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NEW ENGLAND FARMER 



MARCH 10, 183*. 



1'inm t >■■ Northern Farmer. 

 ROTATION OP CROPS, POTATOES AND COKN. 



Rotation of crops, is certainly among the mosl 

 valuable of the modern improvements in agricul- 

 ture. The scientific researches of many farmers 

 have enabled them to discover souk; of the princi- 

 ples of vegetation, formerly but little understood. 

 Ami it is believed that they will generally soon be 

 fully convinced by experiment of the great benefits 

 to be derived from rotation of crops. The differ- 

 ent kinds of vegetables require nutriment peculiar 

 to each class, and by planting the same kind on 

 the same soil for a number of years in succession, 

 the vegetables or plants degenerate for the want of 

 their peculiar aliment; or as the common expres- 

 sion is, the soil becomes exhausted. It is there- 

 fore conceded to be an injudicious practice to cul- 

 tivate the same crop, upon the same soil, for even 

 two years in succession. 



The same remark is applicable in horticulture; 

 although a plentiful supply of manure annually, 

 may afford some remedy for a previously exhausted 

 soil. 



By a judicious succession of crops, and the fre- 

 quent use of that most important instrument to 

 farmers, the plough, the fertility of the soil may be 

 maintained in a progressive state of improvement. 

 So many valuable essays have of late been pub- 

 lished upon this subject, that we will not extend 

 our remarks; but beg leave to refer to that of J. 

 Hamilton Cooper, republished in the Northern Far- 

 mer of Olh March 1833, as containing much valu- 

 able information, and as being worthy of an atten- 

 tive perusal. Connected with this subject is the 

 adaptation of the different soils to the various 

 kinds of plants. Many skilful farmers acquire 

 some practical knowledge of this subject, without 

 understanding its true principles. Indeed, these 

 principles cannot be well understood without the 

 aid of the science of Chemistry. Chemical Science 

 is indispensable to the Physician ; but it falls not 

 exclusively within his province. The practical 

 farmer will find it of vast service in his pursuit. 

 Its study ought therefore to be encouraged. 



By ascertaining the food which different kinds 

 of vegetables require, and the nutritious qualities 

 of the various soils, the agriculturist is enabled to 

 decide how he can, generally, produce the largest 

 crops, with the least labor and expense. 



He cannot have sufficient foresight to guard 

 against unpi'opitious seasons ; but acting upon en- 

 lightened principles and correct theories, his pros- 

 pects of a good harvest will seldom be cut off. 

 Our present object is to submit a few remarks up- 

 on two of our most essential agricultural products, 

 potatoes and corn. 



In this section, we raise no vegetable of greater 

 profit or more general use than the potato. And 

 its annual consumption seems to ho yet on the in- 

 crease. We learn from aged persons, that sonic 

 fifty or sixty years ago ten or fifteen bushels ol 

 potatoes were considered as a large crop for each 

 farmer; and at that period, it was as uncommon 

 for a slaughtered swim; to weigh '250 lbs. as it now 

 is, to weigh seven or eight hundred. — Now, a 

 thousand bushels of potatoes, or even fifteen hun- 

 dred, is not an uncommon crop, upon a farm ol 

 one hundred and fifty or two hundred acres. 



It has been believed by many, that high, sandy, 

 or gravelly soils are best adapted to the growth ol 

 potatoes. But the modern theory, proved by ex- 

 periment is, that a low cold bottom, or clay-pan, is 

 preferable. I have fur several years cultivated 



this vegetable upon a low, level', clay-pan, taking 

 care to have proper drains in case of heavy rains; 

 and find that it not only Colds largely, hut that the 

 quality or flavor of the potato is superior to th.it of 

 those produced on high sandy soils. A cold bot- 

 tom is inure congenial to them. And it is gener- 

 ally kimwii, that in a cold, wet season, they flour- 

 ish better, than ill a warm and dry one. But when 

 planted in low lands, the drains should always he 

 kept open, to prevent overflowing. 



It is said that in some parts of Ireland, famous 

 for excellent potatoes, the potatoes are planted in 

 low and boggy hinds, in beds, between which a 

 ditch or drain is cut ; and that the mud or most 

 nutritious portion of the soil which gradually col- 

 lects in these ditches, is taken up to cover the po- 

 tatoes. The practice, which many fanners are 

 adopting, of laying out their low and marshy lands 

 into beds rising in the centre, of four or five rods 

 in width, with intervening drains, running towards 

 a common outlet, will prove highly beneficial ; 

 and when there shall he a gnat increase of popu- 

 lation, and the value of our lands shall he greatly 

 enhanced, this practice will he adopted by all good 

 farmers. It will then he admitted by all, that our 

 valleys, and swamps, contain the most fertile soil. 

 In these, have been collecting for ages, decompos- 

 ed vegetable matter, which constitutes the deep 

 black soil. This kind of soil, conveyed on to high 

 sandy barren land, with a mixture of animal ma- 

 nure, will convert the latter into fruitful fields. 

