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INTERESTING HIT.
What Commissioner Nesbitt Has to
Say to Georgia Farmers for the
Month of January, 1894.
PLANS FOR THE COMING YEAR.
Experiments in Farming, Renova
tion and Rotation, Success in
Cotton Planting, Fertilizers.
Orchard and Garden.
Department of Agriculture,
Atlanta, Jan. 1, 1894.
The year 1893, now numbered among
the things of the past, was ushered in
with many hopeful and encouraging
signs. Southern farmers had more home
raised supplies; their indebtedness had
been reduced; cotton, their main money
crop, commanded a fairly good price;
average grain crops had been made;
throughout the length and breadth of
the land the farmers were at last aroused
to the importance of supplying humus
to the worn fields; acres upon acres of
starved land were absorbing the renova
ting crops, more especially of peas, often
of clover and grasses.
Other hopeful factions were the reduc
tion of the cotton acreage and the wide
spread sentiment in favor of home raised
supplies of meat and bread. Encouraged
and hopeful, our people entered on the
work before them, believing, that with
proper and well directed onergy and
economy, success would crown their la
bors. But, unpropitious seasons, short
crops, the low price of cotton, and other
reasons difficult of explanation, here have
precipitated a period of dispondency and
discouragement, from which we find it
difficult to rise.
Let us look these conditions squarely
in the face. Let us frankly admit any
errors we may have made and take steps
to avoid such future mistakes. Let us
also mark our successes, and build upon
them for future prosperity. Every farm
is or should be
AN EXPERIMENT FARM.
A knowledge of the results from the
Etate experiment farm at Griffin is of
great value to the body of farmers. But
soils and conditions on different farms
and in different localities vary greatly,
and even on the same farm, different
fields require different treatment.
On all farms of waning fertility, and
what Georgia farm is not more or less
depleted? it is important to know in what
the deficiency consists, and each farmer
should make, as it were, Ins own soil
tests. Study the requirements of each
crop, and then carefully note the effect
of each applied fertilizer. It is true that
in commercial fertilizers there is what
is termed the “perfect fertilizer,” con
taining all three elements of nitrogen,
acid and potash.
But. suppose we have discovered that
there is enough of even one of these ele
ments in certain soil, or that by certain
process we can draw them to the surface,
what is the use of paying a high price
for material already within our reach?
Experimental plats need not be trouble
some or expensive, and they may be
made to tell us more certainly than any
general soil test, no matter how scientifi
cally made, of what plant element the
land stands most in need.
For instance, one plant may be ferti
lized with nitrogen alone, another with
phosphoric acid, another with potash, a
fourth with nothing. Then combine
these elements, two of each, then try all
three.
These experiments bear directly on the
economical side of farming, besides be
ing full of interest and pleasure. To one
who has been accustomed to look upon
the soil as simply inert matter,they open
the door for a fuller and broader view,
and lead to a .n jru careful study of and
more extended interest in the beautiful
yet simple laws of nature. To those
who have never given this subject much
thought, the statement that 12 inches
below the surface of each average acre
of land in Georgia there lies at
least two tons of phosphoric acid, three
times as much potash, and even more
than that amount of lime, is almost be
yond belief, and at once the inquiry is
suggested:
Why buy these elements at all? Why
not plow deep, bring them to the sur
face and add only nitrogen? The reply
is, these elements are not in soluble
form, the ordinary crops cannot appro
priate them because plants do not eat,
they drink. Therefore, knowing these
two facts, i. e., that the elements can be
placed in reach, and yet the plants be
unable to appropriate them, it follows
that our chief study should be how to
put these important elements in soluble
form, that they may enter into the struc
ture of our growing crops. And here
we have the broad field of
RENOVATING CROPS
opened for our inspection and thought
ful study.
Our ordinary crops of corn and cotton
and small grain cannot, appropriate these
locked up stores, hut leguminous plants
can. In this class are peas and clover.
When the roots and stems of either of
these are left to decay iir the soil, the
labaratory of nature begins at once si
lently but surely to convert the stores
of phosphoric acid, potash and nitrogen,
which have been gathered gathered by
these plants from the earth and atmos
phere, into available plant foot; that is,
a large per cent of the original insoluble
elements are put in soluble form anil
made fit for plant food.
FALL AND WINTER PLOWING.
