1 wIMIfllflllt Digitized by the Internet Archive in 2009 with funding from University of Pittsburgh Library System http://www.archive.org/details/farmerspromotionOOrein THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK, A NEW AND SCIENTIFIC INURING SYSTEM, FOR THE CULTIVATION AND INCREASE OF ALL KINDS OF GRAINS, GRASSES AND FODDER AND PASTURE UPON ALL KINDS OP SOIL, PROVED BY ACTUAL EXPERIMENTS AND BASED ON EVIDENT TRUTHS. DESIGNED TO IMPROVE AGRICULTURE IN ALL ITS BRANCHES. Hepresented by upward of One Hundred and Pifty Engravings, of the most valuable Grasses and Plants connected with the System. DR. C. a. EEINHOLD PITTSBURGH: PRINTED BY W. S. HAVEN, CORNER OF MARKET AND SECOND STREETS. 1856. Entered according to Act of Congress, in the year 1856, by DR. C. Gr. RE IN HOLD, In the Clerk's Office of the District Court of the United States for the Western District of Pennsylvania. INDEX. Preface, 5 Introduction, 8 F-A.RT I. ON THE RELATION OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF FARMING. Winter Produce, 16 Produce of Fodder Cultivation, 16 Pasture, ■ 16 Return by Stable Manure, 17 Return by Sod Manure, 17 Aim, Advantage and Aid of a Produce Table, 18 Annual Produce Table, 20 :e>a.dr,t ii. ON THE IMPROVED VEGETABLE MANURING. How does Nature fertilize the soil ? 21 Occurrence at Natural Vegetable Manuring 22 Occurrence at Agricultural Vegetable Ma- nuring, 22 Importance of Green Manuring in Fallows and Stubbles, for the quick promotion of the Farmer, 22 Cheapness of Seed, 23 Strength of the Masses by the use of dif- ferent kinds of Plants and Grasses, 24 Shadiness, or right proportion of the Plant and Grass Manuring Mixture, 26 Number of grains per lb. of the Plant and Grass Seeds, 26 Pounds of Seed in the hollow measure,... 26 Number of grains on a Plant Manuring seed inch, 26 Plant Mass on a square foot, and its esti- mation, 27 How great the strength of the Plant Ma- nuring can be made by the density, shadiness, and the different kinds of mixtures, 27 Loosening, purifying and deepening the soil by Vegetable Manure, 28 ON THE APPLICATION OF THE GREEN MANURE AS TOP8EED IN GRAIN, LIKE CLOVER, ON FALLOWS AND STUBBLES, IN FOUR DIFFER- ENT MODES. First Mode — page. As Topseed on Winter Grain,.... 28 Instructions on the Seed, 28 Forbearance after Harvest, 29 Rolling down and ploughing in the Vegetable Mass, 29 Second Mode — Of the Topseed on Summer Grain, 29 Third Mode — Of the Vegetable Manure on Stubbles, 30 Fourth Mode — Of Seeds for Fallows, 30 Instructions on the description of the Plants used in the improved system of Green Manure,.. 31 Names of the Seeds — For Topseed, Fal- lows and Stubbles, 32 Explanation of the Marks, 33 On the variety of Seeds, 33 The necessary quantity of Seeds in the Transition, 33 The Cheapness and Convenience of the production of Seeds 34 DESCRIPTION OF THE CLASS OF PLANTS OF TOPSEED IN GRAIN, LIKE CLOVER OR WIN- TER SEEDS. First Vegetable form, 35 Second Vegetable form, 36 Third Vegetable form, 39 Fourth Vegetable form, 43 Fifth Vegetable form, 46 Sixth Vegetable form, 48 Seventh Vegetable form, 49 Eighth Vegetable form, 50 Ninth Vegetable form, 51 Tenth Vegetable form, 54 Kinds of Grasses for the Topseed Mixture, 56 The most frequent wild-growing Fodder and Pasture Grasses 59 REVIEW AND APPLICATION OF THE MOST FRE- QUENTLY GROWING PLANTS * GRASS SEEDS, IN FIELDS AND OARDEN8, FOR THE TOPSEED IN GENERAL,. rm Topseed mixture of the Winter Grain in Middle Soils, 60 First Review of the most general Top- seed Plants of the Middle Soil 61 Second Review 62 Topseed Mixture of Heavy Soil in Winter Grain, 63 Topseed Mixture of Winter Grain on Light Soils, 63 Topseed Mixture of Summer Grain on Middle Soils, 64 Topseed Mixture of Summer grain of Heavy Soils 65 Topseed Mixture of Summer grain of Light Soils 65 Instructions for the beginning of Top- seed Manuring, 65 Explanation of Plates representing Plants of the Topseed Manuring, on Table I, ... 67 Description of the kinds of Plants of the Fallow Manuring, or Summer Seeds,... 69 First Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring 70 Second Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring, 71 Third Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring, 72 Fourth Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring, 74 Fifth Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring, 75 Sixth Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring, 76 Seventh Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring, 78 Eighth Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring, 79 Ninth Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring, 80 Tenth Vegetable form of the Fallow Ma- nuring, 82 IV ■icr: -' PA8E. Kinds of Grasses in the Fallow Mixture, 83 Review of the most frequently growing Plant and Grass Seeds for the Fallow Manuring in general, and especially of the Middle Soils, 84 Selection of the Fallow Mixtures for Heavy Soils, 85 Selection of the Fallow Mixtures for Light Soils, 86 Explanation of Plate II, 86 Plants of the Fallow Manuring, 86 Description of the kinds of Plants of the Stubble Manuring, 89 Selection of the Stubble Mixture for Mid- dle Soils, 89 First Vegetable form, 89 Second Vegetable form, 89 Third Vegetable form, 89 Fourth Vegetable form, 90 Fifth Vegetable form 90 Sixth Vegetable form 90 Seventh Vegetable form, 90 Eighth Vegetable form, 90 Ninth Vegetable form 90 Tenth Vegetable form, 90 Of the Selection of the Grasses for the Stubble Mixture, 91 Selection of the Stubble Mixture for Heavy Soils, 91 Selection of the Stubble Mixture for Light Soils, 91 On the application of the Stubble Mixture, 91 A few Remarks on the Cultivation of the described Plants and Grasses in the Garden 91 Cultivation of single Bushes, 91 Cultivation in Lines or Hedges, 92 Cultivation in Groups, 92 Cultivation in Beds, 92 Retrospective view of Part II, 93 INDEX _>___{._ in. ON THE IMPROVED FODDER CULTIVATION. How Nature nourishes the animal, 94 Proportion of the kinds of Grasses and Herbs on the Meadows and Pastures,... 95 The number of Plants on one square foot of the Meadows and Pastures, 95 Examples on the Pastures 96 Example on Fodder and Clover Pasture, 96 Review of the Winter Feeding, 96 Reason of the Improved Fodder Cultiva- tion, 96 Object of the Mixed Fodder Cultivation,... 97 Of the Mixed Fodder Cultivation for 1 year, 97 The Plants of the Annual Mixed Fodder Cultivation, 97 PAGE. Of the 2 and 3 years' Fodder Cultivation Mixture, or the Clover-grass Mixture, 97 On Clover-grass Mixtures before, the intro- duction of the improved Green Manuring, 98 Review of the kinds of Plants of the Clover Mixture before the introduction of the improved Green Manuring, 98 Of the density of the Clover Mixture and the agricultural measures of its estima- tion and seed calculation, 98 Example of a Hedysarum Mixture on gravelly dry soil, 99 Example of a Clover-Grass Mixture on the Middle Soil, 100 Example of Lucerne Mixtures on warm, dry Middle Soils, 100 Example of Clover -Grass and Lucerne Mixtures on rich soils, 101 Clover-grass Mixtures after the introduc- tion of the improved Green Manuring, 102 Of the Fodder Cultivation for many years mixed, or artificial meadow mixtures,. ..102 _?_____ i-v. ON THE IMPROVED PASTURE CULTIVATION. How Pasture is to be constituted, 104 Proportions of the Grasses and Plants on the Pastures, 105 Of the number of Pasture Plants on the square foot, 105 On the disadvantages of Poor Pastures,... 105 On the disadvantages of Stable Feeding,. .105 Review of the Present Pastures, 105 Reason for improved Pasture Cultivation, 106 Object of the Mixed Pasture Cultivation, 106 Of the annual Mixed Pastures, 106 The Plants of the same !106 Of the Pasture Mixtures for 2 and 3 years, 107 Of the Pasture Mixtures before the intro- duction of the Green Manuring, 107 A List of the Plants of the Pasture Mix- tures before the introduction of the improved Green Manuring, 107 Of the density of the Pasture Mixtures and of the Agricultural Measures, of its estimation audits seed calculation, 107 Example of a Pasture Mixture on dry, gravelly soil, 108 Example of a Pasture Mixture on middle soil, 109 Example of a Pasture Mixture on rich highlands, for sheep, 109 Example of a Pasture Mixture on rich low soil, for cattle, 109 On the Pasture Mixtures after the introduc- tion of the improved Green Manuring,. .110 PAGE. Of Pasture Mixtures designed to last for several years, or Artificial Pastures,... Ill Description of the Grasses and Plants of the improved Fodder and Pasture Cul- tivation, Ill The Fox-tail family, 112 The Fescue family 113 The Oats-grass family, 115 The Bent-grass family, 116 The Wheat and Barley-grass family, 116 THE MOST PREFERABLE HERBS OF MEADOWS AND PASTURES. The lasting kinds of Clover, 117 The Meadow Vetches, 118 The Meadow Peas, 119 Lucerne, Hedysarum, Goat's Rue and Stone Clover, 120 By-plants of the Meadows and Pas- tures, 121 ___?_?___sr_>i___ Seed mixtures that serve for Cattle for Stable Fodder 122 Mixtures for Mowing the first and second years, and the third year for Pasture, on dry, loamy and sandy soil, 123 For good Clay soil, one to two years mowing, 123 For good Limestone land, two to four years mowing, 123 Seed Mixture for Cattle Pasture, 124 Grass Mixture for light soil, 124 For rich soil, 124 For Moor or Bog land, 124 Seed Mixture for Sheep Pasture, 124 For dry, poor Sandy soil, 124 For loamy Sandy soil, 125 For Limestone and Clay soil, 125 The best Meadow Plants for moist, wet, moory, flat meadows, of which the water cannot be drained, 126 On moderate moist soils, of which the water can be drained off, 126 On moist and dry meadows, 126 Best Grasses for raising Cattle, 126 Best Grasses for raising Horses, 126 Grasses best suited for raising Sheep, 126 Meadow Plants blossoming early and ripening in May, 127 Meadow Plants blossoming and ripening (later) in June, 127 Meadow Plants which blossom and ripen in July, 127 Meadow Plants for Milch Cattle 127 Meadow Plants which possess a particular ability for massing, 127 PRE FAC E. In this treatise, I present a course of proce- dure to Agriculturists, which is in accordance with the laws and efforts of nature, and which, if practically followed, will be productive of more wealth and happiness than all the gold of California, or pearls of the ocean. No profession or calling in life is of as great importance in the pursuits of man as that of the Agriculturist; nor is there any cause of man's action so closely and intimately con- nected with the prosperity and happiness of mankind. The advancement of arts and sciences, the enterprise and energy, and the wealth and happiness of society, is increased and sustained by the progress of the science of agriculture. All our institutions are dependent on, and sus- tained by, agriculture. It is the great lever that moves, sustains, and keeps in life and healthy operation all the various departments of civilized society. Agriculture is the great centre around which all other departments of business revolve, and on which all are depend- ent for their support and very existence. Agriculture began with man's first operations 2 and duty. It is, in the ordination of things, made the instrument of progress on which depend the happiness and useful developments of the powers of man, and the profitable improvements of useful and necessary animals. Hence, in the high and honorable pursuit of agriculture, every principle must be examined, and carefully digested, in accordance with the laws of nature ; every truth agreeable thereto must be carefully applied and understanding^ practiced, so as to reward the farmer for his toil, and to make his lands produce abund- antly. Although agriculture occupies the most im- portant position in the business departments of life, although the welfare and happiness of man are so intimately connected with its advance- ment, and a large number of all civilized com- munities engaged in it, as a business or pursuit in life, yet, through mistaken prejudices, its progress has been less, in proportion to means and capital, than that of any other department of business. It is still clogged with the forms and prejudices of past ages, so as, in too many instances, to retard improvement and to render (v) VI PREFACE the pursuit not only laborious and unprofitable, but apparently unworthy the attention and un- fitted for the pursuit and employment of intelli- gent citizens. It is important, however, that former prejudices be dispensed with, and truth adopted as our guide. There is no sphere in which is found a more ample field for the application of scientific principles, or intellectual investigation; nor is there any calling that so amply rewards the intelligent operator as that of agriculture, when practically carried out, in accordance with scientific principles, based on the laws of nature. There are three modes by which farming is practiced, viz : mechanically, by the rules of art, and scientifically. The mechanical, or tradesmanlike farmer, imitates the modes and customs he has seen and prac- ticed ; he exercises no other judgment than the one referring to the manner and time of doing his work, destitute of the developments of intel- lectual comprehension. The farmer succeeds by rules of art — if the rules he has adopted happen to suit the case — if not, he fails. But the scientific farmer needs no positive rules to practice ; he is guided by a knowledge of all the facts connected with the nature of the soil, its component parts, and the requirements neces- sary to render it more fertile. This knowledge develops the proper method of executing the mechanical part of the operation in the right way and manner, and in proper season. Hence the opinion often expressed : " Theory (scien- tific knowledge) is of no avail; but practice crowns our efforts with success," is erroneous ; for it is evident no practice can be correct unless based on correct theory; thus we require an intelligent and correct theory on which to build our practice, in forming an intimate combination of both ; for practice without theory is blind, and theory without practice is lame. In all important reforms, in order that a general advantage may be realized, the more extensive the spread of a knowledge of the principles embodied, is, the greater are the benefits resulting; and the more the system herein set forth gains publicity throughout the agricultural community, the greater will be the interest manifested; and as the subject is made the test of trial, its results will confirm the public mind of its utility and correctness. It is not uncommon to meet with failures in impor- tant enterprises, in the hands of neglectful and careless operators ; whilst under the care and superintendence of judicious and careful men, the most happy and profitable consequences are realized. Hence, in introducing this system, every farmer desiring success must give strict attention to its application, so that a proper development of the principles and benefits of it may be fully realized, that the many thousands of farmers, in the North and the South, the East and the West, may speedily be made acquainted with a system of farming calculated to enrich the soil, lessen the labor, and double the produce throughout the United States. This new manuring system is based on the principle of ploughing down a coat of green plants, in order to enrich the soil, and conse- quently to produce a greater harvest of grain, fodder and pasturage ; to improve the farm and stock, and to render the farmer an abundant reward for his labor : particularly showing how a farmer, at small expense, and with compara- tively little labor, can manure and enrich his farm, and prepare the soil for the reception of seeds, in a