16 PROFITABLE FARMING. 



In the early spring more manure may be applied, but it is better that this 

 should come from the compost heap. Follow the application of the compost with 

 one-horse turning plows, crossing the previous ploughing, turning not exceeding 

 four or five inches deep — about half the depth of the first ploughing. Then, just 

 before it is time to plant, run double-shovel ploughs over the lot, crossing the 

 previous furrows, and follow with harrow "or drag, crossing again to thoroughly 

 make fine. These repeated ploughings, crossing each time every previous one, 

 never failj if the work is done when the land is in proper condition, to put it in 

 proper tilth. 



Let the planter remember that "a good preparation is half cultivation," and 

 not stop until the land is in proper condition. 



In preparing land for tobacco, be sure you don't plant varieties unsuited to 

 the soil or type, else failure is inevitable. The cause of so much mean, nonde- 

 script goods on the markets every year is mainly attributable to failure in plant- 

 ing the proper varieties on the right kind of soil, and planters should carefully 

 note this and sow seed suited both to soil and type. 



If any one knows of a better way, then let him pursue it — ^the writer knows 

 of none better. And just here it may be well to state that perfection is not 

 claimed for any mode or practice recommended in this book, but only the best 

 methods known to the author are given, for guidance to the uninitiated. We 

 live and learn, but life is too short to learn every good thing by experience 

 unaided. Every man owes 'something to those who are to come after him ; to 

 freely give as he has freely received. 



But the author is not writing for those who know more than he does — and 

 doubtless there are very many — ^but for beginners, and those having but little 

 experience in tobacco culture. He gives no advice which he has not followed in 

 his own work, and recommends nothing which experience has not commended 

 as the best in theory tested by practice. Those who possess a better knowledge 

 of the subject, and whose practice is verified by results, ought by all means to 

 give the public the benefit of their knowledge and experience. Planters will gladly 

 welcome their teaching, and honor them for their service. 



But, to return, having put the land in nice "order," lay off the rows with a 

 shovel plough, three feet three inches apart, and follow, drilling along the furrow 

 a good fertilizer at the rate of some two hundred and fifty to four hundred pounds 

 per acre, according to the natural strength of the soil and the quantity of manure 

 previously applied; then follow with one-horse turning plows, lapping four furrows 

 on the fertilized trench, and when finished in this manner your lot is ready to be 

 planted, when the beds have been "patted" with hoes, with "pats" two fee|ten 

 inches apart, to mark points for setting the plants. In the older portions of the 

 fine yellow tobacco country the applications are becoming heavier from year to 

 year, some planters using as much as six hundred pounds to the acre. 



New ground, or old field that has grown up and been cut down, will require 

 different preparation from old smooth land. But on the former our best brights 

 are raised. Any preparation that will put the soil in fine condition, clear of roots, 

 tufts and trash, is all that is required. Experience teaches that if land is cut 

 down two or three years previous to its being prepared for tobacco, it greatly 

 facilitates the preparation and helps its fertility. Much of the vegetable material, 

 both in and upon the soil rots, the roots break easily, and the soil is altogether 

 lighter and finer. 



