APRIL, 



slipped off as much below the surface as possible, 

 because they will then have the better chance of 

 growing; and as fast as they are taken up, they are 

 to be thrown into tubs of water. Other hands are 

 to be employed in planting ; in which work the 

 cultivator of this crop must be ruled by the me- 

 thod of disposing the beds. That which was prac- 

 tised when (more than 30 years ago) the Society 

 offered premiums, is equally-distant rows, two feet 

 asunder, the land flat. If, for laying the land dry 

 in winter, ridge- work is preferred, only one row, 

 of three feet, can be set on each. On four-feet 

 ridges, two rows at nine inches, or one foot, may 

 be planted. The planting should be performed 

 with care. Women or children should drop the 

 gets, and men follow to plant them. In this month 

 there can be no danger of their not growing, espe- 

 cially if the land is in as good tilth as it ought, 

 Watering will scarcely ever be necessary. 



Let the young farmer, however, remember, that 

 the culture of these plants, applicable only to the 

 use of manufactures, and which are also largely im- 

 ported from abroad, is rarely advisable. I was a 

 madder planter once, and lost by every acre I 

 planted. A man may plant in the moment of a 

 high price, and take up his crop, three years after, 

 at a low one. All such speculations are too ha- 

 zardous; nor was there ever a fair open competition 

 among the purchasers. 



Those who have cultivated madder with the 

 success boasted by the writers of husbandry, should 



pot 



