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grass can be got without manuring. For making whether the corn was as profitabte as the potato manure, too, corn is better than is usually sup- crop. A bushel of potatoes can be raised easier posed. One hundred bushels, properly fed to than one of corn, and are worth more in the marcattle or hogs, will make two hundred bushels of ket. One great advantage of the potato crop is, as good manure as can generally be bought. In that farmers are in no danger of being deluged cultivating corn, there is no danger of too fre- with importations from the West or South, as in quent hoeing. The best field the speaker ever the case of grain, for they are not raised to any raised, he hoed for seven weeks in succession, extent there. He thought farmers should pay and was satisfied that it paid well. One great more attention to them than heretofore. benefit of such a practice is, that it brings the corn forward a week or fortnight earlier.

Mr. FAY alluded to the remark of Mr. Sheldon in regard to corn fodder, as an important consideration in estimating the value of the corn Mr. BROWN related a case in his own experiHis own practice is to cut the corn, even ence, where he planted a piece of corn, manuring crop. before it has quite turned yellow, and stack it one portion highly, and letting the other go without any dressing whatever, but hoeing it with the corn in the shocks, allowing it to remain often instead. The result was that he got nearly until dried, when it is husked in the barn and an equal crop where there was no manure. the stalks put one side for use. But

The stalks are

the value of corn fodder and the amount of manure which corn makes, in addition to its intrinsic value, placed it before the potato as a profitable crop.

he would advocate high manuring, with frequent chopped up fine, and by means of a small steam hoeing. The importance of a thorough pulveriza- apparatus are steamed for six hours, when they tion of the soil is not properly understood by the are ready to be fed to the cows, who eat it freely; farmer, and should receive his earnest attention. sheep eat it precisely as they would turnips. The Mr. FLINT, Secretary of the Board of Agricul- expense of the steam apparatus, which is kept in ture, said that Indian corn had always seemed to operation in connection with a furnace, is about him the pride of New England, being indigenous ninepence per day, and it feeds six or seven cows to the soil and peculiarly adapted to the climate. and a flock of sheep. The quality of the milk is No crop bears our severe droughts so well, and much improved by it. The speaker thought that there is none which we can rely upon with more safety. Of late years, it is the universal practice among the best farmers to plant corn on a flat surface, without hilling. Cultivated in this manMr. CLARK expressed himself convinced of the ner, with deep plowing, the speaker believed that it would seldom feel a drought. If the corn is correctness of the last speaker's views, but rehilled, the roots are often laid bare to the scorch- marked that in ordinary seasons many more buing sun. Of varieties, there is one which has shels of potatoes can be raised than of corn. been tried for a year or two very successfully, Mr. SHELDON thought that the comparative procalled the King Philip. He had distributed some fit of corn and potatoes to the farmer depended hundreds of papers of the seed, and the result very much upon the nature of his land. Last had been eminently satisfactory. A kind, called year on good corn land he did not get over 50 the Canada corn, is raised in Maine with much bushels of potatoes, while he got 35 bushels of corn. On swamp lands he had got 400 bushels of success. Large crops, of 100 bushels and upIn such a season as the wards per acre, are raised in Plymouth county, potatoes to the acre. of a variety called the Webster, or Plymouth last, corn would be the most profitable. In raiscounty corn; but it is said to shrink more during ing corn, he had found that when plowing up grass land it was best to plow in August, run

the winter than the Canadian corn.