manner that it will produce more PREFACE Vll than under the usual method of manuring, and still continue to increase its fruitfulness. The present work contains the principles and instructions of this new and scientific system, and the practical manner of manuring and cul- tivating the soil, by the use and application of a mixture of various plant and grass seeds, which are found growing on the various localities in the United States, as suited to the various soils, and sowed on ploughed fallows, stubbles, and as topseed on winter grain and summer grain, and at the required time of growth to be ploughed under. It contains also the princi- ples, modes and instructions of a new fodder and pasture cultivation, and the practical man- ner of increasing the hay and fodder by various admixtures of the best grasses and fodder plants. INTRODUCTION. On the expensive manner of producing man- ure, in usage to the present time, rests the Avhole success of agriculture, and without it, all efforts would prove inefficacious. But according to the system established in this treatise, a begin- ning can be made on the most inferior soil, almost without expense, so that, from year to year, it will be more richly manured, rendered more productive and profitable, and increased in value. Plants and roots could be cultivated, and even in a soil which but a season or two before was sterile and unproducthre. This system of manuring I here present for the benefit and advancement of the farmer, under the title of the "Farmer's Promotion Book'' The elements by which the promotion of the farmer is as yet chiefly sought for, viz : fodder and dung manure, marl, lime, salt, ashes, chem- ical manure, etc., are not the only, much less the original ones. For these are merely second handed elements, or means of second produc- tions, and as such must decrease and finally be totally consumed, as is the case in all manner of store. If there were no original elements, or means of first production in nature, from which every thing existing originated, grows, and is continued, and by which alone it can increase and multiply, then man would be unable to resort to any other remedy; but we have the universal elements of the first cause, or produc- tion, which also must be the same from which (viii) the first food originated. From this, manure and mould took their origin, and, as we shall presently show, the earth itself, with all things on it, were produced. Consequently we have to describe those universal and natural ele- ments of agricultural promotion in all their indisputableness, because they are still too little regarded. The farmer is indisputably the cultivator of nature, consequently its practical scholar. His workshop is the extensive earth. But how this Avorkshop (the globe) with all its beings, was produced and built up, by the same means through which the farmer alone, as cultivator of nature, can be elevated: this we must briefly show. The art or law by which the farmer can be promoted to, and sustained by, a state of prosperity, is contained and drawn from the centre of the earth and from the depth of the ocean. ^ It is undeniable, that during millenniums of undisturbed rest (in the primitive geological periods of earth's formation) the earth aggre- gated itself as precipitate. Now what else could this precipitate have been, but such, as in a great measure, is still found to be, although on a smaller scale, continued, in calm and muddy ponds, the mould produced by light and water from the immense masses of primitive floating plants, as food for the innumerable fishes, slimy and shelly animals? Consequently their original INTRO DUCT I OX. IX food and mould must have increased the uni- versal precipitation, and caused its composition to be of various matters. By means of internal heat of this precipitate, or the heat of the earth, the giant members of the earth — the moun- tains— have, during thousands of years of rest, out of transformations from the depth of the primeval ocean, been crystalized and cemented together. From the streams of the ocean, which were caused by the planetary revolution of the earth, the gaps and valleys originated. Through the additional prepondering pressure of the primeval ocean upon the substantial heat of the earth, the mountains, which at first ap- peared above the level of the ocean, were forced up to the highest peaks, so that these peaks could accomplish the design of the primitive Paradisiacal creation. As soon as the pressure of the earth became preponderating, the pre- cipitations became quicker and stronger, and the pressure of the ocean accordingly weaker, as it sunk more rapid on account of its trans- formations ; then, from the conflict, arose those volcanic floatings, from the subterraneous fire which covered the ocean, in which conflict the interior creation was ruined; and these revolu- tions were continued until the substantial heat of the earth could deliver itself more freely, in the production of one-third of land, as it exists at present. But from the time the earth came forth from- the primeval ocean, it likewise accumulated continually by the productive powers of Nature: light, air, water and heat, and by that element of formation "vegetativeness," (as the universal food.) On the surface of the ocean, at first appeared thin water threads, fibres, moss, &c, formed only by light and water; but as soon as +Ti° mould increased, grass, vegetables and trees also came forth, produced and formed by air and nourishment of the earth. As these accumulations under the water, and on the dry land, are thus constantly continued, and as the "green vegetable" is among all, the only universal and natural element by which these accumulations are produced — because "green vegetable" is the food of all the vermin and the most of the animals in the- water and upon the land — it may beeome clear to the reader how the earth, through the same means by which the farmer does cultivate it, viz : "green vegetable," was produced and built up, from the centre up to its surface, and by which it clothes itself with fertility, and is sustained in the same. Hence it will become obvious to the reader, that "green vegetable" is the only manure to be used in order to enrich the soil and pro- mote the farmer. And why? Because it has the ingredients to corporify the matter of light, and thus to increase itself as the universal food, and consequently to increase also the accumu- lation of mould and manure. For to this end the whole earth is covered with it, by the masses of leaves of the forest and thickets, of plants and grasses of the fields, meadows and pasturages, and its soil is fertilized continually by its mould, as can be seen everywhere, especially in the forests and prairies of the West, where the grass grows from five to six feet long, dies in autumn, and turns to mould. Now, if the farmer wishes to profit by this property of "green vegetable," he must follow the course of nature, viz : manuring the soil with "sowed green vegetable masses." Such is the productive course of nature by which the entire globe, with all its manifold treasures, in and upon the earth, together with all its ani- mate beings, was built up. Accordingly the farmer must make use of the various local and serviceable plants in the artful manuring of his fields, in order to be promoted to a state of prosperity. On the contrary, when every thing is cut down, fed or sold, where agriculture is sus- tained only by stable, or salty, or earthy INTRODUCTION manure, which, in part, is the product of the universal food, and not like the "green vege- table manure" produced in accordance with the laws of Nature — a course of wasting is followed, which will bring us to the same results our ancestors experienced in their day, in the ex- haustion of their farms ; for whenever we desire to obtain a more abundant crop, we can effect it only by exterior means, by the appli- cation of which the productiveness of the farm must rather decrease than increase. In order to illustrate a few preliminary infer- ences for the design of this book, we must abide by the simple course of the Farmer'' 8 Promotion, namely: the course of "green vegetable man- ure," in accordance with the laws of Nature. It cannot be denied that the destroying, and continually consuming, grasping hand of man must, by the growing population of the earth, be felt more and more, as it is every where engaged in the ravaging of countries. And how much cheaper can the farmer pro- duce, and how much more abundant will the produce be, if, in the cultivation of land, he follows the simple course of nature? By care- ful observation, a great difference can be seen between the productive course of nature and that of the present mode of farming; for in- stance, let us look at the immeasurable beds of coal, with which Nature, from the abundance of its vegetable manure, has filled the bosom of the earth. These beds of coal are nothing but absorbed moors and forests, and layers of mould, which the floating ages deposited. In similar proportion is the productiveness of nature in many other respects. But, compara- tively speaking, how trifling is the produce which the farmer receives by the present mode, as handed down to us from our grandfathers; by which he is pillaging the country around and about him, as much and as long as he may have the liberty, to obtain materials to manure his impoverished fields ? The first step, there- fore, from this course of wasting, toward a course of productiveness, must indisputably be the "Green Vegetable Manure." In this business, Nature also everywhere comes to the assistance of the husbandman; for everywhere it is designed and so constituted to fertilize, as if it were itself the forest, as well as the field of the farmer. To this may also be added, that with us, in the temperate zone, the most of the trees and shrubs cast off their masses of leaves annually, and the lasting herbs and grasses on the earth have to wither and die, whilst, in the meantime, the plants and vegetables in the torrid zone always keep their verdure. This, no doubt, has its source in the law of Nature, constituted for our climate to fertilize the earth by vegetables, because with us vegetation is shorter, and not so lux- uriant as it is in warm climates ; therefore the masses of fallen leaves of the forest, and the masses of herbs and plants of the fields, which wither and die annually, must contribute to fertilize the soil of our climate. In hot countries this is not necessary, because its vegetable cre- ation furnishes the soil with sufficient mould without its annual decay and putrefaction. And has not our climate also its evergreens, as fir, pine, juniper, laurel, ivy, &c. ? No doubt many more would exist if it were not that the design of the natural vegetable man- ure of the soil for our climate was lodged in the annual withering and putrefaction of leaves and vegetable masses. Or is our climate defi- cient in plants of rapid growth, or in herbs abundantly filled with seed, to sow and to pro- duce masses of vegetable manure for our fields ? Do not all the undisturbed forests, and all neglected fields and gardens, clothe themselves profusely with them ? Does not a closrt . ob- servation often prompt us to say, to what pur- pose may be all these plants ? Yea, God blessed the extensive earth with them for the purpose that they might serve to their proper use. INTRODUCTION. XI Thus it is certain that the earth, in conse- quence of its "green vegetables," possesses the power to accumulate and to manure itself. Hence the question arises, whence came the first food? From the mould by which nature fertilizes the earth ; and thus it becomes neces- sary for us to regard and to treat "green vegeta- bles" as the first principle, the first production, and consequently in all manner possible, to increase the manure of the soil by masses of sowed vegetables. It follows from the above, that the green vegetable manure of nature is the greatest, or the principal manure of the earth, and, conse- quently, as such, it must also be considered, ap- plied and used by the farmer, if he desires his own promotion. The animal manure is to be looked upon as the inferior or secondary man- ure of the earth, because the animal kingdom is nourished and borne by the vegetable crea- tion, as the child is by its nurse. In addition to this, the animal and the farmer are the con- sumers, and give back to the soil much less than they take from it; the animal indeed transmits its food into animal productions, and the farmer sells a considerable part of his harvest, in consequence of which he gives back that much less. Now this diminishment can only be restored to the soil by the generative powers of nature, viz : by light, air, heat and water acting on green vegetables. Thus it is explicable why for centuries past most of the farmers have remained on the decline in the produce per acre, and why a larger production can only be effected by exterior means. By green manure of sowed vegetable masses, how- ever, the soil receives more than is taken from it, for the accumulated properties, generated by light, air, heat and water, are ploughed in on the spot, as they receive the greatest part of their masses from those powers of nature ; and thus the reader may, by this demonstration, become clearly convinced of the advantage and necessity of using an abundant vegetable man- uring of the soil. Those, therefore, who merely mow and reap, and depend for their promotion alone on animal manure in manuring their lands, arc certainly not in the right course. Their farming, in some degree, has a similarity to the progress of the grass-hopper or caterpillar^ which is not calculated to produce, but to con- sume; it goes well with them in the beginning, as long as there is something at hand to con- sume, but gradually their stock decreases, and in the end their fields become impoverished. It cannot be denied either, that, according to the present mode of farming, much manure can be procured and used, but in such a way as becomes detrimental to the farm at large ; for instance, by robbing the meadows and tures, by pillaging the forest, by feeding grain, by buying hay and manure, borrowing money, &c, which, in the end, must prove more or less ruinous to the farmer, in its oppressive and embarrassing tenor. The part of a farm thus manured may prove productive, but it is the smaller portion that can be reached, and that, moreover, at a heavy expense, whilst the largest portion of the farm is in an impoverished and unproductive state. Now, money is the very thing needed by the farmer who is in pressed circumstances ; and in order to meet or obtain relief successfully, he must follow nature's course in manuring his soil — change an ex- pensive and unsuccessful process, adapt the latter to the laws and requirements of nature, and manure his land with green vegetable masses. For where more can grow, or be produced at less expense, a cheaper and better manure must be applied. That green and vegetable masses fructify the soil, is a truth well attested by experience, and well known , by all farmers who have been in the practice of ploughing down oats, corn, buckwheat, grass and clover sod. But as experience has proved that the present practice of green manuring is Xll INTRODUCTION. too lack in its properties to nourish the land sufficiently, and too expensive, I came to the idea to make use of other vegetable seeds, and to establish a manuring system which will meet the wants of the soil, and prove a real promotion to the farmer. For if we mix other vegetable seeds with the offals of the barn, we can form a vegetable manure of from ten to twenty different kinds, which will be more powerful than dung manure, and not requir- ing one-tenth the labor or expense. Therefore it cannot be disputed, that in the promotion of husbandry, no better and no cheaper means can be found than this system of green vege- table manuring. These natural means of promoting the far- mer's best interests, by green vegetable masses of seed manuring, depend, as this work will show, on the proper selection of suitable plants, which offer themselves in fields, woods, mea- dows, gardens, &c. But the growth of these plants differs with the climate, soil, situation and circumstances in which they are placed. Hence, I have given, in the selection of the different masses of seeds, a large contribution, such as will suit all localities and circumstances; so that it can be used as topseed in the grain, like clover. The description of the most ser- viceable plants, together with the collection, cultivation and application of their seeds, will form the contents of the second part of this work. The natural conformable character of this green vegetable manuring system is, that it gives the farmer also the strength and the seeds to the improved cultivation of his fodder and pasture. The instructions and explanations on these subjects form the third and fourth parts of this book ; the first part treats of the present system of farming. