The Ocala banner. (Ocala, Marion County, Fla.) 1883-194?, 1920-12-24
cav G. X. McQuarriel

acres of land and upwards should
have on the farm at least two milk
cows, two brood sows of proved
breeds, rs head of poultry, half an
acre of home orchard with small fruits
such as Strawberries, blackberries.
etc, also figs, plums peaches and
pears also few stand of bees. A
farmer thus equipped would be to a
la sc extent, Independent Of flsctlt-
alton. in prices and unsatisfactory con-
ditions in general, and we consider
would be one of the most independent
men in the world, because he would
have at home all the dairy products
his family needed and perhaps some
Ito spare for the local market, also
pork, poultry products, and the fruits
so necessary in the family consump-
tion
Corn
Corn is considered one of our most
| important crops, and not less than so
per cent of the acreage under cult
walton should be given to this crop
Thoro preparation of the soil by deep
blowing and subsoiling at least 6-S
weeks before planting time should
be practiced. The best variety of
| seed suitable to the soil and climate
should be planted, and the cultivation
of the crop should be maintained reg
ulariy and intelligently, with shallow
working implements until the silk on
the ear turns brown Too many farm
ers quit cultivating this crop long be-
| fore the time arrives when this should
be done.
This crop should be shocked whea
| the grain shows a glazed appearance.
properly made shocks, tied tight a
the top, making them waterproof, Will
give better quality If corn than, Il
left on the stalk as the usual custom
IL for several weel-s after the crop
is made. No fodder pulling should be
practiced, as this reduces the quality
cent. Under favorable conditions on
| the ordinary soils of this state the
yield of corn should not be less than
rs bushels per acre and in great
many cases the yield obtained has
more than doubled this figure.
Sugar Cane
| Sugar cane is very profitable crop,
and thorough preparation of the soil
| should be practiced before the crop is
planted This crop should be planted
in 5-foot rows on our ordinary farm
lands, and 6-foot rows on our heavier
soils. 1t should be planted deep to
insure root anchorage when the crop
gets large and is subject to being
blown down by high winds. Cultiva-
ton of this crop should be maintained
right along by shallow working tools
until cool nights set in, in October.
Exaggerated statements are in cir
culation regarding the yield of syrup
from this crop, but on ordinary pine
lands with good stand, one can
reasonably expect between 800 and
400 gallons per acre, depending very
much on the mill used and the meth
DDS practiced in evaporation.
Rice
Rice is very impor tant farm crop,
and is not in evidence as much as we
would like to see it. This crop can be
made a follow-up crop after winter
small grains or after Irish potatoes, or
any spring crop that is harvested be-
fore the 1st of June. 1t can be plant
ed as late as the middle of June and
is recommended to be planted in 30
inch rows or less, and several cultiya-
lions given the crop until it begins
shooting up to set the grain
1t is very desirable crop for work
stock or poultry. and little to the
hog once in while will be aprreciat-
ed BY tina animal
Peanuts
Peanuts are very desirable crop.
and can be grown on any of the we'll
drained lands of the state. The Span
ish variety is recommended, and this
crop can be planted late and follow up
spring harvested crops. 1t is especial
~ recommended to follow oats and
Irish potatoes.
When planted in 30-inch rows about
IS inches. between the hills, a good
yield can be obtained if several culti-
vations are given until the vines COW
er the middles. Exaggerated state
ments. are also made regarding large
soII - Yxyo n