Mr. CLARK, of Waltham, detailed an experi- ning 9 or 10 inches, and in the spring let the old ment made by him the past season in raising corn. sod remain without cross-plowing. The crop He prepared two acres, plowing thoroughly and would be better. manuring deeply. One acre he planted about

Mr. BUCKMINSTER of the Ploughman, was hapthe middle of May, and the other about five days py to notice that the value of the potato crop later, with an addition of 250 lbs. of guano to had not been overlooked by the speakers. He the manuring. The yield showed a balance in thought the profit on a crop depended on the favor of the guano lot of about 15 per cent., kind of land cultivated, and every farmer must while it also suffered less from the drought than judge for himself. He would like to know which the other. One lot was planted with 8 rowed was best for fodder, sweet, yellow or Southern white, and the other 8 rowed yellow corn. The corn?

speaker believed that corn was pre-eminently Mr. HALL, of Hampshire county, said he had adapted to the climate of New England, and was fed green corn fodder to his cows; they ate it of the opinion that it suffered less than any other greedily, and gave more and richer milk. His from the drought last season. But he doubted horse also thrived remarkably on it. He fed the

For the New England Farmer.

CULTURE OF HOPS.

ears while yet in the milk to his hogs, and the pork they made was the finest and sweetest he ever tasted, and its superior quality was often reMR. EDITOR:-Will you be so kind as to give marked by friends who ate of it. He was satis- your friends in this region some information in fied that there was nothing which would make so relation to hop culture? This subject is exciting nice pork as green corn while in the milk. considerable interest in our community of late, Mr. Poor, of Andover, made an interesting through the Farmer, will be a favor to numerous and any information you may be able to impart statement in regard to his manner of raising readers of your valuable paper.

winter wheat, and setting forth the superiority In particular, will you reply to the following of the wheat crop as a profitable one for New questions? (a.) Are hops used to any consideraEngland farmers; but as his views and experi- ble extent for other purposes than brewing? ments have been published in the Farmer we And what purposes? (b.) Is it probable that the price and the demand for hops, for years to come, omit any sketch of his remarks. will be such as to make it a safe and profitable Mr. STOCKBRIDGE, of Hadley, narrated a case branch of farming? (c.) Is the hop culture in his own experience, wherein be fallowed a crop restricted to any section of our country, or is it of tobacco (a very exhausting crop) manured with liable to be ruined by extensive culture? (d.) The mode of cultivating and preparing for market, 25 loads to the acre, with a crop of winter wheat,. BENJAMIN COMINGS. planted in September. The ground was flat, and Greensboro', Vt., 1855. wherever the water collected and froze in the winter, the wheat was killed, so that only about| REMARKS.-(a.) Hops are largely used in this half an acre came to maturity; that, however, State for yeast and for medicinal purposes, yet yielded 20 bushels. A piece of winter rye, by far the larger proportion is used for brewing, planted on a similar piece of land, and subjected probably at least fifteen-sixteenths. to the same influences, did not suffer from being winter killed. In his opinion, the wheat crop, although often a very profitable one, was not reliable, and New England farmers must depend on corn and winter rye for certain returns.

(b.) The price and demand for hops is somewhat fluctuating. The price, for several years in succession, was so low that many growers in this State abandoned the cultivation of them. Since 1848 the price has risen, and for the last five

At 20 minutes to 10 o'clock, the meeting ad- years they have been very profitable. There are journed.

few crops on the price of which we can calculate The attendance was good, and among the au- with so little certainty as upon hops. The cost dience we noticed one lady, a very pleasing fea- of raising and curing a pound of hops is about ture, certainly. We hope other ladies will take five cents. The average price for the last four the hint and attend. They will find the meet- years has been about twenty-five cents per pound. ings both interesting and instructive. If the The average price for the last forty-nine years is women would only take an active interest in ag- about thirteen cents per pound. In 1819 they riculture, and manifest it by their presence at sold as low as 5 cents a pound; in 1829 at 5 such meetings as these, an impetus would be giv-cents; in 1847 at 6 cents; in 1848 at 7 cents; en to agricultural improvement which could be while in 1849 they sold readily at 124, and in 1850 gained rom no other source. At the same time at 25; and during the last year, they have been they would gain much valuable information. known to sell as high as 40 cents a pound. No agricultural produce is so fluctuating in price as hops.

HOUSES FOR BIRDS.