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. PART I. ON THE RELATION OF THE PRESENT SYSTEM OF FARMING. NATURAL SIZE OF A SQUARE HAND. FOUR INCHES SQUARE. At first we must determine the mensuration of an acre, for it is necessary to have a correct method of judging the quantity of manuring seed sowed, that the produce of the improved green manuring, and the fodder and pasture cultivation, may he sufficiently dense. Hence we take a square of 4 inches, which contains 16 inches, which we divide into 4 parts, and each part contains 4 inches (superficial,) as shown in 3 the cut ahove. An acre contains 43,560 square feet, and each foot 144 square inches, making in the acre 6,272,640 square inches, which, divided by 4, is 1,568,160 squares of 4 inches each, as shown in the one-fourth of the cut, so that on 4 inches there must stand five plants ; on one square hand 20 plants ; and on one square foot 200 plants, for the green manuring; and to make the fodder cultivation. 500 (13) 14 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. plants on the square foot; and for pasture, when the grass only grows from 4 to 6 inches high, 1000 plants on the square foot, which will render it more productive. We can measure the density of the square foot by counting the grains that fall on 4 square inches, as there are 26 squares of 4 inches, or 9 squares of 16 inches, in a foot, which, multiplied by the number Of feet in an acre, will give the density of the seeding of plant and grass seeds, as proposed in the second part, and thereby determine the strength of the ma- nuring. In order to ascertain to a certainty the number of grains sowed to the foot, or to the square of two inches, which we call an agricultural seed inch, we take, say the -^ie 0I* a pound, or one dram, and count the grains, which being divided by the number of inches in a foot, or seed inch, and thus we can tell the number we sow on the seed inch, foot, or any given surface. In order that no mistake may occur, I take the rep- resentation of the inner surface of a man's hand, or 4 inches square, which is the ninth part of a foot — an acre contains 392,040 of these squares, and if multiplied by the number of grains on a seed inch, will accurately produce the amount sowed, or to be sowed, in broadcast, drill or otherwise. If 1 J bushels of wheat be sowed to the acre, or 90 pounds — one pound contains 20,000 grains, which is 41 grains to the foot, or 4| on the square hand, or on to the 6eed inch. If thus we divide the hand, or four inches square, into four smaller parts, as it is represented at the beginning of Part II, we have four smaller seed inches, and hence the acre contains four times as many green manuring seed inches as grain seed inches. Further ; if we divide the hand, or the four inches square, into 25 parts, as the figure represents at the beginning of Part III, we have still smaller seed inches, better adapted to the fodder cultiva- tion, or grass mixture, which we call the fodder and grass seed inches, being 25 times as many grass seed inches as we have grain seed inches, or 250 to the square foot. Again, we divide the hand, or four inches square-, into 100 parts, as the figure represents at the beginning of Part IV, and we have the size for the density of the pasture culti- vation. We call these the seed inches of the pasture cultivation, and our acre contains 1000 times as many as it does square feet. We will now remark that the cultivation and proportion of fodder on middle soils, must be so adjusted as to afford the necessary manure ; but this rests on the proportion of fodder and grain cultiva- tion. The grain cultivation on a middle soil draws more out of its strength than the weight of the crop amounts to, for it has less absorption of airy matter, whilst the green mowed or pasture draws far less, viz : not one-half of its strength from the soil ; for the green plant has the ability to absorb a large part of its support from the air manuring, for which reason we so arrange our farm that one-half the land lies in fodder and grass cultivation whilst the other part is used in raising grain. For instance: 20 acres in winter grain, cultivated partly after the manured fallows are partly sod fallows. 5 acres potatoes and other summer crops. 15 " oats and corn. 40 " fodder and pasture. 20 " fallows, part manuring, part sod, of two or three years fodder and pasture cultivation. 100 acres. I would remark, that on a small farm, a farmer cannot always keep up this rotation ; but there must always be kept so much fodder cultivation, so that the green manuring can be applied, which is done only by the proportion of grain and fodder cultivation, so that the soil may retain and increase in strength and fruitfulness, and yield an increased harvest. In order to awaken the farmer to his interest and welfare, we will venture here a valuation of the crops in dry weight. Every attentive farmer knows how many dozen of grain he has, how many tons of hay, the amount of grain threshed, of all crops raised, and with little trouble he may test and know accurately what his farm has produced in dry weight, hay, straw, &c. He can easily weigh the straw, hay, grain, vegeta- bles, &c, by the dozen, and make bis calculation; which will enable him to judge of the quantity fed to the stock per day, week, month, &c. He can also know the number of days on which he feeds on pasture, and, if he feeds potatoes, turnips, beets, &c, he can easilv tell their amount and weight. In this THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 15 way he can range his stock to his means of fodder, and have his animals always in good condition, as well as tell to a certainty the dry weight of all his food. From roots he has only to subtract the weight of the water contained from the weight green, to find the dry weight, which is in the following pro- portion : 100 lbs. of potatoes have solid 25 lbs., dry weight. 100 It sheep pasture ' 20 100 a turnips ' 20 100 a carrots ' 20 100 a red beets ' < 20 100 a green clover ' 20 100 a rutabaga ' 15 100 a turnips ' < 10 Hence, as stated above, it is very easy to make an accurate calculation on the whole crop in dry weight. It is well known that 5 tons of hay and straw, or potatoes, beets, &c, dry weight, make ten tons of manure, wet weight, litter included, and in the fol- lowing proportions, dry weight : Sheep, 6 tons, wet; horses, 8 i tons, wet; cows, 11 tons, wet; or, " 2^" dry; " 2^ « dry; << 2^ « dry. From which follows : 1st. That, on an average, five tons of fodder make only ten tons of wet, or 2tl tons of dry manure ; 2d. That the dry manure of these kinds of animals is nearly equal ; 3d. That animals, from five tons of dry fodder, digest and use, in form- ing bone, muscle, sinew, hair, &c, nearly three tons of the dry weight of the fodder : consequently only a small fraction over two tons are, or can be, appropri- ated to the support of the soil. Thus the soil must become poor and unproductive, for it loses three- fifths of the amount it yearly produces. If a farmer thus knows the weight of his crop of straw and grass, he cannot be at a loss in judging the quantity of manure he will be able to make. It is therefore important for a farmer to estimate the whole annual produce of his farm, in dry weight, so as to know the amount of manure he is able to make during the winter. A careful farmer, however, will go still further; he will estimate the amount of his pas- ture in dry weight, the amount he sells, and carefully learn the produce per acre, of whatever crop it may be, whether grain, fodder, pasturage, or green sward — so as to know the true amount of manure he gives to his soil per acre. For if a farmer knows the amount his land produces in dry weight, and thus calculates the amount he returns to the soil, he knows the true amount lost by the soil in every operation, or crop he raises. These remarks are made in order to instruct the farmer how he may give every attention to increase the productiveness and strength of his soil by the system of green manuring, and obtain a larger pro- duce of fodder and pasture. To keep one plough, three, and sometimes four horses, with other necessary uses, are required. For the keeping of these, we cannot estimate less than 32 lbs. of fodder, per day, together with litter, or 24 tons per year, including the dry weight of pasture and hay. Pasture is by far the cheapest food ; there- fore it is important, that pasture grasses be well set down, and of dense growth — on account of their being much sweeter and more nourishing. A farmer also requires — say, 3 milk cows and 5 head of young cattle ; 10 hogs and 10 sheep. — for a cow he must estimate at least 5 tons of hav and straw, or its equivalent in dry weight of pasture — making 15 tons; for a young animal not less than 3f tons, making 18 tons — for 5 sheep and 5 hogs the equivalent of one cow, making 20 tons — in all, 77 tons dry weight. Now every observer can see the cause why farm land becomes poor and unproduc- tive— these 77 tons will only, when fed, produce 38 tons of dry manure, being a loss of 39 tons, (annually) to keep Up the soil, which, by the system of green manuring, may be saved, and more than doubled in its application to the soil. Thus any farmer may see, on examination, how he can bring his farm to produce abundantly, so that everyone in his local circumstances can command any amount of invigorating manure he may desire. The potato, for instance, is calculated to afford a larger produce per acre than grain, on account of the larger quantity of air manuring in the absorption of gases. An acre of potatoes will produce 80 bushels, at 60 lbs., 4800 lbs., one-fourth of which is dry- weight, 1200 lbs., stalks, leaves and herbage, (too frequently left lying on the field) equal to 1200 lbs., making in all 2400 lbs. The potato thus affords a 16 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. larger proportion, with less labor, than grain, and five acres would produce 12,000 lbs dry weight; of which, if one-half is sold, a deduction of manure of one-half that amount, which is 3000 lbs., or 1A tons, will be made. Winter Produce. — A farm of 100 acres will produce 20 acres of wheat, which, to pay expenses, must produce 15 bushels per acre; if we estimate one bushel of grain, straw and chaff to weigh 130 lbs., the acre would produce 1950 lbs. and twenty acres 39,000 lbs. Of the summer grain we have already 5 acres of potatoes, and there remain only 15 acres for oats and corn. "We take 5 acres for oats, which may bring 30 bushels per acre on light soil. One bushel of oats, with straw and chaff, will weigh, say, 90 lbs. — 2,700 fibs, per acre, dry weight, or 13,500 fibs, on 5 acres, in grain and straw. The 10 acres of corn, we will estimate at 4,000 lbs. per acre — corn and stalks, or 40,000 fibs., or 20 tons in all. Produce of Fodder Cultivation. — 20 acres of clover and grass, 2,000 lbs. per acre; hay, 40,000 lbs, or 20 tons in all. Pasture. — If we estimate pasture equal to hay, it will make 40,000 lbs. or 20 tons. We have made this estimate for middle soils, and have included j stubble pasture, as it is very uncertain until the soil has a few good coatings of green manure. In the extraction of strength from the soil, it is a well authenticated truth, that to raise one bushel of wheat with the straw to mature it, it requires the strength of 1000 lbs. (extracted from the soil) of dung manure, which in the growing process is reduced to 130 lbs. dry weight. Wheat and straw, which leave 70 lbs. of fodder, when fed will only make 28 lbs. of dry manure per bushel, and 28 lbs. deducted from 1000, make 972 lbs. loss per bushel, in impoverishing the soil, in the growth of the wheat. The reader may ask the reason why a middle or light soil, gives out more strength in grain, than heavy soil. We answer, that middle and light soil, being bare and mellow, the grain and the heat of the sun extract the juices and the strength of the soil more rapidly; hence much is carried off by evapo- ration, and driven in the air. Heavy soils, being cold and inactive, need a greater quantity of dry manure than they return in harvest, in order to keep warmth and action, so as to promote the growth of grain. But when the soil has had a course of green manure, the extraction will be less, we re- quire less dung to produce a bushel of wheat, as well on a stony, as on a lighter soil; for the airy decomposition is greater in corporifying the gases with the soil, whereas the enlarging of the manuring power of the soil by stable manure, lime and other processes, is so slow and expensive, that the most of farmei's continue to lose money and run in debt, to their ruin, before they can accomplish their purpose. But, by green manure all this labor and expense are unnecessary, for it is a manure, without dung, and without fodder, ' and can be interpolated between crops — consequently an extra manure. If we dare not estimate the straw and grain, not less than If times its weight in the sheaf, the extraction of the potatoes is equal to that of the grain, in dry weight — for, although the potato exercises absorption of the carbonic acid air gases, there is a large evaporation from the bare surface, before the tops are high enough to cover and shade the surface. For the cultivation of fodder and pasture, we must take an inferior soil, as these extract but h of their dry weight from the nourishment, and the other half from the air. This cultivation affords an important advantage in being ploughed under as sod manure for the roots, &c, which it has formed in the ground, and is equal to \ its whole value. Adding to this the dung manure it produces, an important advantage results for the farmer, as the urine and manure of animals, whilst pasturing, help the soil, if not pastured too bare. Every farmer, however, should avoid having his fields eaten off close, for, if so, there will be an incalculable loss by evaporation. Our readers must be aware of, that to restore and enrich the soil, we must put on it more than we take off. In the usual method of farming, it was, and is still out of our power to do so, and hence the decline of farms, and the enormous expense and outlay of farmers. Whilst the crops fail to meet expenses, and the extraction from the soil continues to be greater than the aid or manure used, no farmer can prosper. It thus follows, that in order to learn the truth of the case, we should estimate closely the THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 17 amount of strength we extract from the soil, and also the means we use to supply it with nutriment. We observe, 1st. That, by a considerable cultivation of fodder and pasture, tbe increase of strength to the soil is little, and, in dry seasons, none at all. 2d. That it is only when stable manure is used, that any benefit is discovered; but, on the whole, the farm is losing in strength of soil, notwithstanding the in- creased annual expense. 