Yorkville enquirer. [volume] (Yorkville, S.C.) 1855-2006, 1909-03-02
astiseellaneous Rsaains.
TILLAGE EXPERIMENT.
Colonel T. J. Cunningham Been Asked
to Conduct One.

Colonel T. J. Cunningham Been Asked
to Conduct One.
The following letter to Col. Cunning
ham from the department Of agricul-
ture is self explanatory:
Washington, d. c., Feb. 16. 1906.
Mr.. ]. T. Cunningham, Chester, 5. c.
Dear Sir-Your name has been given
to me as one who would probably be
interested in helping us to conduct a
small tillage experiment for this coming
season. The object of the experiment Is
to determine the relation Of weeds and
grass to tillage needs Of the corn crop.
In a large number of experiments scat
tered widely over the country We have
found that after corn Is planted. II
the weeds and grass be kept out with
out any stirring Of the soil, more than
is absolutely necessary to accomplish
this. that the yield Of corn was sub
stantially the same as If 1t had receiv-
ed the optimum cultivation. OF course
this involves a very broad principle OF
agriculture, and hence We want to have
the experiment conducted on wide
range Of conditions.
II you are in a position to help us In
this work will very greatly appreciate
the favor, as we'll as to be very glad to
reimburse you for any expense occa-
stoned.
I enclose a sheet outlining In full the
experiment. l am also enclosing a
franked envelope, which will carry
your reply without postage.
Yours very truly,
S. Cotes, Assistant Agriculturist.
Outline of Proposed TilIase Experience
With Corn.
First-Select a piece Of ground Of
very even fertility. Prepare for plant
ing by thorough breaking and harrow
ing. Planting should be done on level
land; that is. without ridging. Lay
off the rows the width you regularly
use and plant in the drill, the usual
thickness Of planting. The plat OF
ground upon which this experiment is
to be conducted should be at least elev-
en- rows wide. Length Is rather i'm
material, and the rows can be as long
as convenient If the land runs uniform
in fertility.
Treatment-The first five rows after
planting are to receive absolutely no
cultivation after the crop is planted.
However, weeds and grass should be
removed at very frequent intervals, at
least once a week. and oftener II it is
necessary to keep them down. In re-
moving the weeds from the first five
rows a sharp hoe is about the best i'm
plement, and this can be used with
horizontal stroke cutting off the
growth just under the surface, taking
particular pains not to disturb the soil
any more than 1t Is absolutely neces-
sary. The sixth row, which will be
cultivated on one side and weeded on
the other side. is to be cut out and dis
carded at harvest time. The other five
rows are to receive the ordinary culti-
walton and should. in addition, have the
weeds and grass removed by chopping.
Notes-Take full notes on prepara-
tion, date of planting. wedding, culti-
walton, tasseling, silking, and at har-
vest time, If convenient, take the
weight from each plat green, then
shock up to cure, and when dry take
weights Of the husk corn and of the dry
stover If scales are not available for
taking the weights Of the stover and
the whole plant, omit this and take the
weight Of the ear corn by weighing
in bags or ordinary steelyards.-Ches-
ter Lantern.