MESSRS. EDITORS.-There are but few garden- (c.) The hop has a wide range of cultivation, ers, farmers, or fruit-growers, who do not see the and there is nothing to prevent competition in advantage to be gained by having the number of them except the want of suitable soil. summer birds increased. Yet there are not many who do anything in the way of providing houses (d.) Hops require a strong, rich soil, well maor nests, that this end might be obtained. If a nured. Good corn land is generally good hop cheap article were manufactured, tasty and orna- land. The land is to be plowed deep, say from 8 mental, they would find a ready sale at the agri- to 12 inches, and manured by spreading and crosscultural stores. Will not some of your readers

furnish plans of bird-houses for different kinds of plowing in. It is then furrowed as for corn. birds? That might induce some maker of Yan-The hop plants may be put in every other row, kee notions, to add this branch to his trade. No bringing the rows of hops about eight feet apart, present would be more acceptable to a child, than and planting in every other hill, brings them eight a pretty bird-house, costing but a shilling, where feet apart both ways. Corn or potatoes may be he could have what he could call "his birds," planted among them the first year. The first year during the summer, and should there be a dozen they produce no hops. The second year they are children, and a house for each, there would not to be poled and trailed, or tied carefully to the be too many.-Country Gentleman. poles. In the spring of the year the hills should

and which would afford him much amusement

be opened and the running roots cut off, and a the issue in question. But, as I understand shovel-full of good compost manure thrown upon the hill and covered with the hoe. They are usually to be plowed and hoed three or four times in order to keep them free from weeds.

Picking usually begins about the first of September, and after this they are dried carefully in the kiln, over a charcoal fire, and packed in bales, when they are ready for market.

For the New England Farmer.
MORTGAGES ON FARMS.

"Reader" now, he is "death" on mortgages in general; but, under some circumstances, they may be allowed on the purchase of a farm, but never to raise money to make "improvements" on the same very well. Now I wish the readers of the Farmer to remember, in my former article on this subject, that I only recommended the ments when all other plans failed, and I say so mortgage plan to raise means for farm improvenow. But when it came to this, then I would put a mortgage on the farm for improvements as soon as I would to buy the land. And why not? Now, suppose a young farmer to come in possession of a poor, worn-out farm, and, after MR. EDITOR-In my former article on "Mort- he has made some improvements in the way of a gages, &c.," I attempted to show what I un- house for his family, barn, &c., he finds himself derstood by the principle, and how it was or without a red cent to commence farming with. might be applied in cases of necessity in farming What is to be done? "Reader," in this case, matters. And in reply, "Reader" has given me would probably say the young farmer must look his experience in several instances, and thinks it up some job outside of the farm, in a neighboring may be a sample of what mortgages come to in factory, or "hire" out by the month to a farmer general. My own idea is, that he has given us until he can raise money to begin farming with. his experience in the matter, which is all very And what is to be done with the farm in the well as far as it goes. Now my idea farther is, meantime? Why, nothing, of course. My plan that were he to go through the State and canvass would be to tell the young farmer to go on to the this matter in regard to mortgages among farmers, farm at once, and give his whole time and attenhe would find hardly any two men who told the tion to it, never leaving the farm for any “outsame story. In fact, the whole thing turns on side" job that may offer, so long as he can earn management," as I understand it; and, in three shillings or fifty cents a day for his work at fact, like any other business, more depends on the home on the farm. The young farmer has noth"MEN" you have to do with, than in all other ing else to depend on to live but this worn-out matters put together. Some men will do well farm. Then, if he works this farm on the starenough with a mortgage over them, while others, vation principle, how long will it be before he, in apparently going along in the same track, will turn, will get starved out by such management? fail. What does this prove? Why, if it proves It is, then, as we said in our former article, any thing, it says, in substance, that in this that the young farmer must see that he cannot matter more depends on "men and management," afford to let his land lie idle or go unimproved. than all other outside causes you can name. Of course it is understood that, in the first place,