3d. It is evident that every thinking, reflecting man desires to prosper in his business ; and there is no method by which a man arrives at a correct knowledge of the true state of his affairs as good as in keeping an account of his income and expenditures. A farmer that will make a produce table, and carefully note the amount of his crop, viz: wheat, rye, oats, corn, potatoes, straw, hay, &c, (and other roots, if he raises them,) can easily tell the amount of dry weight produced by his farm, and also the number of stock he can feed, and the amount of manure he can return to the soil, in dry weight, which will discover and prove the solemn truth that, to prosper, he must adopt a different manner of procedure, to give the soil more than he extracts from it. This instruction we design giving in the system presented in this work. If the reader objects, saying that this is impossible; we answer — the soil is not a money purse, the subtractions of which always balance in the issue the amount deposited, without any other source of accumulation. It is the work of God governed by laws based on infinite wisdom, and possessing means by which its strength and productiveness are increased, independent of any effort of man. If, then, we discover these means, and use our efforts to aid the progress and design of the laws of nature, in rendering the soil productive, we overcome every obstacle, and are on the direct path to prosperity. Return by Stable 3Iamire. — We have shown that a farm of 100 acres requires 67 tons, to feed the neces- sary stock, (of fodder and straw,) producing 26 tons manure, dry weight, which is to be applied to 10 acres, designed to raise 20 bushels per acre. The question is — What amount of manure is required per acre for this crop, so that the amount desired may be raised ? One bushel requires the relative strength of 1000 pounds, and 20 bushels, 20,000 pounds, or 10 tons per acre. Now, we have shown that dry fodder will produce, when fed, only a small fraction over f- of the dry weight of i},(- fodder in dry man- ure— thus making 1\ tons of produce, which Laefca 8| tons of the quantity required, and a failure must follow in the next crops. Return of the Hod Manure. — The sod, in its r and short herbage, contains about one-fourth the quantity of the grass mowed or eaten off — ray 2 tons per acre, which would be 1000 pounds, or \ ton, dry weight, to the acre, lacking ^ in the amount re- quired for the mentioned crop. Thus, by a con- tinued mowing of fodder, or bare pasture, the soil becomes poorer and poorer the longer it is con- tinued; owing to the surface being kept bare, and the evaporation continually going on by the action of light and heat, the juices, as gases are wasted and carried off in the air. Hence a mowed or pastured sod affords, comparatively, a very light and inefficient manure. I will offer here a few additional remarks on the component principles of dung manure. If a pound of dung manure be washed out clean, it will be found that about 80 per cent. i3 made up of fibres, somewhat like fiax straw, which appears not the least affected by fermentation or decay ; and another part, making all of ten per cent, resinous, indissolv- able matter; leaving about ten per cent, available. Thus, in viewing the whole tenor of making dung manure, the process is a sinking matter, and cannot be relied on ; and whoever does so, as the main source of manuring, will be disappointed in his expecta- tions, as thousands have been, and continue to be. In regard to sod manuring, the soil realizes as small a benefit by the dung and urine of the stock spread on the pasturage, and washed in by the rains. But with all the means the farmer can command on the old system, thus examined, none can, at the best, enrich more than a small portion of his land; for, as we have seen, the extraction always exceeds, in a more than four-fold ratio, the amount put on the land, and is, at all events, a slow and expensive method of improvement. We have now two questions to answer. 1st. What are 100 pounds, dry weight, of the different field crops worth? We answer: This is wholly dependent on the markets. 2d. What do 100 pounds of the above cost? In order to learn correctly the cost, we must estimate the nutriment exhausted, the labor 18 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. expended, and time occupied, together with interest on capital, &c; all of which a systematic farmer can tell from a glance at his Produce Table and Day Book. There is, however, of this suhject, another view, which every farmer ought to take and examine care- fully. "Wheat is the most important of all grain, and possesses the largest portion of nutritive matter ; we will therefore adopt it as a standard whereby to learn the relative value of the other field productions. The following observations are also important, to notice the different effects which different kinds of grain, grass, fodder, &c, may have on stock — the quantity of fat, or onset, milk, butter, wool, increase of growth, &c. — which will enable the farmer to judge of their relative value. Another method is, to extract the substance of the hay, &c, as you would in making a strong tea, in boiling water ; then dry the hay, &c, and weigh it, and the fodder which gives the greatest weight, im- parts the most nourishment to the stock; for the quantity it lacks in weight will be imparted to the stock fed. Although this process is wanting, to a certain degree, in exactness — the boiling water not acting as acutely as the gastric juice of the animal stomach, in its power of dissolving — yet it arrives so near the truth, that we can easily judge of the relative value of all kinds of fodder. "We will give a review of the different grains, roots and fodder, dry weight, based on the standard of 100 pounds, and the value in money — making wheat to bring $1 per bushel, or 60 pounds. Per cent, of nutritive matter, in dry weight, by hot water extraction. 100 lbs. Wheat, 95 100 " Rye, 80 100 " Corn, 68 100 " Peas and Beans, 57 100 " Barley, 92 100 " Oats, 74 100 " Potatoes, 20 to 25 100 " Best Hay, 25 to 30 100 " Common Hay, 20 to 25 100 " RedBeets, 10 to 15 100 " Carrots, 8 to 15 100 " Cabbage, 6 to 7 100 " Turnips, 5 to ', 100 " Leaves of Beets, 4 to 100 " Sheep Pasture, 100 " Green Clover, 100 " Water Turnips, 3 to 100 :' Summer Straw, 1 to 100 " Winter Straw, 1 to 66 40 18 00 60 29 44 52 43 26 26 12 12 AIM, ADVANTAGE AND AID OF A PRODUCE TABLE. Every farmer should make himself a Produce Table, and carefully note every item his farm pro- duces, as he gathers it in. By doing this, he can so arrange his stock and fodder that there will be no want. He knows to a certainty the amount of man- nure he will have for the next summer for the cul- tivation of grain or fodder, and make his arrange- ments with judgment and to the best advantage possible. Again : If the farmer wishes to change his arrange- ments—either by extending or lessening his opera- tions, or make a change either in his cultivation of grain or fodder, or in the division of his fields — he can know by his Produce Table how to make his arrange- THE FARMER'S PROMOTION ROOK. 19 merits without suffering loss — when to increase his stock and when to reduce it, in order to suit his sup- ply of fodder. He can know the amount of strength he extracts from the soil, and also the amount he puts on, so that in every instance, every circum- stance connected with his farm, stock, and farming operations, may be exactly known. By the first column of the Yearly Produce Table, he has the amount of acres he has in the different kinds of grains and grasses; in the second, third, fourth and fifth, the amount of the whole produce, in sum total, in grain, fodder and pasture, in dry weight; in the sixth, the extraction from the soil; in the seventh, the return made to it ; the weight and its value, in the eighth, ninth and tenth; and then follows the ex- pense for cultivation, and labor, &c; and, by compar- ing, he may tell, at any time, the increase of produce per acre, which is a great advantage to any farmer; for if he can tell the amount of strength he ha tracted from his soil, he is better prepared to judge of the quantity of manure required to keep it in a productive state. In the system we are introducing, whereby we can give to the soil, by green manure, considerably more than we extract from, it will be truly interesting and profitable to know and under- stand every circumstance in regard to the operations and business of the farm, and thus to be able to tell our clear profits, and, at the same time, to know the relative requirement of each field, in order to con- tinue a course of prosperity. 20 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOR, ANNUAL PRODUCE TABLE, AND EXPENSE OF CULTIVATION. Number of Bushels, Pounds of Grain, &c, per Acre. WINTER GRAIN.— 20 Acres. Per Acre, Bushels, " Bushel, Lbs. of Grain, " " " Straw, " Acre, " Sheafs, " " Stubble Pasture, POTATOES.— 5 Acres. Per Acre, Bushels, " Bushel, Lbs., Dry Weight, " Acre, Lbs., Tubers, Dry "Weight,. « " Tops, OATS.— 5 Acres. Per Acre, Bushels, " Bushel, Lbs. Grain, " " " Straw, " Acre, " of Sheafs, « " " DryWt, Stub. Pasture, CORN.— 10 Acres. Per Acre, Bushels, " Bushel, Lbs. Grain, " Acre, Lbs. of Fodder, Vrh?}'i Grain. Fodder. Pasture Ejtrac- Return Prod'ce tion. Pounds of Dry Weight. FODDER AND PASTURE.— 40 Acres. Per Acre, Hay and Clover, Lbs. Dry "Wt. " « Pasture, Lbs. Dry Wt, SOD FALLOWS.— 10 Acres. Per Acre, Pasture, Lbs., Dry Wt.., " " Sod Manuring, " " " The annual produce of the whole Fodder Cultivation is J per acre. DUNG FALLOWS.— 10 Acres. Per Acre, Pasture, Lbs., Dry Weight,.. Value of Fodder. Expense of Cultivation. Weight1 Dollars- Cent3- Weight Dollars- Cents- PART II. ON THE IMPROVED VEGETABLE MANURING, NATURAL SIZE OF A SQUARE HAND, DIVIDED INTO FOUR VEGETABLE MANURE SEED INCHES. MEASURE OF FOUR INCHES SQUARE. SECTION I. To illustrate the question — How Nature does fertilize the soil? The answer, from the beginning of the world, is as follows: "Behold, I have given you every green herb bearing seed which is upon the face of all the earth;" and it is evident that the fertility of the earth, and the increase of all creatures, is continued by means of green vegetable productions. But it is necessary to know, how it is that this continued increase of produce, by green vegetables, 4 becomes possible. This consists in the susceptibility and vitality of plants to absorb and corporify the light of the sun, as the matter of light is a necessary condition to the matter of carbon, and that they absorb the air itself, which is composed of oxygen, from 22 to 25 per cent., and the remainder of nitro- gen ; the part of nitrogen which they do not cor- porify, is again, in various ways, secreted and evapo- rated by them. It is, therefore, a compounded nourishment, which they draw or attract from the air, and consequently not from the soil, or the (21) 22 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. manure of the soil, alone. Therefore, if the matter of light is the main thing, it can he called nothing else than the air nourishment of the plants. But as the vitality of air nourishment is much stronger in young plants than it is in those which "begin to ripen and die, so also in green vegetables a much larger gain of air nourishment will be cor- porified than where, in the meantime, the maturing plant can nourish itself and its seed only from the sap of the earth ; hence, in this consists the increase of produce and of creatures ; no difference whether ploughed in or pastured off. In such manner the surface of the earth covers itself annually, with green vegetable and leaf masses, dying, increasing and nourishing the mould of the earth, and being the course according to which nature fertilizes the soil. SECTION II. Occurrence at Natural Vegetable Manuring. — "When the forest and plains are left undisturbed, the mould is increased and enriched, by the constant accu- mulation of the mass of leaves and plants ; as is the case in the prairies, moors, woods, &c, which are composed altogether of vegetable manure. The cause of their existence, as well as the marks of their dis- tinction, can give the reader some preliminary hints, respecting the design of vegetable or green manuring. Of this fertile pattern of nature, agriculture is a manifest imitation ; for what streams (or the various means by which flowing rivulets, rains, &c, in mix- ing the particles and properties of the soil,) are in nature — ploughs are in agriculture ; both effect a mixture of mould formed by vegetable manure with the earth. It is evident, therefore, that the oftener the farmer ploughs in a green and sappy mass of vegetable manure, and the more these masses are composed of various kinds of plants, the more he will add to the fertility and productiveness of his soil. SECTION III. Occurrences at Agricultural Vegetable Manuring. — The soil every where (even the poorest lands,) evinces an aptness to clothe itself with grasses of various kinds; which is nature's own effort to repair the wound, and restore her exhausted powers of fertility; hence, some have thrown out their lands as useless — for years — until through the effort of nature, by vegetable productions, the soil had accumulated a sufficiency of mould and gaseous elements to restore fertility; without ever taking the hint from nature's lessons, that they had it in their power to render those lands productive and profitable, by a proper cultivation of vegetable masses, at the least possible expense. SECTION IV. Importance, of Green Manuring, in Fallows and Stub- bles, for the quick promotion of the Farmer. — Further, green manuring is important to the farmer on fallow and stubble land, in reference to a cheap and quick promotion of his best interest, and bene- ficial to his interest to sow plant seeds; to enable him to turn down, a vigorous supply of vegetable masses, when ploughing down his stubbles, or giving the second ploughing to his fallow fields, so as to replenish more than the amount absorbed from the soil by the former crop. The effect would be, that the spring or summer crops would become as vigorous, as the best stable manured fall crops, and the soil, accumulating increased strength and fertility in every operation, would thereby increase the amount of grain, straw, hay, &c, — enabling him to support larger stocks profitably; — consequently to make more stable manure, and place him in a prosperous state, both in regard to enriching of his farm and purse, and placing him in easy and respectable circumstances. Green vegetable manure has a tenfold advantage over any other. 1st. It is in accordance with nature's own effort. 2d. It embodies the absorption of the gases, increases the mould, and replenishes the soil with an excess of principles required for the growth of various grains and grasses. 3d. It supports a healthier stalk and more perfect grain. 