy and watery,
and have not the best flavor, but
this is improved since they have
gone through their sweat.