In former talks I have urged the im
portance of deep fall and winter plowing
on stubble land, or on land where there
was an accumulation of vegetable mat
ter to be turned under. Recently there
has come under my observation an illus
tration so pertinent, that I give it for
the benefit of those who are still disposed
to question the wisdom of this plan. In
a certain locality in north Georgia, and,
I may as well mention, situated in the
heart of the drouth stricken region, a
farmer began last January to turn under
a broom sedge field. He was anew
comer in that section, and when his
neighbors saw him burying deeply, with
a two horse plow, the heavy mat of
sedge, roots and tops, they assured him
that he was ruining Ids land.
But when they discovered that he in
tended to plant corn on the land thus
prepared, their incredulity reached its
height, and various were the prophecies
of failure. In the spring the rains were
heavy and long continued, but in June
the drouth began, and for weeks not one
drop of rain fell on the parching plants.
The surrounding crops almost dried up,
but on this deeply plowed land the corn
remained green and vigorous, yielding
80 bushels to the acre, while the average
yield on adjoining farms was scarcely
more than eight bushels. Bear in mind
that there was an ample supply of mois
ture absorbing vegetable matter which
Was thoroughly buried, and not left on
the surface in tufts to dry out rapidly
after each ram.
The weight of the deeply turned fur
row held it firmly and evenly in plaoe,
and the vegetable matter absorbed and
retamed-the moisture, ready for future
Qr.utS from The crop. Of course he
placed fertilizer in reach of the growing
plants. The failure of sucli ventures is
too often-due to the fact that the turn
ing is improperly and hastily done, or
that the land is destitute of vegetable
matter. There could not be equal ben
efit in thus turning under a perfectly
clean field having only a thin layer of
top soil.
• JANUARY
In farming is essentially a month of
preparation and planning. The begin
ning of the year finds more of other oc
cupations resuming their regular duties
and it is a mistake for a farmer to allow
one day to follow another and each con
tinue to find his plans unsettled and im
mature. He should decide clearly what
he intends to do. realize the difficulties to
be met, and select the best means of
overcoming them. Let him keep stead
ily in mind these facts: that future suc
cess in cotton planting depends on re
ducing the oost of production, and on
raising home supplies.
The first requires sound judgment, a
knowledge of the laws of preparation
and cultivation, and a study of the ca
pacity of his laud and the effect of fer
tilization. During the past year many
a farmer cultivated land which, under
most favorable conditions, was incapa
ble of returning the cost of preparation,
fertilization and cultivation. If the ac
tual cost of production for an acre of
cotton is less than the yield of that acre,
one-third of a bale, which is a full av
erage for the state of Georgia, it re
quires only a glance to see that the re
sult is on the losing side for tlie far
mer.
Fertilizers and labor are too costly to
be expended on land which will produce
only a bale to three acres. If the farmer
is convinced of this, let him resolve to
leave his poorest lands to the kindly
officers of Mother Nature. Give them
an absolute and entire rest, and begin
the renovating processes on the more re
sponsive soils. Concentrate on these la
bor and fertilizers and manures; study
plans of __
RENOVATION AND ROTATION.
If necessary terrace the uplands and
ditch the low, wet spots. Anemminent
ly successful Georgia farmer advocates
the following:
“Sow in small grain grasses and clover
one fourth of all arable land on the
farm,rest one fourth,pasture one fourth,
and cultivate in summer crop3ono fourth.
Alternate these annually.”
Another says:
“Let the oldest and poorest and most
gullied lands lie out for the present, un
til we can get to them in regular order.
On the best acres plant corn, oats and
cotton, follow the oats with peas and
save the vines for hay; follow the peas
with cotton, using the most prolific vari
eties, and fertilize liberally; follow the
cotton with corn, add more manure, and
then oats again. Every year a little
more of the outlying or poorer lands
may be taken into tlie system of renova
tion and improvement thus inaugurated.
Let these additions be sown in small
grain and then peas, then cotton, then
corn as before.”
The question of suitable fertilizers
should now be decided. Numerous in
quiries have been received at the depart
ment, and there seems some dissatisfac
tion and some complaint as to the grade
of goods sold in the state.
THE PRESENT STANDARD
of 10 per cent of available material was
settled upon after careful study and ma
ture deliberation, as the proportion best
suited to the generality of our lands. It
is an axiom in agriculture, that the
richer the land the more fertilizer it will
bear. On our worn fields exhausted of
humus, it is a hazardous undertaking to
apply large quantities of highly concen
trated fertilizers.
But this is a point each person must
decide for himself, keeping in view the
fact stated above. If he wishes the es
sential elements of potash, phosphoric
acid and nitrogen combined in different
proportions, he can have it done at the
factory. Or, better still, a number of
farmers cap. 'Combine, purchase "a car
load of material and themselves mix in
the proportions, which after careful
study, they decide that their lands most
need. These ingredients are guaranteed,
and the farmer, with his scales and rich
scrapings from lot and fence corners,
can save the cost of both freight and
manipulation, and he then knows exact
ly what he is using.