4th. It can be spread in vigorous masses, by the prudent farmer, over the soil (without the labor of hauling or expense of teams) ready for use at all times required ; whereas, in the process of stable manure, a period of from three to four years intervenes between that of sowing the seed producing the manure, and receiving any benefit from it on the succeeding crop; and if we take into the account the labor in gathering fodder, &c, it renders it a matter very expensive and laborious; whilst on the contrary, one pound of proper selected seed will add one hundred per cent, more to the fruitfulness of the soil of the same quan- tity of laud, than one load of stable manure, and THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 23 the saving in expense of cultivation, would be not less than from thirty to fifty per cent. Here is em- bodied the decided advantage of green manuring. Stable manure only contains a part of that which perfects the growth of a crop of wheat, &c. It will produce the stalk, but fails to afford, to a great extent, the necessary properties to perfect the kernel. Green manure not only furnishes the properties necessary to make the stem grow and put out the ear, but it also gives the soil the necessary properties of building a stem, having a strong chrysalis, and plump full kernel; hence, one-third more grain, will grow on the same quantity of ground, by using green manure, and stand supported by a strong, stiff stem, sufficient to bear the ear and to ripen perfectly, than can be raised by stable manure, which brings forth a brash brickie stem, and breaks under its own weight, before the ripening process is attained. Stable manure universally produces wheat with a thick, husky bran ; of light weight. Green manure produces wheat with a well rounded grain, and thin bran, of heavy weight; which, apart from every other consideration, should induce the farmer to adopt the system of green manure. Farmers dependent on stable manure, fail to enrich more than a small por- tion of their farms, whereas, under a well directed system of green manure, the farmer can raise all his tillable laud to a state of healthy and profitable productiveness, with one-third the labor, and at an expense of less than fifty cents worth of seeds, without any outlaying of capital, per acre. Many experienced farmers are convinced that green manure tends to the raising of the best crops, and is the best means of raising the vigor, and enrich- ing the soil; but, unfortunately, failed in the selec. tion of the matter, ploughing down, clover, buck- wheat, turnips, peas, &c. These masses lacked both in quantity, and in the compound principles required to invigorate the soil and replenish it with the principles necessary to the growth and perfection of the various grains. Thus, my mind was directed to an investigation of the component principles, embodied in the various grains, both in their growing and ripening processes; and to the selection and application of the grasses and plants which embody those principles, and which, in their decomposition, when turned down in their green state, furnish the soil with the proper food to nourish, sustain, and produce an abundant harvest. SECTION V. Agriculture is the most important of all pursuits, and in order that the farmer may be amply rewarded for his labor, and his profession rendered more pro- ductive of happy and beneficial results, I devote this work to his advancement and promotion. As we have stated before, that green manure is in accor- dance with nature's effort, we will notice a few particulars in regard to its benefits and operations. 1st. The manner of procuring, and cheapness of, the seeds. 2d. The vigorousness of their vegetable masses. 3d. The manner of applying the seeds, as suited to the different crops and state of the soil — in their general application, as topseeds on winter and summer grain, like clover, &c, and also in stubbles and fallows, in four different manners; and lastly, describe the species of plants, and how we must apply them. J). Seeds used as topseeds to wheat and rye, (winter grains). E. Seeds used as topseeds in stubbles and fallows. F. Seeds used as topseeds on oats and barley, (summer grains). But to attract the attention of the reader, I will here state that about 10 lbs. of these seeds will be sufficient to sow an acre, (not amounting to fifty cents worth of labor in procuring) which will pro- duce a green mass, that when ploughed under at the proper time, will enrich the soil more than ten loads of stable manure; and that these beds of green manuring can be cultivated between every crop on wheat, rye, corn, oats, barley, and fallow and stubble fields, enabling the farmer, by a quick succession of green manure, to raise his farm in the shortest time possible, to a high state of cultivation and productiveness. SECTION VI. Cheapness of Seeds. — The cheapness of seeds for the green manuring consists in simply gatherino- those plant seeds, which grow in crowds around and on your farm, (most frequently, and have the most seeds) come up the best, and have the most strength- ening and invigorating effects upon the soil which I have designated with this (*) mark at the end of this part. In gathering the plant seeds, they ought to be taken off by cutting, the plants gathered when the seed is sufficiently ripe, and before it shells. Great care should be taken to have the seed well 24 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. dried, shelled off, and put up in a dry place, so as not to mould or injure its growth. In this, every farmer, to he successful, must use care ; an airy, dry, cool place is the hest to keep seeds in. Inasmuch as the successful operation of green manure depends greatly on the germination of the seeds, care must be used in selecting those plants that bring a well filled and perfect seed; and as different localities or farms produce plants naturally differing in their families (and even on different por- tions of the same farm) attention must be given to suit the selection of seed to the nature of the soil, and always using such as are most useful, locally, such as produce many and well germinated seeds, and of a small root. When the seeds are fresh and well preserved, and properly cultivated, every seed, however small and minute, will germinate and spring up, producing its plants. It is not always the case that small seeds produce small or slow growing plants; for the annual and biennial plants, containing the smallest seeds, are frequently of the most sudden growth. Hence, the cheapness and ease in procu- ring a supply — for, besides the number of seeds of natural plants — the separate grains are very small. For instance, the seeds used by some farmers — as The Small Pea has 5,000 grains f ft.. Vetch 10,000" " " Buckwheat 15,000 " " Rye and Oats 20,000 " " Rutabaga and Millet 125,000 " " Red Clover 200,000 " Spurry 500,000 " " White Clover 600,000 " " Which, from the largeness of the seeds, fail to form a dense coating, whilst a greater quantity of seed is required without gaining the end desired. But in this system of green manure — as shown at the end of this part, a great majority of the most useful plants contain over 1,000,000 — as the goose- foot and others. The common mugwort from 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 grains per lb. But we sometimes find farms, on which it is diffi- cult to procure natural seeds for Green Manuring. In such cases they can be obtained elsewhere, along ditches, fence corners, meadows, &c. Many farmers find their meadows often set in with herbs consid- ered injurious to hay and cattle, which contain much nutrition and valuable manuring qualities. They are generally the best manuring herbs, and do not increase when the seed is collected from them. We often find in woods, many of the most useful herbs and grass seeds, well adapted to Green Manure, and to the improvement of fodder and pasture culti- vation— herbs which may be easily gathered. On our farms, however, we find an abundance of natural herbage that is considered a nuisance, which, when rightly appropriated, possess the highest manuring qualities, and accumulating and enriching principles, and from which we draw a portion of our most ben- eficial aid in Green Manuring. SECTION VII. The Strength of the Masses by the use of different kinds of Plants and Grasses. The distinction in the strength of the masses of Green Manure, embodying many different kinds of plants and grasses, is very significant, as the use of them is abundantly more nutritious than the use of only one kind. In proportion to the vigorousness and variety of the mass of Green Manure, the soil is replenished and its productiveness increased; it is therefore necessary that we sow a mixture of ten to twenty different kinds of plants and grasses, for the reason which I have before mentioned, viz: that nature, in her operations for enriching and forming mould, uses much variety on the same surface. Every plant has its own appropriate strength derived from the air and ground nourishment, and its own peculiar secretions ; hence the leaves and stocks of different plants are differently formed, in accordance with the action of the air, as it rests upon them, in their secreting and digesting operations. Bulbous and different other plants live by the air entirely, and their roots are formed for the purpose of nour- ishing themselves by the juice or water in the ground. What air is to the leaves, water is to the roots of such plants. It is, therefore, explicable, why a mixture of many kinds of plants and grasses can stand closer in growing luxuriously, than when we sow only one kind. The mass is composed of a greater variety, consequently more mould is formed in the soil, and more of the air and other nourish- ments communicated to the mould in order to invig- orate and strengthen the soil. There exists in every THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 25 kind of plants a peculiar organization, differing from each other in their connections of matter, and the preponderations of the different kinds of matter. Hence we see nature producing herbs and grasses of an acid or sour taste, others sweet, others bitter, others salty, others aromatic, others have an unpleas- ant, others a pleasant flavor, others so sharp that they draw blisters on the skin, others mild and pleasant to the taste, others have much astringency, others slimy, others eruminous or resinous, others poisonous, others narcotic or stunning, etc. The fermentation of a mixture of such plants going on, when ploughed down, furnishes the soil with the natural food or grasses, and corporifies with it the productive elements of its nature, hence the greater benefit derived over that of one kind of plants, or stable manure ; for the greater the variety of plants used in Green Manure, the mixtures thereby embra- cing more of the different organizations of vegetable matter, the greater the heating influence in fermen- tation, and the supply of nutriment afforded to the soil. Hence results the great advantage of Green over Stable Manure, in being richer in its ingredients, and more active in its corporifying action on the soil. But another evident reason why stable manure lacks much of the nutriment originally embodied in plants, herbs and grasses, is, that fodder, hay, &c. fed to stock gives out its invigorating principles in the process of digestion — in the formation of bone, sinew, muscle, fat, hair, &c. necessary to the growth of animal structure ; whilst little else is returned to the soil, of benefit, than the alkaline of animal water, a great portion of which is lost by evaporation before it can be incorporated with the soil. But Green Manure produces a fermentation, and by the warmth thus created in the soil, incorporifies with it, the oxygen, nitrogen, carbon and alkali of plants, embodying all that is lost and given out through the process of ripening and feeding, committing the whole to the soil as the rich treasure of nature. Where there is fermentation, there is warmth, and a natural warmth is a necessary condition to the germination and growth of vegetation; the more natural warmth can be embodied in the soil, the faster the growth will be accomplished. If a ther- mometer be put five inches deep in a soil manured with a heavy coating of Green Manure, it will be several degrees warmer than a soil of the same kind manured with stable manure; hence a continued healthy growth, forming a hard chrysalis on the stem, and producing a well matured ^rain, hay, fod- der, &c. Grown by Green Manure of a proper mix- ture of plants, grasses, &c. furnish cattle with more of the animal ferment or Gam, {Qhden,) which augments or increases their growth ; for to a great extent, the constituent principles required to enrich fertilize and render the soil productive, viz: Oxygen Nitrogen, Carbon, Alkali, Halts, &c, are also req and obtained through digestion, to promote animal growth. As evidence of the truth of this, the cattle raised on the natural meadows and lands of the - attain a much larger size than those east of the Alle- gheny mountains, so that, whether we design r; a grain or stock, or both, we are decidedly benefited by Green Manure, which imparts the associated con- stituents to the soil, and thus supports a natural healthy nourishment, developing the blade, stalk, ear and grain, and supplying all the wants required in perfecting the growing process of grass and grain, without acting as an over stimulus, which is often the case in stable manure, in sending forth a large brash stalk, without the requisite constituents to harden or strengthen the stalk, or fill and mature the grain. By analysis, we discover that all plants contain more or less of the organic acids of various compositions and properties, and which are all com- bined on a basis, such as Potash, Soda, Lime, Silica Magnesia, Ammonia, Sulphates, Phosphates, ke. (which are the constituents of our field crops.) Hence it is readily discovered, that manure which contains the largest combination of nutritive principles, is best calculated to improve the soil, and promote the farmer's best interests. In nature, the animal kingdom, and consequently animal manure, produces only a very small portion compared to the vegetable kingdom, and vegetable manure of the soil. The present mode of farming is carried on almost entirely by dung manure. "What grasses are cultivated, are either mowed or eaten off- thus the soil lacks the necessary principles required to perfect the maturing of the grain ; from which arise the many diseases of field crops. But the more the Green Manuring is practiced by the farm- ers, these defects will disappear, for the juices of the soil are made of more variety of matter in the mix- ture of vegetable manure. 