Rensselaer Republican, Volume 14, Number 29, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 April 1882 — FARM AND GARDEN. [ARTICLE]

FARM AND GARDEN.

The Liverpool Butchers’ and Drovers’ Journal notes the recent transfer of a large number of pedigreed polled cattle, and states that several American buyers are picking up some of the best bred individuals. The seasons will soon open for active operation on the farm, and it is not nessary, to intelligent to repeat the instructions usually advanced in the spring relative to the preparations for a vigorous campaign. No rules can be laid down which will suit every fanner, and ever locality abd condition of things; consequently, much depends upon the sound judgment and good common-sense of every business. It is to be supposed that during the dull and uncomfortable days and long evenings of the winter months, just now about ending, the husbandman has not neglected to study the results of the past in bis own operations, but also to take advantage of the experience of his brethren of the plow, as presented in these and the jpages of other agricultural journals of the country, and thus have prepared himself for tlfe live labors of the coming season} as remarked by a very sensible farmer at a late meeting of an agricultural club.

The first thing the merchant turns to on opening his morning paper is the “Commercial Department,’’ to enable him to judge of the state of the market, to determine him as to his operations for the day; the dealer in stocks, to his telegram, to enable him to select his favorites, to sell or buy; the lawyer will turn to the latest decision in ihe courts for his guidance; the mechanic and inventor, to the scientific journals devoted to the arts and science—and so on to the end of the chapter. Evbryone who wishes to be up to the times in his profession is seeking information as to the best means of advancingjhis business, and keeping up with the competition which now meets him at every step in life. It is not now which the farmer, any more than it is with those of most other profession, that he can travel in the dog-trot manner of his fathers —before steam engines, drills, mowing machines and other imprfftred machinet y, and the conveniences of transportation. His land has been depleted of its virgin Boil, and requires resuscitation; he cannot compete with the rich prairies of thejWest|without he can use the means which are now placed at his command, in the fertilizers of commerce, to supplement the moderate amount of home-made manure which he is accustomed to secure. One important consideration with the farmer should be to keep a head of his work—there is an old adage, and which is perfectly true, that “You must drive the work or the work will drive y.qu”—and make the best use of the labor at your hand. As remarked by the farmer quoted above, there is a necessity for a thorough tillage of this soil. Some farmers Studied to see how little labor they could expend upon the land and get a crop, instead of studying how much labor they could bestow upon it with the certainty of getting on ample return. They required to plow and harrow and pulverize the land a great deal more than in former times. They should take an example from the gardener, who raked and pulverized the grow rid so that every seed he put down gfew. Another element of success in farming is early sowing, but this may depend upon the condition of the land. If drained or dry this may be carried out, notwithstanding the danger which may be apprehended of frosts. There is more risk run generally by sowing latt than early. If farmers keep stock, they should endeavor to keep the best, and they ought to secure good stock by using the males of those different varieties which make the best kind of animals. Iu this way they should endeavor to produce the best meat with which to get their share of the trade in the markets which were opening up to them in the Old World. A requisite to successful stock raising was the care of the animals during the first year. And while taking good care of them, if they got a pound of flesh on the animal, thay should not let it off, for they would only have to buy it on again, which would add to the cost of a animal. Whatever was worth doing at all was worth, doing well, and should be done in *the best manner possible. If any one supposed that a lazy, brainless fellow could make a successful farmer he is mistaken. We do not know of any industry which required . more judgment, thought, wisaomjand discretion. Those desiring4o move evergreens this spring had better do it in Marco, or early in April, than wait until the new growth starts. Evergreens can be moved then, but there is more danger from heat and dry weather, aud more care is required. Even if the tree live after tne new growth .starts that growth may all he lost during the current year. If moved now, with a ball of earth attached so that the roots suffer little displacement, the earth soon settles about them and. a moderate growth can be counted on this year. In the other case 1 there is always danger. The writer has moved thousands of them, and much prefer the period of suspension from growth.