OATS. *
In the more southern portion of Geor
gia it is well to sow oats in January. I
have seen very fine crops raised from
such sowings. In view of the fact that
a large portion of the corn crop was cut
off by drouth, it would be advisable,
where practicable, to sow largely of
small grain, and later of millet and such
other food crops as will supplement this
deficiency.
A GOOD GARDEN
Is an important auxiliary in the econom
ical management of the farm. Those
who would enjoy its benefits during the
coming year must begin to prepape for
it now. If the manure has not already
been distributed and plowed under, no
time is to be lost in doing this, remem
bering that a garden can scarcely be too
“rich.” If the manure is coarse, cover
deeply, if well decomposed, shallow cov
ering is best. High culture is the only
system to be pursued in the culture of
vegetables. Good seed, deep and thor
ough breaking, plenty of manure and
rapid cultivation are essentials. The
plots for Irish potatoes, buds, early corn
and cabbage should be put in condition
for planting, so that when the proper
time in February arrives, there will be
no delay.
PRUNING
of trees and vines and shrubs, if not al
ready accomplished, should be finished
this month. Cut out all dead wood,
take out unnecessary- stems and shorten
branches that are too long. Don’t prune
too severely, as this will diminish the
yield of fruit, but cut with judgment
and care.
FRUIT TREES
should have suitable quantities of potash
supplied to the soil in which they grow,
if it is not already there. A good plan
with young trees is to draw the soil
away from the upper roots until they
are nearly exposed, scraping away any
borers that may be found. This, how
ever, should be done in November. In
January bank fresh wood ashes around
the stems, and later draw the soil back
to the tree. In supplying potash spread
around the tree for some distance, the
rains will carry it to the roots.
REPAIRS.
In former articles I have urged the
necessity of attending to needed repairs,
fences, ditches, terraces and buildings,
of “righting up” matters on the farm
ready for the coming year's work, of
clearing away, as it were, obstacles
which might hinder our success. Let us
take fresh courage. We have much to
be thankful for. In the almost univer
sal distless, we find that the farmer,who
has his food supplies, and this is true in
much larger proportion than usual,
though he has little money, is in far bet
ter condition than the majority of labor
ing men. Besides a certainty as to food,
he has his house, his fuel, his garden and
hope, which seems denied to his less for
tunate brother of other avocations.
FARMERS MUST STUDY
All that relates to farming. We cannot
afford longer to waste our capital. The
school of experience is valuable, but it
sometimes takes more than half a life
time to get through, and we pay a high
| price for our ulploma. Subscribe To
' some good agricultural paper. The low
price of subscription is returned over
and over again before the year is out in
valuable information.
The three great essentials are, first,
the theory—true plan— of farming; sec
ond, the art of controlling labor and of
executing all work to the best advantage
with least labor; third—last and best—
success depends on quick perception,
wise judgment, that seldom or never
errs. How is this to be acquired except
by the use of books, in conjunction with
practice? R. T. Nesbitt,
Commissioner.
FORMUL AS FOR MANURING.
For general purposes, i, e., for use on
corn, cotton and other summer crops,the
following is a good formula:
No. 1.
Add phosphate 1,300 pounds
Cotton seed meal s<o pounds
Kainit 2uo pounds
Total 2,000 pounds
If cotton seed be used instead of the
meal, then the following:
No. 2.
Add phosphate 865 pounds
Cotton seed, 3314 bushels 1,(00 pounds
Kainit 135 pounds
Total 2,000 pounds
If muriate of potash be substituted for
kainit, then—
No. 3.
Acid phosphate 1,400 pounds
Cotton seed meal.... .. 510 pounds
Muriate potash 60 pounds
Total 2,000 pounds
If cotton seed be substituted in No. 3
for cotton seed meal, then—
No. 4.
Acid phosphate ... 000 pounds
Cottonseed 1,060 pounds
Muriate of i>otash 10 pounds
Total 2,000 pounds
The foregoing formulas comprise the
commercial ingredients mos f generally
used in composting or mixing at home.
As already indicated, these ingredients
when provided in the proportions given
may be mixed with stable manure and
other crude or bulky home materials in
any convenient proportions of the latter.
The larger the proportions of stable ma
nure, etc., the greater the dilution, or
weaker the resulting mixture, and a cor
respondingly larger quantity should be
applied per acre.
EXPERIMENTATIVE FARMING.