26 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. SECTION VIII. Shadiness, or the right Proportion of the Plant and Grass Manuring Mixture. Experience teaches, that if we only sow plants, the mixture will not stand dense enough, consequently the mass will be too thin on the surface ; and to sow only one grass mixture, the mass will not stand com- pact to keep the soil moist in dry weather, and cause a vigorous growth, consequently the grain will not he so good as when the plant mass is well closed. This led me to give attention to observe those plants that grow up the most rapidly, and which are used as protection plants for the smaller and slowly growing plants, filling up and rendering the mass close and heavy. The main and protection plants I have marked with two * * in their description at the end of this part. Other plants produce only a thin and slender growth, and make only small plants, as they are not of a quick growing kind; but on that account not less valuable, as they fill out the spaces of the protection plants and grasses, and render the mass close and dense. We therefore call such, middle plants. The proper grasses will then, owing to the protection and moisture, grow in the spaces and form a perfect mat or mass of manure, conse- quently the soil is kept moist and shady. But it is important that the plant masses be so arranged in their selection as to stand as compact as possible, so that the soil may be well shaded and kept moist : in this condition, it absorbs more of the carbonic acid out of the air, for carbonic acid gas floats mostly near the surface, on account of its weight, (unless exhausted by violent evaporation, or driven away by wind,) it readily combines itself with the moist warmth of the air, and is absorbed by the plants and loose moist soil thus densely shaded, adding ama- zingly to the growing and maturing of wheat and other grains. The shadiness or density of plant and grass masses depends on the proper proportion of seeds forming the selection or combination, and also their vigor- ousness of growth. Hence, in order to be able to determine with accuracy the proper proportion of plant and grass seeds necessary to form a well suited mass, we must acquire a knowledge of the number of seeds in a pound. SECTION IX. Number of Grains per lb. of the Plant and Grass Seeds. It is easy for any person to learn with tolerable accuracy the number of seeds or grains in a pound of any kind of seeds: for instance, weigh one ounce, then take a small thimble and measure the seed thus weighed, and suppose it contains twenty thimbles full ; then count a thimble full, say 100 grains — 100 multiplied by 20 will be 2,000 grains to the ounce, and 32,000 to the pound. In this way any one can easily determine the [number of grains in a pound of any kind of seed, whether large or small. It is important that the farmer in seeding his Green Manure thus make a calculation in order to arrive at as great a degree of accuracy as possible. Having learned the number of seeds in a pound, he can mark his bags with the name of the seed, the number of pounds, and the number of seeds in a pound. In doing so, there will be much convenience to make the selection for the proper seeding. Pounds of Seeds in the hollow measure. The weight of the seed, the number of grains, and the number of pounds, show by decimal calculation the number of seeds which can be used as a com- mon measure. If, for instance, one pound contains 1,000,000, aud a quart contains two pounds, then the bushel will contain 64 lbs. or 64,000,000 seeds. SECTION X. Number of Grains on a Plant Manuring Seed Inch. (See Cut at the conirtienceinent of Part II.) "We now notice the manner in which we can ascer- tain the proper proportion of plant and grass seeds in their mixture as sowed. The cut at the commencement of Part II, represents four inches square, or sixteen superficial inches, which, divided into four seed inches, gives four inches, or two inches square to every seed inch ; and in order that the mass be dense enough, it will require not less than five good sure grains to every seed inch, and if the seed is not sound and pure, we must sow thicker or more seed on the same ground, as the shadiness assists the quick growth and preserves the moisture. The arrangement in mixing the seeds will be most T J I E F A It M E Li ' S F Li 0 M 0 T J O N li OOK. 27 successful in manuring by observing the following proportions to the seed inch: 1. Grains of the larger and quick growing pro- tection plants. 2. Grains of the smaller or middle plants. 3. Grains of the grass kinds. If we suppose that an acre would require to form a proper density and shadiness in sowing, 5,000,000 This would be of the larger pro- tection plants, - - 1,000,000 Of the middle plants, - - 2,000,000 Of the grasses, - - 2,000,000 5,000,000 We can thus compare our sowing of this calcula- tion by spreading on the ground a piece of muslin a foot square, and counting the grains which ought to contain 180 seeds. N"ow if a mixture of small and large grains on an average contains 500,000 seeds to the pound, then ten pounds would make 5,000,000, and if a pound contains 1,000,000 seeds, an acre would require only five pounds, and if we have our seeds arranged as directed in section 8, the quantity is very, easily compounded or mixed, to meet the required density. Experience has shown that the proportion mentioned forms a dense and heavy mass. It now remains for me to show and estimate the strength and density of the plant masses before they are plowed under. SECTION XI. Plant Mass on a Square Foot, and its estimation. Farmers estimate the plant mass of green manure generally too high, be it clover, green pasture, or green manure in fallows, stubbles, &c. It is not the appearance, but the substance in weight, that yields a lasting and substantial benefit, communicated to the soil ; hence we should examine the subject and arrive at the truth, if possible, and become acquainted with the vigorousness of the mass without deception. The method of testing the strength of a green mass is very simple ; we can raise in different parts of the field, a foot square of the mass and sod, and wash oft* the adhering mould and clay, dry and weigh it, and make a calculation of the amount per acre, in tons, as ploughed under. BCTION XII. Wc will now era ruine Ion: great f.h< Strength of the I Meimiring rn„ \,< marl, hijlln lUu-ilij. zh'ld, and the different hinds of mixtures. This is easy to arrive at if we make our calcula- tion in the following manner: At the rate of two inches square, or one seed inch, we sow five grain-;, which is 180 grains to the square foot, from 10 to 12 inches high, before ploughing under. .the sake of illustration, suppose we take 180 straw-. 12 inches long; each of these straws weighs 10 g: which would be 1,800 grains, dry weight, to the foot, or 13,612 lbs. to the acre, dry weight; leaving out of the calculation the roots and leaves, which is fully equal to the stem, doubling the amount, and make 27,224 lbs. or 13 tons 12 hundred, dry weight, to the acre. In this calculation we fall short of a true estimate, for when we consider this mass ploughed under in a green state, embodying all the fertilizing principles, as oxygen, carbon, &c, and thus under- going decomposition in the soil, and corporifyincr and uniting the same with the basis of soil, a true estimate would not fall short of the equivalent of 40 tons to the acre of stable or dry manure; for in this manner of green manuring, all that is lost in drying, feeding, &c. is communicated to the soil, and is, on the whole, to the farmer, a clear gain of 200 per cent. In comparing fields sowed with wheat, grow- ing on a soil in which green manure has been used, we observe that it stands erect, and possesses a firm stock and well rounded grain, whilst that growing on stable manured land has a brash soft stalk and husky bran on the grain, and is universally sinking under its own weight before it is matured. In Green Manure, the properties and juices required to make the stem grow and mature the grain, are incorporated in the soil and given out freely; in the stable manure a portion of these properties are lack- ing, hence we often see heavy brash straw and but little grain. Green Manure keeps the soil lively and sweet, and under all circumstances gives out freely the properties required to produce a crop, building up all the parts in just proportion. These properties and benefits are the effects of density, shadiness, and the different kinds of mixtures of plants of the improved Green Manure. Hence it is plain, that the 28 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOR. oftener he follows in succession the ploughing down of these green masses between his crops, the sooner he will improve his soil, and the greater will be his benefits. SECTION XIII. Loosening, Purifying and Deepening of Soil by Vege- table Manure. Fields having been manured with these dense and shady masses of vegetables, even heavy clay soil, will become mellow. Such are always the effects produced, where the vegetable manure is dense and shady, for the soil being closely set with roots, the clods mellow down into a pleasant mould. Whoso- ever will practice this system of vegetable manure, in accordance with the following directions, for a few years, will save one half the labor in ploughing heavy soil, and in light soils, one horse will be able to do the ploughing in a proper manner. The fields brought under the influence of Green Manure, will continue to produce clean grain and grass ; for the soil continues in a pure and healthy state, by the influence of continued vegetable fermentation ; whilst worms, insects, weeds, and other nuisances to the farmer will cease to be, for the variety of vege- table matter thus committed to the soil, in the oper- ation of fermentation, and the secretion of juices, in their combination renders an important benefit, as it destroys worms, insects and other causes which are continually preying on vegetation. The smell, the taste of the soil under the influence of this com- pound vegetable fermentation, prevents their exis- tence. The properties of the Green Manure act in accordance with the laws of nature ; for, while by virtue of the many different kinds of matter con- tained in the mixture, the juices of the soil are rendered fertilizing, producing the most perfect grain and grasses, it also destroys vermin, &c. It is evident from a view of the operations of agri- culture now practiced, that only by the system of Green Manure thus set forth, the farmer can keep up his soil, and obtain more abundant crops, and that, without the introduction of Green Manure, as before described, to correct the impurities and fertil- ize the soil, he cannot attain to a profitable and ben- eficial pasture cultivation, nor be successful in pro- ducing profitable and healthy crops of wheat and other grains, nor promote his own prosperity, nor the welfare of our commercial relations. SECTION XIV. ON THE APPLICATION OF THE IMPROVED GREEN MANURE AS TOPSEED IN GRAIN, LIKE CLOVER, ON FALLOWS AND STUBBLES, IN FOUR DIFFERENT MODES. FIRST MODE OF VEGETABLE MANURE. As topseed on Winter Grain. The topseed of the different kinds of clover, and of the fodder grass in the summer and winter grain is an old method, and well known to farmers ; but the topseed of the Vegetable Plant Manure on winter and summer grain, fallows and stubbles, is a new mat- ter. The constantly arising difficulties and failures in producing the various crops, on account of a lack of the proper nutriment of manures, causing the destruction of smut, blast, vermin or insect, &c. induced me to an investigation, and to adopt a nat- ural and corrective system of Green Manure. In order that the correctness and benefits of this mode of manuring may be fully tested, let a farmer make the trial on a small lot of ground, and satisfy his own mind. He will thereby gain the necessary facilities, habits and ways of treatment, which I give in the following treatise. SECTION XV. Instructions on the Seed. In the use of Vegetable Manure on winter grain on the poorest soil, it will be well to sow the seed in November or December, before the fall of snow, so that the seeds may be soaked by the moisture of the winter, and be pressed into the soil. In the first experiment it may be well to take reasonable good soil, until a practical knowledge is obtained. In sowing, care must be taken not to sow the winter grain too thick, so as to choke the vegetable manure. Nothing need be apprehended on account of weeds among the grain, and that the manuring mixture will shoot up and spoil the straw which is sowed there, as it only forms leaves the first year, for they are a selection of kinds that only form roots and leaves the first year, consequently they are a green mass, which forms in from four to six weeks after the grain is cut, and makes a heavy coat of manure, but if left to tbe second year, will run up to seed, which if ploughed down in stubbles the first year, it will enrich and fertilize the soil, and purify its ele- THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK, 29 ments. If sowed late in the fall, it will come up in the spring, shade the roots of the grain, keep up a moisture, and, the harvest being cut, will form a thick coated mass, suited to plough down in August. A gi'eat benefit is thus afforded to the growing of grain ; for the soil being green and moist, the growth is rapid, and aided in its efforts by the green mass around the roots, which keeps the earth moist and free. In respect to sowing the seed, it must be mixed with moist sand, and so minutely, that the smallest seeds be separated as to be sowed evenly. It is best to throw the seed twice over the ground, once the lengthway, and once across the lands, in order that all parts may have an equal share. In preparing the ground for receiving the plant seeds, it ought to be rolled before the manuring seed is sowed; so that the small seeds be spread evenly. We dare not mix too many of the smallest grained kind of seeds on a heavy cloddy soil, for it is indispensable to a heavy soil, that such kinds of plants, as possess good roots and large leaves, be used as protection plants to the Green Manure; indeed, they form leaves the most rapidly, cover the soil, and allow the small plants to grow under them and nourish the grass seeds. SECTION XVI. Forbearance after Harvest. It is not advisable to pasture the fields after har- vest, as there are so many plants mixed with the sweet grass and herbs, and so densely grown together, that animals, even sheep, cannot well sep- arate them. For spring grain on heavy soils, we allow the mass to grow till late in the fall, then turn it down before the arrival of frost. On light soils, we allow it to pass through the win- ter, and when it greens up again in the spring, then plough it under. The mass of matter turned down in heavy soils, with the action of the frost, will tend to mellow the soil ; and in winter but little of the strength of the fermentation escapes. In every ploughing down of Green Manure, the harrow should be drawn the same way the furrow is made, so as to close the soil, and prevent the escape of the gases formed by fermentation. SECTION XVII. Rolling Down and Ploughing in the Vegetable Mass. A well set Green Manure is a dense and close mass 5 from twelve to fifteen inches high, of vegetables and grass, and this cannot bo formed of less than from ten to twenty different kinds of plants and grasses. "When we desire to plough the mass down, we must draw a heavy roller in the same direction the furrows are to run ; it is best to roll in the morning when the dew is on, as the mass will then be pressed down more effectually. In this way it can be well covered. SECTION XVIII. SECOND MODE OF THE GREEN MANURE. Of the Topseed on Summer Grain. In sowing the topseed on summer grain, it will be more successful if we use a soil that has had a Green Manure on winter grain. If the summer grain stands on a soil which has received a good vegetable ma- nure, the success is certain, as the soil contains more moisture, and endures dry weather better. In all summer crops, such as barley, oats, buckwheat, etc. the topseed of the Green Manure is applicable, (where clover is not sowed,) and must consist of biennial atid perennial kinds of plants, which do not shoot up, but form a dense herbage, standing shady and low, which are, as already stated, winter seeds. For the seeding on summer crops, it is important that the seeds of Green Manure be sowed on the fresh ploughed ground, immediately after the oat3, &c. are harrowed in, or just before a rain. The mix- ture of the plant seeds must be divided, and the large seeds sowed