66

My own experience is not just what "Read- the young farmer understands his business, and er's" is on "mortgages," not having gone through that he knows just what course to take to renoall those operations. In former years, my late vate his land in the shortest time. All that is father began the world in a small way, of course wanting is the ready capital, which must be had buying his land by pieces, generally on the some way; he must begin by using as many im"mortgage" plan, as usual. In later years, when proved farming implements as his means will he made additions to his farm, it was done by a allow, always remembering that good labor-saving "note," often depending more on who the parties farm implements are much cheaper in the long were he had to deal with-sometimes with an run than manual labor, in these days on the farm. "endorser," or not, as the case might be. But Then, the young farmer must supply himself with all the operations came to the same thing finally, good agricultural papers, books, periodicals, &c., namely, the land must be paid for in time, or and not think that part of his farming capital else be forfeited and lost. Of course, when the is wasted when spent in this way. For one of the land was paid for, then the "notes and mort- great pull-backs in farming is a want of knowgages" were killed, and not till then. So, in ledge, which, in fact, is ahead of all other wants reality, he never knew any difference whether on the farm, when applied to practical farming. the land was mortgaged or not; the idea was, of If this fault could be remedied, many a "mortcourse, to pay for it in the shortest time. He, gage" would be paid off with no difficulty at all, of course, never allowed himself to believe that which has been left to be handed down from the land could not be paid for in time, by good father to son. management, for he knew better. Sometimes he Does "Reader" suppose that the parental farm, could no more than meet the interest, and, in on which he was turned off on account of an old other years, hardly that; then, again, he could "mortgage," could not have been paid, (even in pay some of the principal, and so on till the thing his father's day,) if the management on the farm was finished. had been equal to the best farm improvements of Now, the point at issue betwixt us and "Read- the present day? I do not know, of course, what er" is, when and where should "mortgages" be "outside debts" "Reader's" farm had to meet; allowed, and when not? I attempted to show, but I do not hesitate to say, if no uncommon in a former article, how and where they might debts but what grew out of the old "mortgage" be allowed by the farmer. "Reader," in reply, was on the farm, then the system I have named gave me his own personal experience on "mort- above, if faithfully carried out, would have paid gages," which, to my own idea, does not meet it. Has "Reader" a doubt of it? I see very

plainly that "Reader's" idea is, that if old mort- I never supposed that "Reader" meant to do gages are paid at all, in most cases the money me injustice by unfair comments on my former must come from some "outside operation," of articles, or by unjust criticisms. But still, when which the farm has nothing to do with. In proof he began to talk of "Bagging up shade and selling of this, he gives his own experience in No. 3, it at fifty dollars a ton as a fertilizer," I thought where the mortgagor never paid a cent of either it had a strong look that way, as though he principal or interest; but, in after years, it was might place me on a par with some other "sellers paid in full by a son, who was a merchant's of fertilizers" that I could name, but should clerk. Now what does this prove to us? It rather not do so. Still, I may be wrong in this looks as though the management on that farm matter; if so, then all is right. was of the loose kind, or, in other words, just no One word more, and I have done. To those management at all; but such as would fetch any farmers of all classes who own farms, and think man to ruin in time, if well carried out. In they cannot afford to improve them, I say, sell proof of this doctrine, where was the son? Why, out and quit the business at once, and enter on he was in a neighboring village, or city, acting some business that you can make something or as a merchant's clerk, when he should have been have some confidence in. For what satisfaction upon the farm. Why, the son says, like thousands is it to follow a business that you cannot make any of others, farming is of no great consequence any thing at? When I hear farmers commence on a way, as a living can be got, if you work hard complaining tirade that they cannot make any enough, but no money in reality can be made. thing at farming, or scarcely get a living, I never If I mean to get above a scanty living, I must want to hear them talk, for I am satisfied that "pick up my duds," go into a merchant's there is something wrong in the men or their counting-room or lawyer's office, and try to make management. Yours, &c., L. DURAND. some money, and, in reality, be somebody. Does Derby, Ct., Jan., 1855. "Reader" see any reality in a picture of this kind? If so, cannot he see some reason why more old "farm mortgages" are not paid off than there are or have been in years past?

