Jasper Republican, Volume 2, Number 2, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 24 September 1875 — Fall Plowing. [ARTICLE]

Fall Plowing.

Fall plowing is a popular method oi treating stubble fields, yet we have known old farmers to object to it, arguing that so much exposure of the soil to thesunand drying winds caused a large part of the fertility to escape therefrom. The saturated and dry condition of the soil being alternated rapidly from too much exposure to the heat of the sun and drying winds hastens the decomposition of the organic matter or manures in the soil and converts the vegetable mold into gases, the only form of nourishment fit for plant food, so rapidly and in such abundance that the soil is unable to contain it all. This surplus fertility passes into the atmosphere to remain until carried down again by rains to enrich other farms. However true this argument may be, there are other claims in favor of the fall plowing sufficiently valid to more than, overbalance all the objections to it, if the work be properly done. There is much to be gained by early plowing, before the weed seeds have time to matuie their germs of perpetual annoyance to the vigilant farmer. In this way both the perennial and annual varieties may be effectually eradicated. Fall plowing destroys the hiding-places of noxious insects, which feed upon the growing crops, and puts the rubbish in shape to be converted into manure, which upon spring plowing remains in a raw State, to “ fire” the crops, and causes no little damage during vnry dry seasons. The ground also becomes thoroughly disintegrated and settled by the freezingprocess of winter, which puts it in a better condition to receive and promote the growth of spring crops than freshlyplowed land. It especially admits of early sowing of small grain, without which a good yield is seldom produced. And to have the important work of plowing already done when the rush of work comes in a backward spring is no small desideratum. The diyer and. lumpier the ground is when plowed the less liable It is to become run together and “baked” from heavy rains during fall ind winter. Speaking of this puti; us in mind to call attention to the importance of laying off the lands for plowing in inch manner that the surface-drainage will be most perfect, so that the fields will be relieved as far as possible of the surface water. Only he who observes all these rules can claim the title of ” model farmer.”— Western Rural.

—A young lady in the country, insensed at an egotistical young man from the city, said: ‘‘lf the Dutcher down in the village could buy you at the price your acquaintance* hold you at and sell vou at your own estimation of yourself, he could retire from business on what he’a make on that single speculation btt veal.” A A. ■—■ — —A boy was standing on the corner of St. Clair and Monroe streets, this morning, with his face all scarred, torn and bleeding. A gentleman, thinking something terrible had happened, stepped up and said: “ Well, bub, you look pretty well used up; what’s the matter?” Oh, nuthin,” replied the boy, “ only I went to blow into my dog’s ear this mornin’, an’ didn’t get my face out of the way in time. That’s all.”— Toledo Blade. —We cannotall be rich scions of royalty, raveling around the world at some one Ise’s expense, but there are hone of us so *s°,ffb* 1 we cannot partour hair in ths nlddle and lisp. That is, of course, if we rant to.