The above formulas are given for gen
eral use. They may be varied accord
ing to the particular crop, or the ciiarac
ler of the land on which the crop is to be
produced, in reference to the particular
crop, we are better informed, both by
the known analysis of such crop and its
power of supplying itself from the plant
food already contained in the soil, or in
the air, than we are in reference to dif
ferent soils. The same plant, corn for
instance, always contains tlie same well
known' elements, in substantially the
same known proportions, and always be
haves exactly the same under the same
conditions. But [soils differ very widely
from each other, not only in their physi
cal condition and analysis, but also in
their chemical composition.
Even where a chemical analysis and a
careful physical examination of a soil
has been made and is before the eye, we
camiot say in just what proportion the
elements of a fertilizer should be mixed
in order to give the best, results on a
given crop. Tlie only absolutely relia
ble method of finding out what elements
and in what proportion they should be
applied, a given soil requires in order to
produce the largest and best results in a
given crop, is to apply to the soil in com
petitive plots, or test rows, the several
elements combined in different propor
tions, sometimes suppressing one alto
gether.
In this way, and in this way alone,
many a farmer will find how to fertilize
his land so as to get the best crops and
the largest profits. It is the plan that
has long been adopted by the experiment
stations of this country and Europe, and
already much has been learned in regard
to the wants of particular crops and the
requirements of different soils. Fortu
nately this method may be adopted by
the careful and intelligent farmer. Why
write to an agricultural journal a thous
and miles away to ask if potash is re
quired by your soil? Only a general an
swer can be obtained in a majority cf
cases.
The more obvious resort would be to
ask the soil whether it needs the addi
tion of potash, by applying potash in
some form to one set of rows, and with
holding it from another set alongside of
the first, the other conditions being as
nearly as possible the same. The ques
tion may also be asked of a particular
crop what it most needs; in fact the
same experiment will often answer both
questions. If it be found that any given
element increases the yield of every one
of several different kinds of crops plant
ed on it, it may be safely concluded that
the soil is essentially deficient in that
element.
If it be found that nitrogen increases
the yield of cotton, but does not affect
the yield of corn, then it is at once sug
gested either that the soil fbrnishes
enough nitrogen for the corn or that
corn does not require so much as cotton.
The same is true in regard to any and all
of the elements of Jplant food. Indeed,
the same principle of experimentation
will apply to all the operations on a
farm, and have long been applied to
many of them. All intelligent and pro
gressive farming is made up largely of
experiments.
BY THE GEORGIA DEPARTMENT
OF AGRICULTURE.
Relating to the Farm, Garden, Dairy,
Stock Raising, Etc.
TEOSINTE.
Can you give me any information in
regard to Teosinte as a forage plant?
J. L. Z., Conyers, Ga.
Teosinte is a tropical plant closely re
sembling corn. It suckers or tillers to a
remarkable degree, and is a rapidly
growing plant, with 50 suckers some
times springing from a single plant, and
in warm climates attaining a height of
from 10 to 15 feet. In this country, ex
cept in the extreme southern portion,
the seasons are not long or hot enough
to permit it to seed. While not seeding
in Georgia, it will do well as a forage
plant. It stands drouth well, much bet
ter than corn, and the yield is
enormous in this state about 19 tons to
the acre; stock like it, and there is little
waste as the stalks are very tender.
It will require one pound of seed to
plant an acre and it should be- planted
in rows three feet apart. and thin seed
until the plants are about a foot apart.
It is said to have been introduced in
this country from South America where
it is perennial, hut iri’this country, while
permitting more than one cutting it
must be treated as an annual.
, MANURE.
How much does manure lose by being
exposed? H. T. L.,
Barnes ville.
We have endeavored a number of
times to call the attention of our farm
ers to the great loss they suffer from not
taking proper care of their barnyard
manure. Your question brings this loss
pointed to mind. Experiments on a
large scale demonstrated that under or
dinary conditions of piling and exposure
during the course of the summer ma
nure loses of its fertilizing constituents
about 50 per cent of its original value •
A comparative test of the value of
leached and unleached manure conduct
ed at the Ohio experiment on corn and
wheat, and mixtures of clover and timo
thy, showed a very wide difference, and
indicated that the margin of profit on
open yard manure is extremely small.
In experiments at the New York station
it was demonstrated that cow manure
exposed to the weather lost 65 per cent
of its weight. There was a loss in per
centages of each fertilizing constituent,
except phosphoric acid, amounting in
the aggregate,to 2.50 per cord.
A large number of other experiments
might be mentioned showing the great
loss incurred by improper exposure.