 And the fertility ol' the low land is increased by 

 spreading upon iis surface loose sand or gravel 

 from the hills. 



The old practice of making the potato hill in an 

 oval form or the shape of a sugar loaf, is very cen- 

 surable. The same remark is applicable to the 

 corn hill. Because, hills so formed do not absorb 

 so much moisture, when the rains descend, as hills 

 fiat at the top. 



It is believed that a former practice of planting 

 small potatoes, is now universally condemned. 

 But many are yet of opinion, that it is as judicious 

 to plant cut potatoes, or slips, or the eyes, as whole 

 potatoes. This practice is contrary to the course 

 of nature. Nature is always right, in all her ope- 

 rations. The Farmer should take nature for his 

 great and unerring guide. Hundreds of various 

 theories have been published upon this important 

 point. The result of our observations and reflec- 

 tions respecting it is, that it is always best to plain 

 the best potatoes whole, except those containing 

 too many eyes, of unusually large size. The latter 

 may be divided, I raised a potato, perfectly sound, 

 nl' an oval form, weighing tun and one half pounds. 

 This 1 cut into twelve pieces, which from twelve 

 hills, yielded two bushels. II' slips are planted, the 

 plants or sprouts come up more slender, and fee- 

 ble. In favorable seasons, they may often yield 

 very well, but not so well as those from the whole 

 potato. Care should he taken to prevent the 

 growth of too many sprouts or stalks. Four or 

 live in a common hill are sufficient. The size of 

 the potato depends very much upon the number of 

 stalks, and the size as vvell as richness of the hill. 

 Potatoes degenerate by means of an improper 

 mode of cultivation, and not from the climate. 

 This vegetable of inestimable value contributes 

 most to the health, growth and fatness of cattle, 

 after being boiled, or steamed. It ought never to 

 be given to swine in a raw state, unless, possibly, 

 in the warmest season of the year, after being par- 

 tially driwd. 



The common practice of mutilating coin stalks, 

 or "topping corn," before the ear has come to 

 maturity, ought to he condemned. It may he dif- 

 ficult to account for the origin of so singular u 

 practice. But we trust that its termination will 

 not he at a day far distant. It stands opposed to 

 reason and philosophy. But our suggestions upon 

 this important subject must be deferred until a 

 more convenient time. W. Claguett. 



Portsmouth, Feb. 19, 1S34. 



TO MAKE A FARMER. 



Tnr. celebrated Marshall said that " attendance 

 and attention will make any man a farmer." He 

 was brought up to commerce and did not give any 

 attention to fanning until a mature period of life. 

 He then took a worn out farm of 300 acres near 

 London. In three months he dismissed his bailiff, 

 and performed, by the aid of Study and practice, 

 the duties of his office himself. He kept minutes 

 of Ins operations, and published those from 1744 

 to 1777. He was acknowledged to he superior to 

 most of his contemporary farmers. Arthur Voting, 

 too was brought up to commerce. Middleton, 

 in his view of the Agriculture of Middlesex, says 

 one of the best farmers in that county was a retir- 

 ed tailor. The reason why those who have been 

 brought up to other professions often make excel- 

 lent farmers is that they have a real taste for agri- 

 culture, and enter it with a zeal to which those 

 who have been brought up to it from infancy are 

 strangers. Bakewell's advice to young farmers 

 was " to see what others are doing," or in other 

 words, to read what others are doing. 



MARCH. 



The month of March is to the farmer, what a 

 few hours preceding the battle is to the soldier — a 

 time to put every thing in readiness and prepare 

 for action, and the one who neglects to improve it 

 is like the soldier; he loses that which he might 

 have gained, had he been prepared. 



During this month, the prudent farmer will s>ce 

 that all his implements of husbandry are repair- 

 ed and in readiness for the spring and summer's 

 campaign. As this month is one in which we are 

 to expect many storms, it gives an opportunity to 

 attend to many of the cares of agriculture, which 

 ran he done within doors, when the weather is un- 

 favorable for field labor. 



During this month the multiplication of farm 

 stock of every description, demands unceasing 

 care. Colts, calves, lamhs and pigs, are to be 

 looked after, and even turkies, geese, ducks and 

 Inns, pay well for close attention during this 

 month. 



Seeds for every kind of spring crop, should be 

 prepared and the quantities of each ascertained. 



Timber for rails, or other purposes, when dura- 

 bility is desirable, if not already cut, should be fel- 

 led soon. Fire wood should be cut and piled for 

 ihe coming year. 



Cions for grafting should be cut and put in a 

 cool place, before the buds swell too much. 



It is customary to prune orchards during March, 

 hut this had better be omitted until May. 



The Boiler is an instrument which should be 

 ready for use this month. All mowing grounds 

 are benefitted by being rolled in the spring while 

 they are soft. Wheat also is greatly benefitted by 

 being rolled as soon as the state of the ground will 

 permit. — Goodsdl's Farmer, 