with the barley, oats, &c. and the small seeds sowed after the barley is harrowed in, and rolled well across the land. If the weather is dry, it is important to repeat the rolling ; for without being well rolled, it will not be likely to come up in dry weather, and root well and prosper. It is important that fine seeds should be sown on the top of the ground and pressed in with a roller; but extremely fine seeds must be sowed on fresh ground after it is rolled, and they will come up after the first rain. On cloddy, heavy ground, the fine seeds on summer crops will not come up so well, as they are pressed by the drouth before being well rooted; but it is no injury to the land, as they will come up at the next manuring or ploughing. They remain in the ground, and will come forth and prevent weeds from rising, for by Green Manure the fields are kept clean from impure elements. In all cases, however. Green 30 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. Manure will succeed better, if first sowed on winter grain, until the soil becomes moist and mellow, or on fallow fields. SECTION XIX. THIRD MODE OF VEGETABLE MANURE. Of the Vegetable Manure on Stubbles. This is the third method or mode of the applica- tion to the winter seeds of Green Manure, but it is only expedient, when we can spare the stubble pas- ture, to apply this topseed selection. We should also be advanced in the system so as to have spare time, for the ground should be ploughed as soon as the grain is cut off and the seeds sowed. It will then form a mass to pass through the winter, and grow up to be ploughed down for summer grain. It is better, however, to defer stubble Green Manure, until the soil may have had several dense manurings on the winter grain. Let the stubble follow the Green Manure of the winter grain or fallows, so that the soil may have acquired a greater strength and sus- ceptibility to bring forth the Green Manure in the dry season. When the grain is removed, let the stock be put on the stubble, then immediately plough it down, harrow it once, and sow the plant seed, and let it be rolled. The vegetable mixture for stubbles is of another nature; it consists of such kinds of plants as we dare not apply to winter and summer grain, but which are highly nutritious and useful on stubbles and fallows. If sowed on the win- ter grain, they often bring forth stems and run to seed. There are, among them, a majority of bien- nial plants, which have shell-like seeds and do not freeze out, but pass through the winter and form a green mass early in the spring, then to be ploughed down. One part is also of that kind of summer or annual plants, which come up in the fall, and shoot their blossoms in the spring. SECTION XX. FOURTH MODE OF GREEN MANURING. Of Seeds for Falloivs. "No furrow without a Green Manure," must be the principle in regard to the promotion of poor soils and farms. Here we apply another part of summer seeds — the annual herbs and grasses, especially such as can be gathered in abundance. That the soil, however, may be benefited and enriched, it must be made mellow by a condensed mass of different kinds of useful grasses, herbs and plants, which will prepare it for a strong and vigorous clover pasture and sweet grasses. Where the farmer can use his fallows as he pleases, it will be proper to adopt the following mode: lie begins with the Green Manure on the fallows, so that the dung manure may be more extended, especially on the poorer places of the soil, or he applies to the meadows that which is not required on the grain crops. The careful farmer, in pursuing the Green Manuring system, will soon find that his soil yields better crops than where he uses dung manure. The reader will find the suitable seeds described in the description of plants for the fallow manuring. Many farmers believe that fallows should be kept clean and bare, and that in order to raise a good crop of wheat, every little plant and spear of grass must be extirpated by a repetition of ploughing and harrow- ing; but they are greatly in error as to the plan of nature. The effect is a somewhat greater absorp- tion of air in the loose soil, which, however, by the bare surface being exposed to the rays of the sun, the action of the rays of the sun absorbs the nutri- ment of the soil, and thus its juices are lost. It may happen that a favorable crop follows in some cases ; but we should recollect that the soil is left in a worse state, and runs into a retrograde condition. By the repetition of Green Manure, however, with strong rooty and shady kinds of plants, it will be mellowed down durably, and enriched still farther by the increase of mould, juices and gases, which are incorporated with the soil from time to time. Hence, from the mellow state of the surface of the fallows, and the shadiness of the plant masses, the soil absorbs and retains the gases and juices, and they, in addition with mould, become incorporated with the soil in rendering it richer and more fertile ; for thus the process of drying up and induration of heavy soils, is kept off by the shadiness of the plant masses. In order to render a heavy soil mellow and productive, we should give it a deep ploughing late in the fall, and sow it with a winter seed mixture, which should be allowed to gi*ow to the middle of June, and then ploughed down and sowed a second time. It will be ready to be turned down again by the last of August. The soil will be enriched and mellowed, and produce a heavy crop of wheat. By thus following the system of Green Manure, from THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 31 year to year, the soil will continue to increase in productiveness, and richly repay the farmer for his labor. This manner of manuring is of great impor- tance and profit to the farmer, as he can put on an ample supply every year on his fallows, without the trouble and labor of hauling stable manure, often from a great distance. Here we apply another part cf the summer seeds, the annual herbs and grasses, especially such as can be gathered in abundance. By the repetition of Green Manure, with strong rooted and shady kinds of vegetables, the heavy clay soil will become more mellow the ofteuer they are applied, and the absorption of airy nourishment by the fallow soil is much greater: for the process of drying up, and the induration of the heavy soil is kept off by the green shady mass. It is, therefore, the only efficient and proper treatment, (with deep plough- ing,) to pulverize and fertilize heavy soils. When such thick set, strong rooted and shady mass mixtures grow till the last of August, and are rolled, ploughed down and sowed with wheat, they continue in a loose and moist state; if the mass is ploughed down before it comes to blossom, the gain will be greater. If the soil is poor, plaster may be used to give the seeds a start. If, after the wheat is sowed, before the snow falls, we sow the topseed of the winter grain ma- nure, in a few seasons the soil will become as rich and mellow as a garden, and will produce a double crop. We have now given the four different ways in which the farmer can apply the seeds, and raise his land by green manure to a state of profitable pro- ductiveness, and place himself in easy circumstances. We will now give a description of the different kinds of plants and grasses used most profitably in Green Manure. SECTION XXI. Instructions on the Description of the Plants used in the Improved System of Green Manure. For the better elucidation of the subject, we divide this treatise into three parts: The first is marked with D, the seeds used for the topseed; the second with E, the fallow seeds ; the third with F, the stubble seeds. SECTION XXII. In the division of the vegetable seeds marked with D, which can be sowed on grain like clover, we select such winter plants as are sure not to shoot up into grain and injure the straw. We will omit, in this division, that kind of plants which may be exchanged ; we will describe the latter in the division of stubble seeds. SECTION XXIII. In the division of the fallow seeds, K, we will select only the most common and fast growing sum- mer plants, which blossom first in the summer and fall, and grow fast to leaves and stalks, and which ripen the same year. SECTION XXIV. In the division of stubble seeds, P, we will select that kind of winter plants which grow up and blos- som early in the spring, and, if sowed on un- ploughed stubbles, will soon form roots and stalks, and also that kind which, if sowed in the spring on winter or summer grain, would shoot up and spoil the grain ; but, when sowed on stubbles, will form merely roots and leaves, and pass through the winter and grow up in the spring, forming a dense mass for early manure, as in corn ground, &c. SECTION XXV. In each of these three divisions, we give ten veg- etable forms, whilst the mixtures of green manure must be composed of, at least, from ten to twenty, or more kinds of herbs and grasses, in order to embody sufficient fertilizing nutriment. SECTION XXVI. At the top of each of these vegetable forms of the following description, the reader will find some plants that are marked with * *, which plants grow plentifully, and are found everywhere, so that seed may be easily met with and collected, to make a beginning in Green Manure, and which are known by every farmer as sufficient to make a mixture of from ten to twenty kinds. SECTION XXVII. After these, will follow, in each vegetable form, such plants as are not so generally met with, but, never- theless, so valuable to Green Manure, that they deserve cultivation. These we have marked with one *. There are also among them many garden, especially perennial plants, which need no seeding or planting, if they are once sowed or planted. 32 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. SECTION XXVIII. They will be followed by plants in each vegetable forms which are not marked, but useful in the mix- ture, and which can be easily collected in the fields or gardens. SECTION XXIX. NAMES OF THE SEEDS. For Topseeds, Fallows and Stubbles. The following I give for topseeds of the first veg- etable form — all kinds of Dock, (Rumex.) The second vegetable form of topseed are the fast increasing biennial and perennial plants — Mullein, and sharp juicy plants which resemble in their growth the general known Mullein, ( Verbaseum.) The third vegetable form of topseed we find pointed out in the biennial and perennial meadow and field plants which contain the most seeds. The fourth vegetable form of topseeds are the win- ter umbelliferous flower plants, ( Umbellatum,) as, for instance, the well known Parsnip, common Cow Parsnip, (Heracleum Spondylium,) Cow Weed, or chervil (Chaerophyllum,) the Wild Carrot, &e. The fifth vegetable form of topseed contains the winter labial flowers, as, for instance, the Catmint, Cornmint, Hoarhound, &c. The sixth vegetable form of topseed contains the winter Husk plants, as, for instance, all kinds of Cabbage, Turnips and hedge Mustard, {Erysimum.) The seventh vegetable form of the topseed contains all kinds of the Winter Mallows, (Malvo Botun- difolio.) The eighth vegetable form of the topseed contains all kinds of winter hull plants, as the Melilot tri- foil, &c. The ninth vegetable form of the topseed contains all kinds of Feather flowers, Winter Thistle, &c. The tenth vegetable form of the topseed contains all kinds of Wormwood Plants, and all kinds of Sun Flowers, &c. SECTION XXX. For the Fallows, especially, the family or species of Goosefoot is highly important, as Lambsquarter, &c, so that they combine the first vegetable form of the fallow mixture. The second vegetable form of the fallows contains the sharp juicy Summer Plants. The third vegetable form of the fallows contains the Barnseeds. The last seven vegetable forms of the fallows con- sist of the summer plants of the seven last fami- lies of plants of the topseed. We can also sow on the fallows, or the corn stub- bles, when the corn is taken off the field, a vegetable mixture for manuring, which can be selected from the mixture of stubble or topseed, as hereafter described, for the winter grain, having regard to the quality of soil, as heavy, middle, or light soil. After such a mixture is sowed on corn stubbles, it forms roots, passes through the winter, and early in the spring starts growing, and by the last of May forms a heavy coat of manure, which, if ploughed down and sowed, (as fallows,) with fallow seed, again the last of August will be again covered with a dense coat or mass, and then, if ploughed down, afford two heavy coats of vegetable manure for the support of a wheat crop, without any additional labor of ploughing, more than any farmer gives to his corn stubbles in preparing them for wheat. There can arise no doubt in the mind as to the danger of their shooting up to injure the wheat, as they are ploughed down in both coatings before the corn begins to seed. In sowing the fallow seeds, first draw a har- row the same way the furrows run, and after sowing the fallow seeds it must be rolled. SECTION XXXI. For the stubbles, we must apply only such early plants as, when sowed after harvest, form good roots, they may pass through the winter and grow up early in the spring, so as to turn down a heavy coat- ing early. A proper selection can be made from the topseeds and the fallow seeds. We will here give the names: 1st (vegetable form,) Early Dock. 2d a < a Mullein. 3d a ( cc Meadow & field plants. 4th (C i u Umbelliferous Plants. 5th a i u Labial Flowers. 6th (< < a Husk Plants. 7th a i a Mallow Plants. 8th u i cc Hull Plants. 9th u i cc Feather Flowers and Winter Thistle. Oth a « (< Wormwood. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION ROOK 33 Those farmers who have a knowledge of Botany, will see that the first three vegetable forms must be selected for their usefulness in the Green Manuring of the soil; and that with them several families of plants must be joined together. The seven last veg- etable forms are also families of plants which, in their varieties, are sufficiently large to form a selec- tion of topseeds, (for winter grain,) fallows and stub- bles. SECTION XXXII. Explanation of the Harks. There are, however, other marks in the following description which require an explanation. The two * * have a further indication. These kinds of plants are very valuable, for they grow rapidly and are large leafed, forming the protection plants of the Green Manure. They generally are found plenti- fully growing wild in our country. The one * indi- cates, not only that they are less generally met with ; but that they are so very valuable in their enriching properties, that they deserve cultivation with the greatest care, as it must be remembered that the seeds will decrease if not sowed again — (in raising seeds — in the seed garden or lot.) Those plants which last for many years when once planted in fields or gardens, and continue to grow stronger, are called perennial, and have the mark U. Those plants which are biennial and triennial, if they grow up the first year in leaves, and in the sec- ond year form stalks and seeds, and die off, have the mark $ . Those plants which are annual, or last one year, have the mark ©. But such summer plants, which, when sowed in the fall, blossom the next spring, bear seeds and can live through the winter, have both of these marks, thus, © s . Other plants, which some soils and situations are marked U, but in other soils and situations thus 5 , have both these marks, s u ; and as the time of the ripening of the seeds is about one month after blossoming, I will give only the month of blossom- ing of the different plants. But there are three things the reader is requested to bear in mind, if he desires his own promotion and interest, in a quick and durable improvement of his soil by Green Manuring, viz : 1st. The many kinds of plants, in order to embody and form a rich invigorating manure by the mixture of seeds. 