Atlanta semi-weekly journal. (Atlanta, Ga.) 1898-1920, 1911-02-24

STATE COLLEGE OF AGRICUL-s
TURE. ATHENS. Ca Feb 2s-It is
not uncommon to hear the expression
that the farmer is to be envied because
of the large amount OF leisure at his dis
posaI but one acquainted with the null
hilarious duties which engage the atten-
tfon OF good farmer viii hardly admit
that there is much time for leisure in
his vocation. Not that his hours are
probably any longer than those OF many
business or Iaboring men nor his work
more arduous. but IL there is any one
business which requires daily attention
I'D forethought in it's direction IL II
that OF farming. The land owner who
finds that he has nothing TO do will sell
dom prove TO be prosperous and sue
cessfuI farmer. This much by way OF
Introduction To the consideration OF
natter which does not always receive
the attention which it's importance mer-
its.
WORK FOR WINTER.
The winter months afford the best
time on every farm for opening up sur
face bitches and thus permitting the
ready escape OF water which might 9TH
erwise accumulate through portions Of
the low-Iying sections and damage and
perhaps destroy the crop This is very
important matter. for IL is commonly OBJ
served that little streams and open ditch
IS wind and twist about through arabic
sections OF farming land and at flood
times. because OF distractions in, their
canneIs. overflow their banks with re-
suits familiar TO all The trouble might
have been avoided by simply removing
the logs and trash out OF the ditch or
stream bed. cutting a channel here and
there 10 straighten its course. and thus
prevent not only the consequent damage
TO the crops but bring many acres OF
- BE- ,1r A
small earth scraper may be used even
with one horse or mule A larger one
can be used more economically. but will
require two horses. Failing tie needed
scraper many q little channel can be dug
b hand and will pay handsome dtvi-
dend on the time and effort expended
There are thousands and thousands or
acres az Iow-lying lands which are cuI-
tfvated each year and pay but small
return in the way OF crops which for
the expenditure OF a few hours OF effort
in tire winter season might be made
highly profitable lands 70 cultivate
LAYING DRAIN TILE
The late fan and early winter afford
one OF the best seasons for laying drain
rfs<. No matter how good the surface
dffches may be on the low-Iying springy
land it often happens that the seepaGe
from the hillsIdes is so great as to raise
the water level to almost the surface OF
the ground and thus prevent very salts
factory cultivation. This difficulty is
overcome through putting down tile
drains. or course some substitutes for
tie may be used. but they are of such
a temporary and undesirable character
that they cannot be generally recon-
mended in spite OF the fact that their
first cost Is much less than that of the
tie II would be simply astonishing how
many acres OF land might be brought
80 IL
II produce an abundant harvest that
are now yielding practically nothing If
a systematic campaign were made this
winter Z, surface ditch and underdrain
these areas.
The winter season affords the best
time for removing stumps. grubbing out
ufderbrush. and cleaning up sections of
the. fields which have been neglected
from lack of time during the cropping
season A progressive farmer can not
ford TO pillow around stumps nor viii
: continue TO do so when they may be
moved quickly by blasting, sometimes
hen small BY pulling out with chains
ttached 10 a side bar and whiffle trees,
nd in Isolated instances. digging by
and. There IS nothing that detracts SO
much from the appearance OF the farm
nd its successful cultivation as well as
jagged sections here and there over
grown with weeds and briars aud a
rnh growth Of bushes. Every field
should be cleaned up as completely as
possible II wa pay 10 do this simply
OF the Improvement in appearance. but
NSnew land can thus be brought under
cultivation and much time saved by the
STRENGTHENING OF rows across the field
which win result. This is the very best
kind OF work TO do in the winter season
because IL can be carried on when the
land is too. vet 10 piow and affords en-
: .ployment to hands who might otherwise
remain idle.
Thousands Of acres OF land are covered
with larger or smaller stones of suffi-
cient number to cause the implements
10 wear out more rapidly, result in the
use OF an abnormal amo.nt OF profane
LANGUAGE. while lessening the ease and
skill with which the land may be cult
waited There are plenty of low places
and holes into which rock Of this char
acter may be thrown Presently the
wash from the hillside win cover Il up
and an eye sore has become a profitable
piece OF land TO cultivate while the land
formerly Uttered with stones has been
improved for agricultural purposes any
where from s TO 50 per cent. The far
mer who turns his attention and effort
10 matters Of this kind Is not wasting
his enemy, but Is increasing the value
of his land and his pride in his work
"a degree that viii frequently change
his whole point Of view and give him