It has been well said that “the true
foundation of all successful agriculture
is undoubtedly the manure pile, and
when assisted by clover and commercial
fertilizers, roses can be made to bloom
in the place of thorns; hay can be made
to grow instead of briars and thistles;
grain instead of weeds, and wealth in
stead of poverty.”
Let us resolve at the beginning of. the
year more to L isband our resources, and
by the use oi cowpens, manure and a
proper appreciation of commercial fer
tilizers bring our lands to a higher state
of cultivation.
RAW BONE AND STEAMED BONE.
We have previously been called upon
to give the difference in the value to the
farmer of pure raw bone and steamed
bone.
Tlie Southern Planter thus answers a
similar question:
This inquiry from a subscriber is a
very pertinent one at this season of the
year when farmers are ordering their
fertilizers for the wheat crop which us
ually largely consist of bone or acid
phosphate. If our subscribers will refer
to the January, 1893, number of The
Planter they will there find an article
from Dr. DeClialmot, the assistant chem
ist of the department of agriculture,
fully explaining the different kinds of
bone meal fertilizers and their compon
ent parts, which will supply a complete
answer to this inquiry. For the benefit
of those of our present readers who may
not have the January number,we would
say that there is practically no difference
in the percentage of phosphoric acid in
raw and steamed bone meal. *
The steamed bones, however, nave
lost the larger proportion of their nitro
gen. This loss, however, is attended
with a gain in the availability of the
phosphoric acid, and as the phosphoric
acid is the principal object for which
bones are applied, the steamed ones are
more valuable for this purpose than the
raw ones. The loss of the small percen
tage of nitrogen is more than counter
balanced by the gain in availability of
the phosphoric acid; at least, we think
this to be so wren used for a fall dress
ing for wheat.
FERTILIZERS REMOVED BY CROPS.
I note in your reports where you give
the amount of the elements of plant food
removed by several crops. In order to
practically apply your answer I would
he glad if you would give in dollars and
cents the amount removed by wheat or
some other crop.
D. A. L., Woodlawn.
In a report of the Pennsylvania state
experiment station the amount of ferti
lizing materials carried away by ordi
nary farm products, is give in tabulated
form. And from these tables the an
swer to your question is thus given.
“We learn from the aboue table that
the farmer who seels a ton of hay, for
example, seels in this ton of hay fertiliz
ing ingrediants which if purchased in
the form of commercial fertilizers, would
cost him about ss.lo;that if he sells 3,000
pounds of wheat, he sells an amount
of nitrogen, phosphoric acid, and potash
which it would cost him $7,75 to re
place in his soil in the form of commer
cial fertilizers (Or looking at it from
a somewhat different standpoint) a far
mer who sells for example, $lO worth of
Wheat sells with it about $2.58 worth of
fertility of his soil. In other words,
when he receives his $lO this amount
does not represent the net receipts of the
transaction, for he has parted with $2.58
worth of his capital, that is, of the stored
up fertility of his soil, and if he does not
take this into the account he makes the
same mistake a merchant would should
he estimate his profits by the amount of
cash which he receives and neglects to
take account of stock.
Tfie doctrine of compensating and re
storing to our soil what has been re
moved is here strikingly illustrated.
The farmer, like the merchant, cannot
encroach on his capital each year and
expect the same profit from the next
year's labors. His soil stored with the
elements of plant food constitute bis
wealth, and if he succeeds he must see
that his soil is not depleted of these ele
ments.
SOIL ANALYSIS.
In view of the many questions relative
to tfie value of soil analysis in addition
to what we have said on this subject we
quote the following from G. E. Morrow,
of the Illinois experiment station:
“An examination of a soil by a chem
ist will show with great exactness of
what it is composed and the relative pro
portions of the elements. It may show
that there is evidently a too small sup
ply of some essential ingredient, or it
may show that some substance or some
combination present which will be in
jurious to plants. In these ways such
an examination may give most valvable
suggestions as to manuring the soil or
other methods of improving its fertility.
A chemical analysis, however, will not
show with certainty whether the sub
stances of which the soil is composed are
in condition to be available as plant food,
Often it gives very little help to an un
derstanding of whether or not the soil is
in good physical condition. The chem
ist is able to state not only the actual
and relative quantity of each element
found in the soil, but also the percentage
of this which is soluble in water and sol
uble in acids. This information helps
greatly in estimating the quality of
each which is probably in suitable con
dition to be taken up and used by
plants.”
