The Tupelo journal., 1906-02-02
The Essence Of Good Farming
Tupelo, Miss. Jany. 9th. 1906.
Mr.. Editor:

Tupelo, Miss. Jany. 9th. 1906.
Dear Mr.. Editor:
The question of how to manage
the different soils at the present
day is equally as great and diff
ficult, as the management OF any
other industry, or enterprise, and
to the agricultural classes OF far
more Importance. All soils either
gain or lose in fertility in pro-
portion to the difference in treat
ment, in fact its intrinsic value
as a crop producer depends in a
great measure on the methods
employed, and the style of cul-
tivation adopted, for the better
we prepare it, the better will be
the results.
Soils differ very much, as you
are aware in their constituent
parts and in order to intelligently
understand and make each point
clear and well defined let us reviw
the average, or general grades
as we know them.
Any portion of the earth's sur
face known to contain about
three fourths sand in it's compo-
sition is usually designated as a
SANDY soil", all such as a rule
| are deficient in some element OF
plant food, which if not supplied
must necessarily decrease its
power and productiveness. It
is also poorly equipped to with
stand the rigors of a long dry
spell. It's nature is such that
little or no moisture is retained,
and as a natural sequence, crops
soon wither and die. This knowl-
edge however, does not alter
the fact that it is a valuable soil,
much sought after, for with the
assistance of good irrigation IN
the absence of sufficient rain.
crops fare and do well. Any
soil containing so much sand is
naturally very porous, water will
percolate through with ease,
dries out rapidly, is easy to cult
vate and keep in good condition,
which condition however can be
improved by the addition of a
little Lime, for this reason;
it tends to bind together the
small particles of sand, which
increases its power to absorb
and retain moisture. The above
date gives us two of the desired
advantages towards the raising
of a successful crop, and the
liberal application in the shape
of a good high grade fertilizer
will be conducive to complete sue
cess. This grade of land will be
found good quality for all rapid
growing truck etc., but it will be
well for you to bear in mind that
any soil to be fertile must pos
sess every element of plant in
proper quantity and availability:
Second-Clay soils so called
we presume on account of being
composed of more than half clay
are generally supplied more plen-
tifully with plant food. 1t is
however, the opposite of a sandy
soil. In very wet seasons, un-
like the other which permits the
excess of water to readily per-
colate through, the clay soil re-
tains it to the detriment Of the
plant. 1t also lays very close
and tight together, and conse-
quently is much more difficult
to cultivate and kept in prime
condition. Yuo are aware that
to obtain profitable crops, at the
same time keeping up the pro-
ductive capacity of the soil, this
prime mechanical condition is an
! absolute necessity, the maintain
ing of which may be properly
termed ''The Essence Of Good
Farming. The addition OF
a little lime in soils of this nature
have identically the opposite ef-
feet it had in sandy soils. 1t inn
proves the quality of the clay by
preventing adhesion, thus rem
dering it more porous, makes it
easier to disintegrate, permits a
more free percolation of water,
and in long rainy seasons crops
are less liable to be damaged.
Those who have in their years of
practical experience studied the
natural condition of the soils, for
what they are best adapted, the
best methods of working and the
proper fertilizers to use, will in
variably be found in the ranks
of the more successful farmers,
while the negligent are relegated
to the rear. Admitting that
principles of all industries may
be taught and acquired, such les
sons are indelibly less fixed on
our minds, than those gained by
practical experience, and gentle
men, as an old practitioner, let
me tell you candidly, that all the
magnificent theories of our school
and colleges will amount to moth
- &c 49, Naccnon thu