BILL OF FARE.

Pea Nuts.

Pea Nuts

SOUP.
Pea Nuts.
ROASTS.

Corn, a la Indian.

BOILED.

White Corn.

SIDE DISHES.
Pea Nuts, garnished with Pop-Corn.
Pea Nuts, with Pop-Corn Salad.
Pop-Corn, garnished with Pea Nuts.
FIFTH COURSE.
Pop-Corn.
DESSERT.

Pea Nuts.

Ice Water.

For the New England Farmer. PEA NUTS AND POP CORN! To us the whole thing in regard to mortgages MR. BROWN:-What do you suppose some of lies in a "nut-shell," namely, for success all de- our Southern friends think we have come to, in pends on men and management. My idea is, that these "hard times?" Why, sir, I have just cut the "farm should be made to carry the farm on its out the following, from the Bayou Sara Ledger, own back"-or, in other words, the farm should Louisiana. It is represented as unusually rich be made to pay its own way, that is, give the and varied. These luxuries were enjoyed at a farmer his living and pay all necessary expense. public supper at the North, in December, 1854. Why not? For years, or ever since I was a boy, Here is the I have heard farmers talk after this fashion: Farming is well enough if you have got a farm of your own; but as for making money at farming, it is out of the question; you must do what you can yourself, and let the rest go; you cannot afford to "hire" any help, because it wont pay. We got in all our hay and harvest, said another farmer, and only had to "hire" so many days' work; just as though some feat had been accomplished. Now, if a farmer's labor will pay for itself, why cannot a hired man's be made to pay its own way, and leave a little profit to the farmer? For, in reality, it is these extra days' work on the farm that pay, after all. I repeat what I have often said before on this point, that there is no extra labor hired out in any business that will pay better than well-directed labor on the farm. Of course, the farmer must go with his men, and see that the work is done as directed,| and not trust to the "honor" of his men to have the work done. But, then, what are young far- The Bayou Sara Ledger is mendacious! The mers to do that have just started? Nine-tenths editor should have a "Report of Brighton Marof them have to begin with nothing; of course ket" fastened for a week to his spectacles. If we their farms must be paid for under a "mort- are ever reduced to "Pea Nuts and Pop Corn" gage," or never paid at all. Then they must for a public set-out, it must be owing to a great have capital in farming implements and tools; expansion of his "peculiar institution." never trust to your neighboring farmers to "bor- Will the Ledger man keep posted up? row and beg tools" to work with, as this is a Concord, Mass. shiftless policy, followed by too many farmers; own your tools, and then work with them. To TURKEYS TO KILL GRASSHOPPERS.-I would advise young farmers who commence in this way, I say your correspondent from Kentucky, who is anthat there is no difficulty at all but that you will noyed with grasshoppers, to keep on his premises come out right, with patience, perseverance and a flock of turkeys. I was surprised a few years good management, to carry out the system, in ago, at seeing large flocks of turkeys in the meadows of a neighboring farmer, an enterprising,

time.

Water.

Pea Nuts-roasted.
Tucket Corn-popped.
Water-with Ice.

LIQUORS.

Ice Water.

Cold Water-with Pea Nuts.

FINALE.

Tepid Water-with Pea Nut Shuck Toast.

W. D. B.

close calculating man. He told me that they cay of the roots, straw, and other products of the had been annoyed with grasshoppers, and that by plants left upon the soil. keeping turkeys a few years, he got rid of them. I have since kept a flock on my farm, and think they more than pay their way, especially where a farm is infested with grasshoppers.-Country Gentleman.

SALINE MATTER IN SOILS.

For the New England Farmer. PLANTING TREES.

