Agriculture is the most healthy, the most useful, and Ike most wMe employment of man. — Washington. 
VOL, VII. NEW YORK, MAY, 1848, NO. V- 
A. B. Allen, Editor. 
O. M. Saxton, Publisher, 205 Broadway 
TIME FOR PLANTING INDIAN CORN. 
The time of planting Indian corn varies, accord¬ 
ing to the localit)' or season in which it is intended 
to grow. In the southern portions of the United 
States, it is generally planted in January or Feb¬ 
ruary, whereas, at the extreme north, or east, it is 
not usually done before the latter part of May or 
early in June. 
It"is a rule with many, to make .the dowering or 
unfolding of the leaves of vegetation, and the ap¬ 
pearance, or pairing, of certain birds, as natural 
guides. For instance, some plant when the apple 
tree is bursting its blossom buds, or when the June 
berry or shad bush is in full blow ; others adhere 
to the old Indian rule, in planting as soon as th J 
leaf of the white oak is of the size of a squirrel’s 
ear; while not a few listen to the notes of the 
whip-poor-will and cuckoo, as unerring guides. 
But we have ever found, from experience, that a 
period somewhat later than those just named, when 
the ground has become sufficiently warmed by ver¬ 
nal heat to cause a speedy germination of the seed, 
is far more favorable and safer from late frosts and 
the depredations of blackbirds and crows. Corn, 
planted in the middle and northern states, from the 
20th of May to the 1st of June, with proper 
management, can be made to vegetate in four or 
five days, and in a week more, will be large enough 
to weed. If planted too early, it will often lie in 
the ground two or three weeks before it will come 
up, and by the middle of June, it will not be near 
so large nor vigorous as that planted towards the 
end of May. 
Previous to planting, the germination of the 
corn may be hastened by steeping it, as directed at 
pp. 54, 90, of the current volume; and the 
kernel may be completely protected against the 
ravages of grubs, wire worms, birds, squirrels, &c., 
by smearing it over with tar, dissolved in boiling 
water, and then rolling it in powdered plaster untis 
it is dry. Thus treated, it has been known to come 
up in 24 hours. 
CULTIVATION^OF TOMATOS. 
The common love apple, or tomato ( Lycopersi- 
mm escuhentum), is a native of South America*, 
and, like the potato, is extensively cultivated in 
every climate in which it will mature The differ¬ 
ent uses of its fruit, for culinary and other pur¬ 
poses, are so varied, that it serves as a dainty dish 
every day in the year. Therefore, it is for the in¬ 
terest of the farmer, the planter, and the market 
gardener to employ the best and the most expedi¬ 
tious means at their command, to produce as early 
a supply as possible ; and, also, to continue its cul¬ 
ture as late as the season will permit. 
Choice of Varieties. —The varieties most esteemed 
and in general cultivation may be noted as fol¬ 
lows :— 
1 . Large Smooth-skinned Red, an excellent va 
riety, differing from all other large sorts, in having 
a smooth skin entirely free from protuberances or 
inequalities of any kind. 
2. Common Large Red, with the fruit depressed 
at both ends, furrowed on the sides, and varying 
in circumference, from three to eighteen inches. It 
is a prolific bearer and is universally cultivated. 
3. Pear-shaped, Pink-red, a variety much smaller 
than either of the preceding, very fleshy, and con¬ 
tains fewer seeds. It is considered equally as 
good for stewing; and for pickling, it is much pre¬ 
ferred. 
4. Cherry-shaped Red , a variety bearing a beau¬ 
tiful little fruit, much resembling a cherry in size 
and appearance, and is usually cultivated expressly 
for pickles. 
Soil and Culture.— The soil best adapted for the 
growth of the tomato, is a light, rich, sand) r loam, 