After 35 years' study of this question
on a great variety of soils, Professor Hil
liard (Cal. R. 1889, p. 163) concludes
that “in no ease has any natural virgin
soil showing high plant food percentages
been found otherwise than highly pro
ductive under favorable physical condi
tions, * * * but the reverse is not
true, viz, that low plant food percenta
ges necessarily indicate low productive
ness.” Improved physical conditions in
the latter case may more than make up
for the deficiency of plant food. “It is
then absolutely indispensable that both
the physical character, as to penetrabili
ty, absorptive power, etc., of a soil
should be known, as well as its depth
above bed rock, hardpan. or water, be
fore a judgment of its quality, product
iveness and durability can be found
from its chemical composition.” One
kind of examination is the necessary
complement of the other.
The processes by which soils are
formed and plant food rendered availa
ble are constantly going on in the soil,
oO that both the chemical and physical
conditions of soils are constantly chang
ing, and frequent examinations are ne
cessary if we are to be accurately in
formed as to the chemical and physical
properties of any soil at any given time.
In actual chemical analysis only the
fine earth (never larger than 1 mm. in
diameter, preferably 1-2 mm. according
to Hilgard) is examined, it being assumed
that this fine earth contains all the plant
food readily or immediately available to
plants.
This fine earth is submitted to diges
tion with acids which separate it into
two parts—an insoluble residue which
affords an approximate measure of the
sandiness of the soil, and a soluble por
tion, which is further examined.
THE GARDEN.
The secretary of the North Carolina
state horticultural society gives the fol
lowing calendar for January work in
the garden:
“Cleanup the garden; prune all woody
plants, burn all prunings and trash; re
pair fences and tools; provide poles and
brush for running plants; overhaul hot
bed and cold frame; send for the
seednien’s catalogues, hut beware of
their “novelties;” procure the latest
bulletins of the state experiment station
relating to horticulture, noxious insects,
fungi and weeds; order your seeds and
test them; get your seeds directly from a
reliable seedsman, and not at the near
est grocery or drug store; consider well
what particular varieties seem best suit
ed for your particular purpose and order
these.”
In the southern portion of Georgia
work can progress much more rapidly
than is here indicated. For economy on
the farm if not for profit, there is noth
ing better than a good garden, supply
ing. as it does, an abundance of health
ful food.
ALFALFA.
What is the proper time to sow alfal
fa? What character of soil does it re
quire? Does it make as good hay for
horses as for cattle?
G. T. W., Whitfield.
Alfalfa, or Lucerne, should he sown
in the spring, It requires a deep, rich
soil, which should be naturally well
drained. If cut at the right time and
well cured, it will make good food for
horses, but is hot so satisfactory as well
cured clover.
THOMAS SLAG.
What is Thomas Slag? and what is
your opinion of it as a fertilizer?
H. I. L., Blakely.
Thomas Slag is a hi-product of the
Bessemer steel process. It contains from
10 to 14 per cent of phosphorio acid, but
is so affected by the iron with which it
is combined as not to be readily avail
able. At the Georgia station it is re
ported next in effectiveness to acid phos
phate.
CATTLE BREEDING AND FEEDING.
The Southern Planter gives* some in
teresting information oh this subject
which will be read and appreciated by
farmers:
For several years past there has been
going on a gradual, but nevertheless,
certain and sure diminution in the num
ber of range cattle, and an absorption of
the ranges into enclosed farms. As this
has progressed, the value of the beef has
risen, until now it stands, on the aver
age, more than $1 a hundred higher than
a year ago, and nearly $2 per hundred
higher than two years ago; and yet, at
this advance, there is no over-supply of
the best animals. We see no reason to
suppose that this over-supply is likely
to be forthcoming for some time, c n ac
count of the fact that for many years
past, owing to low prices and the com
petition of range stock, the' farmers
throughout the country have neglected,
to keep-up the quality of their herds by
breeding to pure-bred bulls.
In addition to this local scarcity, there
is now superadded the certainty that
there will be a large export demand for
Europe. Owing to the failure of the hay
and fodder crops on that continent,
thousands of cattle, and even horses, are
being slaughtered to save them from
starvation. In England, half-fed beasts
are being rushed into the market and
sold for what they will fetch. With
such a prospect, why should not our
southern farmers give attention to this
business of breeding and feeding? We
have the grain, the cotton seed, and the
fodder to bring up and feed the stock,
and it is certain that these can be fed to
pay a better price than to sell them on
the market. Besides all these advanta
ges, we are close to the great markets of
the east and the north, and near to the
points of export. Another advantage to
be gained, and that not the least, is the
improvement to be made on our farms
by The manure which is made by feeding
stock. Thousands of dollars now spent
in buying fertilizers can be saved, and
yet the fertility of the farms be not only
conserved, but increased. Recently a
farmer from Piedmont, Virginia, came
into this city, on his way home from
Philadelphia.
