492 DAVIS COUNTY, IOWA. 



the center, running entirely across the farm from east to west, 

 through the center of which runs a stream known as Hickory 

 creek, taking its name from the large amount of fine hickory 

 trees growing on its banks. Owing to the location of 

 the timber, my farm is divided into two parts. My homestead 

 is located just on the south side of the timbered land, thus 

 affording a fine shelter in Winter from the north and north- 

 west winds, for which this latitude is noted. It also affords 

 protection from Summer winds, which, in more exposed situa- 

 tions, frequently blow off large quantities of apples of the 

 larger varieties, before maturity, and occasion heavy loss. An- 

 other advantage of these trees is, that we have fuel in abund- 

 ance, without drawing it from long distances, as many farmers 

 have to do in a prairie country. Not the least of its advan- 

 tages, in my opinion, is that it affords a fine woodland pas- 

 ture in which to raise hogs. Other things being equal, I think 

 grass, water, and shade, the three great essentials to successful 

 hog-raising, 



V ROTATION OF CROPS. 



My system of farming (if system it can be called) is 

 intended to be what is popularly known as mixed husbandry, 

 although I expect the profits to be derived largely from corn 

 and grass. The other cereals I consider more in the light of 

 aids in forming a rotation of crops, than in the actual profits 

 arising from their cultivation. 



My method has been to have, as nearly as practicable, one- 

 half my cultivated land in grass, principally clover. Some 

 portions, where the land is rolling, or liable to wash away, I 

 keep in permanent pasture, or blue grass. I usually plant 

 about one hundred acres with corn ; the remainder are sown to 

 oats, wheat, and rye ; and I usually let a considerable amount 

 lie fallow each year, believing it more profitable to raise a large 

 crop every second year than to raise half crops every year. I 

 seldom raise two crops of corn on the same land in succession ; 

 never, excepting on very new or fresh ground. This being a 

 corn and grass country, I am satisfied that a larger profit can 



