Iron County record. [volume] (Cedar City, Utah) 1893-1982, 1904-08-13

hard working tillers of the soil, and
it is this class of readers that will be
benefited most by these essays. In
dealing with the above topic l intend
to talk to the farmers direct in true
farmer style
Now, Brother Farmer, think our
greatest need is to increase the fer
tility of our farms to the highest pos
sible point of productiveness. The
difference in the cost of PRODUCING
poor and good crops is only a trifle,
while the satisfaction Of raising a
good crop is considerable. When we
commence to harvest good crop of
grain or vegetables, how ambitious
we are; but when. the crop is poor
oh, dear, How the work seems to
drag. "A poor crop seldom pays the
cost of production. A good crop
gives fair profit, while an extra
good one pays handsomely. How
shall we increase the fertility of the
soil at the least expense? Barnyard
manure is all right as far as it goes,
but usually there isn't enough of it.
We can add considerably to it by
bedding heavily, thereby saving the
liquids. If plenty of straw is not
available, use forest leaves. Don't
let the best part of the manure waste
by exposure. Either keep the pile un-
der cover or draw direct to the field as
fast as made. If you must use com
mercial fertilizers, use your brains,
also. Never buy ready mixed fertili
zers, no matter what they cost. Why
mix the different elements needed?
The plants do not require it. Why
not apply the elements separately and
save the cost of mixing? am aware
this is contrary to the theories of the
fertilizer dealers, but l am not work
ing for their interest just now. |
am trying to help the farmer. Sup
pose your soil contained everything
needed except potash. There are
hundreds of bushels of wood ashes
thrown away in the villages around
you that can be bought for five cents
bushel. This would be equal to
about 50. 80 ton. Why, then, buy
something you don't need for $40 or
s25 ton? Whatever your soil needs,
buy it in the cheapest form possible.
Don't apply anything unless you
"a
numus or vegetable mould is exhaust
cd and the soil has become lifeless.
The plant food may be there, but the
soil is dead. Plough under some
thing to loosen the soil and let in the
air. Coarse manure or straw il best
II obtainable, but if not, grow all
you can of clover, rye, COW peas,
buckwheat, or even weeds, and turn
under the entire crop. Your might
as we'll try to make bread without
yeast as to try to raise crops without
humus in the soil. If you don t
know what is needed, consult the
director of your State agricultural
station or the editor Of you agricul-
tural paper. Do you receive the bull
letins and reports from your State
station? Ifnot, why not? They are
yours for the asking. The very best
OF the farm papers can now be had for
very low price. Our most sue
cessful agricultural papers are the
ones that ask the cooperation of their
subscribers. Subscribe for at least
she, and take an active interest in
1t. There has never been a time when
ouch vast stores of knowledge were
within the reach of the farmers as
now. Wake up and realize our adj
vantage.
Many farmers are trying to cover
too much ground. They would do
much better with fewer acres, but
what shall they do with the balance?
They do not care to sell partl of
their farms at present prices, SO they
keep on working themselves to death
and paying most of the profits to
hired help. My advice is to work
the best part of the farm and plant
the rest to forest trees. If by careful
cultivation they can make as much
profit from one acre as they are now
making from two there is no loss.
Lumber is rapidly rising in value.
ana land planted to quick growing
Trees, like chestnut, hickory or bass
WOOD Will soon be of immense
value, Coming generations will rise
up and call you blessed.
The farmer needs the very best of
labor saving tools and to depend as