Notices for a Young Farmer. vii 



used in Eastern Countries, as the most valuable manure. In 

 some parts of Europe, it has, for some time past, become an 

 object of attention. Its offensive qualities are readily cor- 

 rected by lime. 



III. Plough and harrow soddy fields in the fall ; and add 

 Lime, harrowed in at that season, if it be within your power. 

 In addition to other advantages of this operation, you will 

 thereby escape, either wholly, or for the most part, the an- 

 noyances of the Com Grubs. In what mode the destruction 

 of the grubs, or the eggs of their parent, (be it a Beetle, or 

 what it may ; for on this subject, there are varieties of opi- 

 nion ;) is, by these operations, accomplished, or their ravages 

 prevented, is a subject of laudable curiosity and speculation i 

 but the fact of the purpose being achieved, is all important; 

 and in numerous instances, incontestably proved. That spring 

 ploughing is generally inefficacious, is too frequently and fa- 

 tally known. Instances of failure to produce the effect men- 

 tioned, by fall ploughing, have been adduced. On examina- 

 tion into the facts of some, it is found, that the operation has 

 not been performed either well, or in due time, and only par- 

 tially ; and in other cases, either uncommon grub years, or 

 other peculiar circumstances, have occurred. The great ba- 

 lance of facts is, most assuredly, favourable to this practice ; 

 and warrants its adoption. It is so beneficial in other re- 

 spects, that it should be followed, even without regard to its 

 effects on the grub. Some acute diseases defy common reme- 

 dies ,- and dams and mounds resist common floods ; yet yield 

 to extraordinary inundations. Nevertheless, medicine, and 

 medical skill, and preventives of overflows, should not be set 

 at nought. Nor should any beneficial operation in husbandry 

 be disregarded, because it does not in every instance succeed. 



Fall ploughing enables you to plant corn early : and it is 

 better thus to risk spring frosts ; which do less injury to your 

 plants, than do early frosts, in autumn, to the corn fully 

 grown. 



It is alleged by several highly respectable farmers, that, 

 in holes made near the hills, with a pointed stick ; incon- 



