212 HOW TO MAKE THE FARM PAT. 



of lapping two furrows together, leaving the soil beneath thera 

 unbroken, is shiftless, and unprofitable, as well as unworthy any 

 enlightened cultivator. Leaving these ridges for a month or 

 more to be settled by the spring rains, planting commences from 

 the fifteenth of March to the tenth of April. Every day's delay 

 in planting shortens the season by so much, and lessens the 

 crop. Mark off your rows for planting with a light plow or a 

 marker. The great object is to have the rows perfectly straight. 

 A perfectly straight row is easily cultivated ; and when it is re- 

 membered that for three months cultivation must be constant, 

 you will see the utmost care here will be well repaid. The fol- 

 lowing contrivance is simple but effectual for the purpose. It 

 consists of a stick of timber Avith V shaped blocks fastened on 

 one side, and a hoop-shaped handle on the other with which 

 to guide it. It is drawn by one mule ; easily managed, and as the 

 blocks are just the distance apart required for the rows, uni- 

 formity is readily attained. {Fig. 65.) 



The one represented in the cut is sixteen feet long, and marks 

 four rows five feet apart. Of course the size can be varied to 

 suit the convenience. On light lands, or under poor cultiva- 

 tion, from four to four and a half feet apart is the average dis- 

 lance required between the rows, while under the best cultiva- 

 tion, or on very strong lands, the plant grows so luxuriantly that 

 six and even seven feet are desirable. 



Apply no manure directly to the plants, but sow broadcast, 

 and plow in at the first plowing. The system recommended by 

 Dr. Cloud, of Alabama, as condensed by J. B. Lyman, of Louisi- 

 ana i.s so near perfection that we give it nearly entire. " First, 

 by circle plowing let the planter prepare his lands so as to pre- 

 vent washing, and retain in the soil all the salts, and all the 

 fertilizers he may add. Now let him arrange for a rotation of 

 crops, as follows : In his mind's eye divide the plowed land into 



