48 FARMER'S ASSISTANT* 



Flax, in particular, cannot be fully grown on the same 

 soil, oftener than once in seven years. Rye, on the con- 

 trary may be raised for twenty years, or more, on grounds 

 most suitable to its growth, if the stubble be turned under 

 as soon as the crop is harvested. Certain crops are more 

 suitable than others, as preparations for certain other crops. 



Generally speaking, changes of leguminous, culmiferous, 

 and root-crops are most advisable, in soils which are well 

 adapted to the growth of a variety of plants; such as the 

 rich sandy, sandy loam, gravelly loam, dry mellow loams, 

 and those with a large mixture of vegetable earth. 



We will, however, designate such soils as abound most 

 in this Country, and the changes which may probably be 

 found as well adapted to each as any others. 



1. A light redish sandy soil. This has naturally but 

 little moisture, or other food of plants, until it has additions 

 of more retentive earths, and other suitable manures. It is 

 commonly too dry for Indian corn. First crop, turnips, 

 well manured in the drills with a compost suitable to the 

 soil. Second, peas, with some gypsum applied, but not 

 so much as to make the crop run too much to haulm. 

 Third, rye, with red cloverseed harrowed in with a light 

 harrow in the Spring, which operation will be of some 

 service to the crop. The two following years, clover, with 

 a light dressing ot gypsum, after each mowing. 



The last crop may stand for seed; and let so much of 

 the crop as includes all the heads of the grass be taken off 

 \vith a sickle, and turn the rest under immediately ; and let 

 the ground lie, to begin again with turnips the next year ; 

 or, if the sward can be turned under sufficiently early, as 

 in more southerly climates it may, a crop of wheat may be 

 raised on this clover-lay to advantage; and then begin 

 again with turnips. 



2. A dark- colored sandy soil. Such are generally fer- 

 tile and well adapted to the growth of Indian corn, which, 

 together with potatoes, may be the first crop; then turnips; 

 then wheat, if the turnips can be taken off sufficiently early; 

 then clover, managed as before; then another crop of wheat, 

 as before ; and then begia with Indian corn and potatoes 

 again. Or barley may come in after the turnips, with the 

 cloverseed sown at the same time. 



3. A sandy loam. This may have various degrees of 

 fertility, according to the sand and the loam of which it is 

 composed; but, generally, a rotation similar to the last 

 mentioned will answer very well. 



4. A dry Joam. Some of these soils are well fited for 

 crops of Indian corn, and perhaps for turnips. Generally, 

 the mellow reddish-colored looms will be found best adapt- 

 ed for these crops; and, where this soil is found suitable 