He called to pay for some farm sup
plies, and pulled out a pocketlook wad
ded to repletion with currency, contain
ing many hundred dollars. The mer
chant had the curiosity to ask him how
he came to be carrying about so much
money. He replied, “I am just on my
way home from Philadelphia, where I
have been to sell the cattle I fed last
winter and spring, and this money is the
proceeds of my sales. In addition to
this,” he said, “I have sold a heavy crop
of lambs this spring at $4.50 per head in
the field, and have a rich farm upon
which I have just harvested the largest
wheat crop I ever grew, and I have not
paid, and do not owe, a dollar for fertil
izers. I make mine at home by my cat
tle and other stock."’ Now, why cannot
this be the position of more of our farm
ers? It can, and we urge that it shall
be.
BERMUDA AND WIRE GRASS.
There is a radient difference between
Bermuda and-wire grass which South
ern Cultivator thus explains: Bermuda
is a low, creeping grass, rooting at the
joints of the genttc cynodon. Wire
grass belongs to the genus aristeda, of
which there are nine varieties. It is a
dr}’, harsh perennial grass with narrow
leaves.
FROM THE EXPERIMENT STATIONS.
In an experiment continued through
three seasons at the Utah station a com
parison is made of deep- and shallow
tillage and no tillage for potatoes. The
average of duplicate plats for three
years gives the yield of large and small
potatoes on shallow tilled plats as
206.88 bushels per acre; on the deeper
tilled plats, 205.87 bushels, and on the
untilled plats, 153.7 bushels.
J. W. Sanborn, director of the Ul_h
station, reports that two years’ exp, , -
ments in sowing oats at different dates
showed a marked advantage in early
sowing.
W. H. Caldwell, of the Pennsylvania
station, recommends as of most promise
the following potatoes: Freeman, Green
Mountain, Burpee Superior, Ben Harri
son and Monroe County Seedling.
L. R. Jones, of the Vermont station,
advises the hot water method of treat
ing oats seed, not only for the immediate
benefit, but for the eradication of smut
from future crops.
Experiments bearing on the two meth
ods of tilling and check rowing corn
were made in 1891-92 at the Utah sta
tion, Corn checked, tilled both ways
and not hilled, yieled, 39 - 64 bushels per
acre: checked and hilled both ways, 36
bushels; checked, then tilled and hilled
one way, 42.84 and 43.5 bushels; drilled
and tilled one way, 43.5.
FEBRUARY SHERIFF SAEES.
GEORGIA—Butts County.
Will be sold before the court house door
iu said county, on first Tuesday in Febru
ary next, within legal sale hours, for cash,
the following described property, to wit:
One black horse mule name .Bill, about
len years old, also one black mare mule
about twelve years old. One Queen Dex
ter buggy made by .1, It. Carmichael, also
one one-horse wagon made by J. If. Car
michael, also six thousand pounds of seed
cotton, more or less; one hundred bushels
of corn, more or less; fifteen hundied
pounds of fodder, more or less. Levied
on by virtue of and to satisfy four execu
tions issued from the county court of said
county. One mortgage fifa in favor of B.
C. Kiuard & Aou transferred vs. C. A.
Bearden and J. G Bearden. Cne distress
for rent in favor of B. C. Kit.ard vs. C.
A. Bearden. One landlord’s special lien
in favor f B. C, Ivinard & Aon transfer
red vs. C. A. Bearden. One fifa in favor
of R. IF. dfays vs. C. A . Beardea and
John B. Evans. Property pointed out by
plaintiffs inf if as. Propertj in possession
of C. A , Bearden and John G. Bearden
at the time of levy. This January 4,
1894.
J. O. Beauchamp,
Sheriff B. C.
FOR TW Ef-VE MOSITHS) SUPPORT.
GEORGIA—i-utts County.
7o all whom it may concern:
The return of the appraisers, duly ap
pointed to set apart twelve months’ allow
ance for Prudence J. Kinard, widow of
B, C. Kinard, late of said county, deceas
ed, and filed according to law. This is to
cite all and singular the creditors and next
of kin of B. C. Kinard, to be and appear
at my office within the time
allowed by law, and show cause, if any
they can, why snch allowance should not
be. confirmed.
Witness my official signature this, 15th
December, 1893.
J. F. Carmichael, Ordinary,
NOTICE TO DEBTORS AND CREDI
TORS.
GEOi?GL4—Butts County.
Notice is hereby given to all persons
having demands against E. S. IFynn, late
of said cofinty, deceased, to present them
to me, properly made out, within the time
prescribed by law, so as to show th*" ff
character and amount. And all persons
indeb ed to said deceased are he’Moy re
quired to make immediate payment to me.
