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% Ijpratiind anh Js-twiiifit Utaga^rae,
FOR THE PLANTATION, THE GARDEN AND CIRCLE
VOL XXV!!,
See Cover for Terms, &c.
WM. & W. L. JONES, Editors and Proprietors.
«* B. REDMOND, Arcola, La., Corresponding Editor
Agricultural department.
WORK FOR THE MONTH.
Where the face of the country, soil and climate vary
as much as they do in different parts of the South, it is
impossible to indicate a line of procedure equally appli
cable to all. The time for planting corn, for instance,
varies from the Ist of March, or even earlier along the
Gulf, to the latter part of May, in the vallies of the hill
country. Again, upon the flat lands of the Atlantic and
Gulf border, and bottom lands elsewhere, which are not
thoroughly drained, it is nececsary to put the corn upon
a ridge, to prevent “drowning out” in wet weather;
whereas, in rolling and hilly country, the best fart.lers
recommend planting on a level with the surface, or even
several inches below. Again, as to distance: This may
’ certainly be less on flat and valley lands, particularly
when rich, than in high and dry localities. Climate also
comes in as a disturbing
the plant naturally takes on a dwarfish habit, it may with*
out injury, be cro’wded much more than in warmer zones,
where the tendency is to produce a tall, luxuriant stalk.
Hence, at the North, corn is planted much thickertlian at
the South. We’ beg each of our readers, therefore, to
canvass all these different circumstances, as bearing on
his own locality, and be sure if he errs, to err on the side
of giving plenty of distance to his corn—especially if he
plants high rolling lands.
tegln common with some of our correspondents, we have
already expressed our doubts as to corn being the cheap
est grain crop we can raise. The large amount of work
necessary to make a corn crop, is one very serious objec
tion to it, but this difficulty, to a certain extent, at least,
is within our control. Manure, plow and drain one acre
so as to make ft produce as much as 2,3 or 4~ that is the
true policy. Therein lies, also, the solution of the labor
ATHENS, GA., MARCH, Wl
question ; for,-unless we are greatly mistaken; the indi
cations point-very clearly to deficiency , no less than ineffi
ciency of Tibgro labor at the South. If so, all es our ar
rangements must be adjusted to a minimum amount of "ta
bor. We would not be understood, however, ns advising
our readers to plant small crops of corn the present yea”,
unless they have made abundant arrangements for a full
supply of provisions, from small grains, clover, &c. On
the contrary, our earnest advice, as heretofore proffered,
is, give ample scope and verge to a "provision crop, and
then plant what is left in cotton.
We do not propose to argue the question of how much
cotton should be planted. We take it for granted every
th dy will plant all they can tend, and some a good deal
more. Whenever the plows can be spared from the pre
paration for and the planting of corn, they should be bu
sy now in bedding cotton land.
In very sandy soils, as along the coast, it is best to have
the heduing finished some time in advance of the plant
ing, so that a rain may settle the ground—the cotton will
come up better, and be less likely to die out when young.
On stiff land, we should prefer the bedding done as short
a tiruo before planting as possible. The young plants
will then have both a mellow at xC'filean bed. Make the
beds low, as the only objects desired, are to put the seed
ling above water in wet weather, and to prevent its being
covered up at first working. Prepare at once some good
scrapers for first working.
Bed out a plenty of Sweet Potatoes. Don’t forget that
where the seasons are short, the first slips set out make
the finest potatees. To have early slips, proceed as if
you were going to make a hot bed —dig out a foot or so
of ground ; pew .in a mixture of fresh stable manure and
leaves, and a layer oi good earth upon this, in which last
place the potatoes—end next to vine slightly raised. The
heat of the fermenting manure them forward rap
idly. Bed outsat least five bushels of potatoes for every
acre to be planted. We would earnestly urge upon our
readers increased attention to this valuable crop. For a
general crop, and for winter and spring use, no variety
equals the old fashioned yellow yam. For early fall use,
the Red variety or Spanish and Hayti Yam may be planted.
NO, S,
