Year: 1868

The following sixteen essentials fOr
productive farming are from the pen of
the editor of the American Farmer:


/. Good implements of husbandry, and
plenty of them, which should always be
kept in perfect order.


2. Deep ploughing and thorough pull
verization Of the soil by the free use Of
harrow, drag and roller.


3. An application Of lime, mari or
ashes, where calcareous matter or potash
may NOT be present in the soil.


4. A systematic husbandry of every
substance on farm capable of being con-
verted into manure, as systematic pro-
lection Of such substances from loss by
evaporation or waste of any kind, and a
careful application of the same to the
lands in culture


5. The draining of all wet lands, so as
to relieve the roots Of the plants from
the i'll effects of a superabundance Of
water, condition equally pernicious as
drought, to their healthy growth and
profitable fructifcation.


g. The free use of the plough, cult
vator and hoe, with all row-cultured
crops, so as to keep down at all times
the growth of grass and weeds, those
pests which prove so destructive to crops
7. Seeding at the proper time with
good seed, and an equal attention as te
the period of working crops.
s. Attention to the construction of and
repair of fences, so that what is made
through the tolls and anxious cares of the
husbandmen, may not be lost through
his neglect to protect his crops from the
depredations of stock


8. Daily personal superintendent on
the part of the master over all the oper
ations of the farm, no matter how good
a manager he may have, or however faith
full his hands may be, as the presence OF
the head Of farm and the use of his
eyes, are worth several pair of hands.
TO- Labor saving machinery, so that
one may render himself as Independent
as needful Of neighborhood labor; as q
sense of the comparative independence
of the employer upon such labor, begets &
disposition of obedience and faithfulness
on the part of the employee.
IL. Comfortable stabling and sheds
for horses and stock, all the necessary
outbuildings for the accommodation Of
the hands and protection of the tools ano
implements, as well as for the care of the
poultry.


IL. Glover and other grass to form g
part of the rotation of crops, and these to
be at proper periods ploughed in to form
pabulum for succeeding crops. The
clover field to be either plastered or asheo
each succeeding spring-one bushel Of
the former and six Of the latter per acre


l3. To keep no more stock than Car
be well kept, but be sure to keep al
many as can be kept in good condition
as it is wise policy to feed as much al
possible of the crops grown on the farm
and thus return to it that which ha
been distracted from it.


H. To provide a good orchard ane
garden; one to be filed with choice fruit
Of all kiuds-the other with vegetable
Of different sorts, early and late, so tina
the table may at all times be well ane
seasonably supplied, and the surplus con
tribute to increase the wealth of the pro
prietor.


Is. The taking of one or more gooc
newspapers.


l6. It is better to cut grain just before
it is fully or dead ripe. When the straw
Immediately before the grain ripens is SC
dry that on twisting it no juice is ex-
tracted, it should be cut, for there is
then no circulation of juice to the ear.