Michigan Farmer Volume 8-9 (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1850 edition. Excerpt: ...tried the way of raisingcorn recommended in the Farmer some time ago, and with me it works well. I planted my corn eight feet one way by three the other, on a piece of light land, without manure or clover, plowed in the spring, and planted on the furrow; used the cultivator for the first hoeing--two boys following kept vip with the team, and as soon as the hoeing was done, it was plastered lightly. For the second and last hoeing, I used a No. 4 plow, throwing a heavy furrow up to the corn, and plowed the spaces well; cut it up in September, carrying seven rows into one, making a shock on every thirdliill; plowed and sowed to wheat--had about thirty bushels shelled corn to the acre. I believe there is an advantage in this way of hilling corn, as it keeps the corn from falling down, and the roots that will grow above, or near the surface, instead of injuring the crop, must increase it, by drawing more largely trom the earth the elements needed to perfect the crop. I have not decided on the plan of sowing wheat after corn, as my crop last year was small, but then it was sown very late, and the drouth pinched it very much. I think yet, that wheat sown early, may do well after corn planted in this way. The ground should be clean, so as not to need plowing, but sow and cultivate in, immediately after the corn is cut up. I have a plan in my mind how 1 shall plant in fiture, which is this: Plow deep and well in the fall, (if the ground is not swarded, ) ridge not less than six feet apart, one way, and plant not less than three, the other; when the corn k fit to hoe, back-furrow around the ride with a double team--oxen will do, as there will be a furrow to follow--and when you have gone through your field in this way, finish the plowing between the rows, .