FAKMEKS' INSTITUTES. IGl 



tion of plaster and other fertilizers to corn iu the hill, while of apparent benefit 

 in the early stages of its growth, will, if composted and spread with manure do 

 more good with far less cost : for during the later growth of the plant, when the 

 work of assimilation is at its height, the absorption of its food takes place mainly 

 through the minute rootlets and still smaller root hairs, at a distance of several 

 feet from the stalk, and reaches, if not prevented by an unwise cultivation, 

 every portion of the soil. 



With sod, or wheat stubble which was sod the year before, with a good coating 

 of manure, which will do most good at least expense if drawn and spread in tlie 

 winter, seems most favorable for a large crop ; but, even with a favorable season, 

 it yet depends upon the method and cost of culture, Avhether the crop is raised 

 at a loss, or how great the profit may be. 



To secure the best results the work must be well done and done rapidly, to 

 which end the skillful hand, the strong team, the best of tools, and above all, 

 watchful industry and well laid plans are essential. 



Next in importance to enriching the soil is the reduction of cost ; and upon 

 this last depends, more than all else, the immediate profits of the farmer. 



By way of illustration, a consideration of the cost of the various items of 

 cultivation under different methods may be profitable. The cost of plowing 40 

 acres with three large, powerful horses, and plow of proportionate size, 12 days' 



work, at $3 $36 00 



Cost with two small horses, 20 days 50 00 



Cost of dragging twice, 12-ft. harrow, 2 days, 3 horses 6 00 



Cost of dragging twice with G-ft. harrow and 2 horses, 4 days 10 00 



Cost of marking with 16-f t. marker, 2 days • 5 00 



Cost of marking with 8-f t. marker. 10 00 



Cost of planting by old method, with the hoe, 20 days' work 20 00 



By using slabs for covering the Avork may be better done at a cost of.. 11 00 



Cost of cultivating, 1 horse, 10 days, at $1 50 15 00 



Cost of cultivating, 2 horses, 5 days 12 00 



Cultivating 6 times, 1 horse 90 00 



Cultivating 6 times, 2 horses 72 00 



As a matter of curiosity as well as instruction, the number of miles travel by 

 one method maybe stated in round numbers at 800, by the other at 1,500. 

 The cost of cultivation, in the aggregate, by the one method is 8130, by the 

 other 1180. Leaving out of consideration the probability, amounting almost to 

 certainty, of an increased yield, here is a saving of $50, or $1.25 per acre, due 

 to strong motive power with implements of projDortionate size.. Taking the 

 average yield of this country, this would be a saving of 4 cents a bushel, and 

 upon its entire production of 1,000,000,000 bushels the sum of $40,000,000. 

 Insignificant as this sum may appear in the case of each individual, it may 

 determine whether he is on the road to affluence or iDankruptcy. 



As further affecting the cost of production, first fix the date of planting, and 

 place it late in the season, so that the ground beyond question will bo warm, 

 the germination rapid, the growth healthy and uninterrui^ted. Defer ploAviug 

 as long as possible, and when once begun work steadily and rapidly ; drag thor- 

 oughly, mark accurately, and plant immediately, and then, if necessary, rest, 

 with mind free from apprehensions of a struggle with frost and replanting, and 

 weeds, a pale and sicklv plant, and a scant harvest to close the melancholy 

 scene. 



While farmers are urgent in their demands for cheap transportation ; while 



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