MR. EDITOR-I perceive that the committee on agriculture have been instructed to visit the State Farm at Westboro', to inquire as to the uses made of the lands on this farm, and the exOne grain of saline matter in every pound of pediency of making additions thereto. This soil measuring one foot in depth, is equal to five brings to mind a suggestion made the last year, hundred pounds per acre. And this amount, in- (see Vol. VI. New England Farmer, p. 309,) in significant as it appears, in the abstract, is more these words: "What more delightful appendage to such an institution, than a flourishing grove of than is exhausted in forty years, supposing the oaks?" Let different modes of rearing be tried, grain produced upon it is sold off, and the straw and different varieties be planted, and their variand green crops are regularly returned to it in ous progress noted and recorded; and, sixty years the shape of manure. In most cases farmers rely hence, when the boys who may have assisted in too confidently on what they have been tradition- depositing the acorns shall be of the number who ally taught to regard as the recuperative or self- may be entrusted with the care of the institution, they will bless the memory of him who suggested replenishing power of the soil, a power by which the experiment. Let ten acres of the land be it is blindly conceived to be capable of re-attain- thus planted with the English white oak, (exing fertility through its own unassisted energies perience has shown that this variety advances in when it has been thoroughly impoverished by size twice as fast as the American white oak,) and long cropping, and deprived of almost every ele- there will be no hazard in guaranteeing that in thirty years the value of the land will be increased ment upon which fertility, or the power of pro- four-fold, and in sixty years ten-fold. What better duction, depends. Such a capacity does not belong te any soil.

Suppose the most affluent soil—a garden, for instance-to be cultivated for a series of years without any application of manure. No one can doubt that exhaustion would be the result, and that the exhaustion would be precisely in proportion to the amount or bulk of the crop produced. The same principle operates elsewhere. All the elements abstracted from the soil by vegetables, must be returned to it, or it will be deteriorated in proportion to the quantity of the elementary substances withdrawn.

deposit can be made? And then, think of the enjoyment the boys would experience in hunting squirrels in such a grove! "A word to the wise

is sufficient."

January 29, 1855.

ESSEX.

For the New England Farmer. NOTE OF THANKS.

MESSRS. EDITORS :-I am much indebted to you for your monthly paper kindly sent me, some years past, and small tribute pecuniary or agricultural, horticultural, floral or pomological, have you received at my hands in return. But please accept, in lieu of a more substantial and valuable consideration, my very sincere thanks for the New England Farmer.

Let us examine this question somewhat more minutely. SPRENGEL, a celebrated chemist, and 1. I thank you in behalf of plow-boys. I relong at the head of the Agricultural School of member well when I held this office, and while Prussia, published an exact analysis of two pro- fields, how I longed for something to awake the pacing by the side of the team over my father's ductive soils; the first, a fine alluvial soil, mind, and prompt interesting thoughts, so that overflowed by the occan, and for sixty years cul-plowman or driver might find pleasant topics for tivated in wheat without manure; the second, a conversation. Alas, for the weary, dreary mosoil producing excellent crops of clover, beans, notony of our work, with nothing on hand worth rape, potatoes and turnips, when manured with thinking of or talking of, as to our business of dull, heavy plow-jogging. (a.) You furnish amgypsum. Of these soils one thousand parts con- ple materials to fill up that sad vacuum in the tained, after washing,

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mind of the younger and older field laborer. Great mental stupor must there be, if your articles do not prompt thoughts, inquiries and reasonings, in all who are working the soil, or gathering its products, and thus prevent their minds from lying waste, or overgrown with noxious

Now in the case of the first, the alluvial soil, weeds. the exhaustion produced by the crop was coun- 2. I thank you for your influence, adapted to terbalanced by the alluvial deposits, and conse-attach farmers' sons to their dignifying employquently, so long as its annual or periodical sub-ment, upon soil consecrated to freedom. The mergence by the water, its fertility would be plow-boy's lash (ever to be used wisely and mercifully) falls not upon the cowering slave, but maintained unimpaired; in the latter, gypsum upon the dull or wayward ox, to prompt him to supplied the deficiency not made up by the de-duty. You labor to inspire an agricultural taste,

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