Notices for a Voting Farmer 



in a decoction of Hellebore or Copperas ; or, what produces 

 surprising effect, a strong solution of Salt-petre ; but do not 

 soak or steep it too much. In dry weather, the germination 

 is accelerated, by the steeping, injuriously ; so that the plume 

 and radicles perish ; and in long wet seasons, they rot. The 

 sod having been broken up 5 to 7 inches deep ; or if more, 

 the better ; requires shallow planting. If it be cut with a 

 coulter harrow, the better the crop will thrive. Being un- 

 turned, the sod becomes of itself a manure. Although it may 

 not entirely rot, its incapacity to vegetate is insured ; and 

 the soil is left filled with decayed vegetable matter, auxiliary 

 to the corn product, and a pabulum for appropriate manures. 

 But frequent harrowing must not be neglected $ whether you 

 shall plant in squares or drills, and at what distances ; depends 

 much on the state of your field, the nature of your soil, and 

 not a little on opinion ; which varies much on this subject ; 

 and is frequently operated upon by success, in the mode which 

 happens to be fortunate. Some have spoken favourably of 

 planting Corn as early as it can be well got into the ground ; 

 and they do not fear the annoyance of late frosts. It might by 

 this means be vigorous enough to resist the Grub, or grow 

 after being cut off by them. Some have succeeded in planting 

 late, so that the Cut- worm is passing away before it starts. 

 The first mode is more secure from early frosts in the au- 

 tumn. 



Unless its situation and circumstances forbid, lay your 

 Cornfield level, rather than in ridges ; that moisture, in light 

 soils especially, may be retained, instead of passmg away; 

 and, if necessary, draw water furrows, to carry off accidental 

 flooding, by rains, or other causes. Cleanly farming is es- 

 sentially necessary, with the hoe and common harrow, to 

 prevent grass and weeds from growing ; and to assist in rot- 

 ting the sod. Use the plough little, if at all ; and the har- 

 rows much. Ploughing up furrows to the Corn plants, is an 

 impediment to the harrowing culture, carries off moisture 

 from the plants, exposes the accumulations of earth soon to 

 dry through, and is worse than useless. If you must ridge 

 low and wet soils, still the hoe and common harrow should 



