The news & observer. [volume] (Raleigh, N.C.) 1894-current, 1902-07-13

land like that of those sections such
deficiency tells heavily.
The fruit crop of the South is disap-
pointing, and especially so in this State
Apples are likely to be very scarce, and
peaches, which at one time promised
we'll, have dropped badly. Pears and
plumS are better.
The one bright feature in the agricul-
tural situation is the higher prices at
which all products are selling in conse-
quence of the well employed condition
of the people. The farmer who has fat
stock of any kind to sell can today get
a higher price for it than at any time
within the past two years; and this also
applies largely to all other farm pro-
ducts. Whilst, therefore, yields Of crops
may promise to be somewhat less, yet
the probabilities are that more net
money will reach the farmers pockets.
A consideration of the foregoing re-
Prospect will lead to the conclusion that
whilst the outlook for Southern farmers
is not as bright as it might be, yet that
there is fair prospect of sufficient for
both man and beast, and that if only we
are now favored a few weeks with such
weather as we have had for the past
week-showers and warmth-we may
yet make a fair showing with the corn
and cotton crop, and that tobacco will
be better than it promised ten days ago.
The deficiency in the hay, clover and oat
crops may yet be made good by prompt
sowing o. forage crops. Millet, peas and
sorghum should be got in without delay.
OF the various millets, we prefer the
German as making the heaviest yield of
hay. If wanted for cutting green for
feed, possibly Hungarian will make a
crop which can be cut more frequently.
Prepare the land we'll and have a fine
seed bed. Sow a bushel of seed to the
acre, harrow in lightly and roll. Do not
let the crop stand until the seed forms
in the heads. Cut when in bloom and
cure in the windrow and cock. and the
hay will be readily eaten by all kinds of
stock. If the seed is allowed to form,
the hay cannot safely be fed to most
horses and to some cows. 1t affects the
kidneys strongly. We have already said
so much on cow-peas, sorghum and other
forage crops, that we do not think it
necessary to say more.
Sow COW peas, Crimson clover or Sap
ling clover in the corn at the last work
ing, and lay the crop by level. In this
way you can secure much winter and
spring grazing, and at the same time
improve and conserve the fertility of the
land.
ed, should be got in at once. Plant in
rows two feet six inches apart and six
or eight inches apart in the rows, and
let it mature fairly before cutting.
Planted in this way, a fair proportion
of ears should be secured, and the stalks
will be more nutritious. In this issue
will be found an article dealing with
the subject of growing peas with the
silage corn, to which we refer our
readers.
AS fast as the wheat and oat crops
are harvested, and where not seeded to
clover or grass, run over the stubbles
with a disc harrow and SOW with Grim
son clover and Sand vetch, or with
mixture of these and oats or wheat. to
which may be added 10 or II pounds to
the acre of Italian rye grass or herds
grass. This will make fall, winter and
spring grazing and improve the land for
the next crop.
AS a pasture crop for sheep and hogs,
nothing will be found more acceptable
than rape. An acre of rape was found
to be equivalent to 2,767 pounds of grain
when fed to hogs at the Wisconsin Ex-
pertinent State, and lambs and sheep
fatten on it quickly The land should
be we'll broken, and the seed-bed be
made fine, and if it be not rich, should
have 300 to 400 pounds to the acre of
acid phosphate applied. The crop makes
the best growth seeded in drills two feet
six inches apart, and thinned out to
stand six or eight inches apart in the
rows-2 or pounds of seed will SOW an
acre in drills. If sown broadcast, or
5 pounds will be needed. If sown in
drills, cultivate two or three times. July
and August are the best months to sow
this crop in the South. 1t makes it's
best growth in the cool moist fall. and
can be grazed until cut down by the
frost. If the winter be not very severe,
the plants will start growth again in the
spring and make spring grazing.
Land should be got ready for ruta
bagas and turnips. and the ruta bagas
be sown this month. Turnips can be
sown in August. These crops make the
best yield grown in rows two feet six
inches apart, and thinned out to stand
six or eight inches in the rows-2 or 8
pounds of seed will sow an acre in this
way. If sown broadcast or pounds
will be needed. Every farmer should
! grow some ruta bagas and turnips. They
are most valuable as feed for stock of
all kinds. and especially for sheep and
cattle. With their help, dry fodder and
straw can be made into appetiZing
F, rations, and stock do we'll on these alone
See that the straw is carefully stacked
! or housed when threshing 1t is too
valuable to be allowed to rot away in
piles in the field If not wanted for
feed, it should be used freely in the
stables and pens in winter as an absor-
| bent for the liquid manure, and to serve
this purpose must be kept dry and should
| he close at hand.