J. H Carmichael,
Adrti’r. of £ •• S. Wynn.
GEORGIA—.ButIs Count J
.Notice is hereby gi T jf n
having demands F- JPeaver,
late of said county, and p ** e< * t 0 present
them to me properly t L -*de ont, within the
time prescribed by e o as to show
their characM n4n and a*-n cunt. And all per
sons indebted deeased arte hereby
required to make iifumediat© payment to
me, M. W *av*,
6t Adm’rtrix. cf F. M Weaver.
MORTGAGE SALE.
By virtue of the power vest i w a
by a mortgage deed made by E A Jv w
cher to Fennell, Thompson & Cos., on t| 4
6th day of February, 1892, and tin-ivj..l
towit: On the Bth day of Fcbruurv. 1
at 9 o’clock a. m., filfid for record a - I
recorded in the clerk’s office of the Suj,... 1
rior court of Butts county, on page }pi I
ot book “G” on the 23rd day ol Februa-1
ry, 1892, and by them regularly trai s . I
ferred by writing thereon to me x I
6tli day of Nov., 1893, and by , inure oi a 1
decree rendered by the Superior court 0 f I
Butts county at Chambers ]> tc
11, 1893.1 will sell before the courthouse
door in the town of Jackson, Butts I
county, Georgia, oil the 16th day of J an
1894, between the legal sale hours tract
of land described in sc id mortgage to
wit: One tract of land lying and be u ,
in Butts county Georgia and contain, n s
one hundred and twenty-live acres m , re
or less. Bounded on the north by land?
of the widow Stroud, east by lands of
Goodman and ook, west by lands oi A.
0. Fincher and soulh by lands of .1. |„
Fincher. These lands are in a high state
of cultivation. The terms of sale will
be cash. Title deeds will be made in
the name of E. A. Fincher, with guar
antee of saint by virtue ol said decree.
J. T. Fincher.
ADMINISTRATOR’S SALE.
Agreeably to au oroer of the court of
ordinary of Butts county, will be sold at
auction, at the court house door of said
county, ou the first Tuesday in February
uext, within the legal hours of sale, the
following property, to wit: Bive shares
Southern ,1/utual Building and Loan As
sociation stock, Atlanta, Ga., ten shares
stock in the Carmichael Cos., Jack.,on, (.a.
Sold as the property of E. S. Wynn, late
of said county, deceased. Terms cash.
J. H. Carmichael,
Adm’r. of E. 8 ll’ynn.
By virtue ot au order from the court
of ordinary of Butts county, will he sold
on the first Tuesday in February, 1894, at
the court house door in said county, be
tween the legal sale hours, the tract of
laud m said county whereon 8. M- Wea
ver resided at the time of liis death, con
taining 100 acres, more or less, adjoining
lands ot J. E. Weaver, J. F. Thai ton, J.
B. Evans and W. R- IFeaver. Fresh
lands and all in good repair. Terms cash.
Samantha M. Weaver.
AdmTtrix, of F. M. IFeaver.
NOTICE.
GEORGIA—Butts County.
Beginning Ist day of January, 1894, all
cost* due by executors, administrators or
guardians, and all costs due in cases tried
before and under and by virtue of the sev
eral statutes of this state must be paid
when work is done, or judgement entered.
J. F. Carmichael, Ordinary.
FOR LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION
GEORGIA—Butts County.
To all w’hom it may concern :
Marj E. Mackey having in proper
form applied to me for permanent letters
of administration on the estate of Henry
Mackey, late of said county, this is to
cite all and singular the creditors and
next of kin of Henry Mackey, to be and
apoear at my office within the time al
lowed by law and show cause, if any
they can, wiiy permanent letters of ad
ministration should not be grauled to
Henry Mackey’s estate.
Witness mv bend and official signa
ture this Ist day of January, 1894.
J.F Carmichaei, Ordinary
DISSOLUTION NOTICE.
The film of Fennell, Thompson & Cos.
have this day dissolved by mutual consent.
W. G. and R- L. Thompson having
bought out the old firm and will continue
the business under the firm name of
Bhompson Bros. In retiring we thank
our friends and customers for their kind
ness to us in the past and ask a conlinu
anee of their patronage to the ne w firm.
All parties indebted to the old firm are
requested to call and make immediate set
tlement as business of the old firm must be
settled by the 15th of this month.
R< spectfully
Fennell, Thompson A C’o.
January 1, 189a. 4-t
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tained of nearest druggist.
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