2d. The necessary quantity of seeds of the transi- tion in the mixture. 3d. The cheapness and convenience of their pro- duction. SECTION XXXIII. 1.] On the Variety of Seeds. It is highly important that the mixture embody as many kinds of plants as the locality and circumstances will possibly permit; for the greater the variety in Green Manuring, the more vigorous and productive will be its effects. I have set at the head of each vegetable form, (description,) some of those kinds of plants and grasses, which the farmer can easily obtain a selection sufficiently large at the commencement, so as to form his mixture of from ten to twenty dif- ferent kinds of plants and grasses. SECTION xxxiv. In making selections, the utmost care must be used, so that in changing plants from one application to another, no errors may occur; as it is not designed that any of the plants ripen before they are ploughed down. Hence, in making changes, it will be well to test the change on a small portion of soil, until a practical knowledge is obtained, under close obser- vation and care, in accordance with the instructions given, as to the local habitual facilities for his top- seed on fallows and stubbles. SECTION XXXV. 2.] The necessary quantity of Seeds in the Transition. It must be evident to every farmer, that if he wishes to prosper by Green Manuring, he must increase his quantity of seeds every year; conse- quently he must know the quantity of land he designs sowing, and the quantity of seed he will require. For instance, if he commences with ten acres, and increases ten acres yearly, with the mixture of Green Manuring, and fodder and pasture, the increase of seeds must be in proportion to the increase of land, and he will likewise receive an increased proportion in produce. Suppose the first year he sows ten acres — then 34 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 1st year, 10 acres, at 10 lbs. per acre, is 100 lbs. 2d " 20 " " " 200 " 3d « 30 " " " 300 " 4th " 40 " " " 400 " 5th " 50 " " " 500 " 6th " 60 " " " 600 " If a farmer would increase his seeds to 600 pounds in six years, and effect a yield of only five bushels more per acre, which is far below the truth, he would in six years have a clear gain of increase of 2,750 bushels, whilst his labor would be less than the ordinary manner of farming, and his land made doubly productive and valuable, affording an increase in stable manure, and a better condition of stock. SECTION xxxvi. 3.] The Cheapness and convenience of the Production of Seeds. In manuring with the green mass, a farmer can, in all locations, obtain seed to make commencement, from the fields, gardens, meadows, barns, lanes, alleys, &c. until he can cultivate and raise the seed in a lot appropriated to that purpose. But the farmer must, in every instance, have the supervision of the procuring and raising of the seeds, so that he may have them sound and healthy. SECTION XXXVII. It is much the best and surest, as well as the cheapest method, to cultivate the perennial plants; for such plants, when once sowed in a regular lot or bed, require no further trouble than to gather the seeds when ripe, as the roots, year after year, will produce strong heavy stalks and mature seeds. Perennial plants produce abundant quantities of seeds, and should be cultivated in separate beds, each part or kind by itself. In a garden of this kind all the necessary seeds can be raised. It is also evident that such plants as bear many seeds have a great number of blossoms, and such* gardens make an abundance of Bee Pasture, which renders it profitable for wax and hone}'. (The plant garden should be as near the house as practicable.) Many of these plants contain valuable medical properties in their leaves, blossoms, seeds, roots, &c. and are at all times a profitable article to druggists. These plants also contain dye-stuffs of all kinds, which are bought up in large quantities by chemists and dyers. These are all extra profits, which a far- mer can make by care and very little labor. SECTION XXXVIII. Farmers who are not acquainted with all kinds of plants and grasses which grow around their farms, and in the neighborhood, can find their names and character in any Botanical Class Book, where they can become acquainted with their nature, and every particular in regard to them. He can obtain, for a trifle, the various garden plant seeds in any botani- cal seed store, in a quantity sufficient to start this cultivation for his own use. The reader will find at the end of this volume, engravings representing a description of the most useful plants for the Green Manure. Plates I and II, and Plate III, represent the most useful grasses and herbs, of the improved fodder and pasture culti- vation. Plate I represents plants which belong to to the iopseed manuring, and Plate II, plants which belong to the fallow manuring. They will be explained in the following description ; but as it would exceed our limits to give a description of all the plants used in the Green Manuring, we give a representation of but a few of the most important, and also of those represented on Plate n, such of the fallows as are in connection with the plant forms of the stubbles. The reason why they are thus represented is, that readers may see them in a mixture ; for it is a great hindrance to our progress to see them in a single posi- tion, as, for instance, clover — and timothy — agricul- ture, a manner to which we all have been accustomed. Fodder plants, as clover, or a single grass, as timothy, afford the animal far less nourishment than a mixture of the most distinguished grasses and herbs, for the mixture nourishes the soil and the animal with more variable elements. Hence, in Plate III we represent the distinguished grasses and herbs of the improved fodder and pasture cultivation. The reader will perceive, by examining this plate, that out of this mixture of grasses and herbs, the most productive meadows and pastures in nature are formed, produ- cing more milk, butter, meat, fat and wool than any other combination of meadows and pastures, and this simply by forming a dense mass of the most nutritious grasses and herbs. Plates I and II repre- THE FARMER'S PROMOTION" BOOK. sent the mixture of the Plant Manuring system, by which the soil is enriched and made productive; and Plate III the fodder and pasture mixture by which the fanner can increase the growth and value of his stock, and better his condition. Each of these plates are arranged in the order which we here describe. Each plate represents three rows. On Plates I and II, the first row con- tains the grasses of the topseed manuring, and the other two rows the plants of it, each plant being marked with its own peculiar name. On Plate III, the first row represents the mowing grasses; the seco7id, the pasture grasses, and the third, the mowing and pasture grasses, of which the most distinguished meadow and pasture mixtures are composed. Since this work is wholly designed for the use and benefit of the farmer, it will be his interest to devote a careful attention to this important subject, and obtain all the useful seeds in the fields, gardens, meadows, &c. which we will now more fully describe. SECTION XXXIX. D.— A DESCRIPTION OF THE CLASS OP PLANTS OF TOPSEED IN GKAIN, LIKE CLOVER OR WINTER SEEDS. FIRST VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. The Class of Docks and Marigolds. The Class of Docks. — Every farmer knows the large kind of Dock, with a stalk of from two to three feet high, large leaves and dark brown seed bunches. (No animal will eat it.) To the improved Green Manure they are of the greatest importance, produce a great number of seeds, and grow up rapidly. They thrive as well in summer as winter grain, and when ploughed down, supply a large herbage in the mixture. That of middle size, as, for instance, the curled dock, grows on middle soil, and the sheep sorrel on dry sand. Thus every farmer can judge of the nature of the soil for which they are suited. A.— THE LARGE WILD CLASS, AS PROTECTION PLANTS. 1. The large Curled or Yclloiv Dock. * * (Rumex Crispus. U) This class grows on all kinds of soil, dry fields, waysides, along ditches, etc. — known by its curled waving leaves. It grows from two to three feet high; its brown seed bunches stand till after harvest untouched, is easy to be gathered, and has 300,000 grains in a pound. Blossoms June to July. 2. Broad Leafed Dock* (Rumex Obtusifolius.lf) ThisrDock grows almost everywhere in fields and waste places. It has leaves one and a half feet long, grows from three to four feet high, and blossoms from June till August. 300,000 grains per pound. 3. The Pointed Dock* (Rumex Acutus.U) This plant is as common as the two kinds men- tioned above. It grows along creeks, ditches, in wet places, and thrives on all kinds of soil which are not too dry. Its leaves are as large as the above men- tioned, but pointy; it also grows three to four feet high, with large roots. Blossoms in August; 300,000 grains per pound. 4. The Water Dock* (Rumex Aquaticus. u ) This kind of Dock grows the same as the above, but is still larger in stalks, leaves and roots, often five feet high ; it belongs to the topseed, if not too heavy nor too dry soils. Blossoms June and July. 300,000 grains per pound. 5. The Wood Dock* (Rumex Xemulapathum.y) It is known by its somewhat woolly leaves, and is not so frequent as the former kinds. Grows two to three feet high, and in the woods higher. Blossoms July to August. 300,000 grains per pound. The above five kinds of Docks grow wild almost everywhere. We now give such kinds as will com- pensate well to cultivate them in the garden. 300,000 grains per pound. B.— LARGE GARDEN PLANTS, AS PROTECTION PLANTS. 1. Mountain Dock. * (Rumex Alpinus. U ) Grows frequently along mountains. Some have it in gardens. It is called by some the false Rhu- barb, as its root resembles Rhubarb. It has very long leaves and roots, and grows from three to five feet high. Blossoms July and August. 300,000 grains per pound. 36 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. Garden Dock* (Rumex Patientia.H) Is frequently cultivated in gardens. Grows from three to five feet high, bears large, long and high seed bunches. Blossoms in May. It produces a large herb and thick roots, and thrives in summer as well as winter grain. It must be sowed in rows in the gar- den for cultivation, so as to hoe the plants, as they last many years. 300,000 grains per pound. 3. English Water Bock* (Rumex Britanica. U ) The leaves of this plant grow from four to five feet long, and one foot broad. The plant itself has a stem from one to two feet long, and stalk from five to seven feet high, with immense large seed bunches, which often yield from one to two pounds of seed. 4. The bloody-veined Bock* (Rumex Sanguineus, u) The leaves have red veins. It resembles the pointed Dock, but blossoms earlier — in May and June ; grows in waste and cultivated ground ; stem two to three feet high. C— THE SMALL OR MIDDLE PLANTS OF THIS FORM. 1. The Sour Bock* * (Rumex Acetosa. U ) Is a native of most meadows and pastures, and produces many seeds. It also thrives on sandy soils ; the stalk grows from two to four feet high, leaves six inches long. Blossoms in June. 400,000 grains to the pound. 2. Sheep Sorrel * (Rumex Acetosella. U) Grows six inches high; excellent on sandy poor soils, to fill up the density of the mixture. Blossoms May and June — is excellent as sheep pasture ; grows on dry and sandy soils. 500,000 grains to the pound. II. Common Beet. (Beta Vulgaris. 6 ) We have in our gardens the Red and White Marigold, {Beta Cicla.) A garden bed sowed with Beets to raise seeds, pays well for the Green Manuring for winter and summer grain. 10,000 grains to the pound. III. Selection for the Beginning. If the farm is of a middle soil, the Yelloiv Bock is the best; if of a low heavy soil, the other large Bocks are preferable ; both can be used in the beginning as protection plants, of the first vegetable form. As middle plants of this form, we use Sheep Sorrel on sandy soils, and Sour Bock. These are the most common, and most frequently found of this vegetable form, with which every farmer can make a beginning, and as he extends the Green Manuring, he may add others, especially gar- den plants. SECTION XL. SECOND VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. The Mullein Plants and Winter Plants. To this kind belong such plants which thrive only one or a few stems, with blossoms that are quite erect and pyramid like — as the common Mullein, (Verbas- cum,) the common Evening Primrose, (Oenothera,) the Viper's Bugloss, or Blue Weed, (Echium,) and similar others. 1. Common Mullein. (Yerbascum.) The following kinds of this species grow on bar- ren, dry, sandy and stony grounds. When sowed on the winter grain on such soils, they make a luxu- rious plant. But when sowed on the summer grain, they will have a moist and fertile soil. They contain much volatile stuff when green, whereby vermin and insects are driven off. Their roots, stems and leaves have good manuring qualities, and are all good bee plants. 1.] THE PROTECTION PLANTS OF THIS SPECIES ARE : The Barge Mullein. (Yerbascum Thapsus. 5 )* * We find them on sandy, stony, dry soils. The leaves thrive in mixtures, often to a foot long; they are wrinkled and felty, as also the stem, which grows upward from four to six feet, on the top of which the yellow blossoms look like lights; it blossoms from July till fall. One pound of the seed contains 800,000 grains. The White Mullein. (Yerbascum Lychnitis. $ ) * * Grows very similar to the above, only the leaves are smaller and less felty ; rises from three to four THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 37 feet high, and blossoms from June till fall. A pound has 800,000 grains. 2.] THE MIDDLE PLANTS OF THIS SPECIES ARE: Black Mullein. (Verbascum Nigrum. 2/)* Is found on barren, sandy soils. It produces large dark green, nearly black, leaves. Blossoms June and July; from two to three feet high. The Red Mullein. (Verbascum Phceniceum. 6 )* Grows on dry sandy high fields. The leaves are tolerably large. Blossoms June to July; from two to three feet hieb. The Moth Mullein. (V. Blattaria. 6 )* Is called thus on account of its destroying the J moth, when the fresh plant is in blossom— grows like the above mentioned. Blossoms June, July and August. The small Mulleins of this kind have, on an average, 800,000 grains to the pound. 2. Evening Primrose. (Oenothera.) Is so called, because its large yellow blossoms are only open on cloudy days, in the evening and at night. It grows on dry sandy soil, from three to four feet high, produce large bushy leaves and thick slimy roots. It is very important for the Green Ma- nuring on dry sandy soils; thrives only on the winter grain, for when sowed on the summer grain it grows only on moist fertile soils. It is an excel- lent Bee Plant. 1.] THE PROTECTION PLANTS OF THIS SPECIES. Common Evening Primrose. (Oenothera Biennis. 5 ) * * Is common in fields and waste places; the leaves grow often a foot long and two inches broad. The roots are knotty, sometimes like turnips, some- times like carrots, and sometimes of a white and red color, and, moreover, slimy. Grows three to six feet high, and blossoms from July till September. One pound contains 1,400,000 grains. 2. Sundrops, or Perennial Evening Primrose. (CEnothera Fruticosa.y) Common in open places, one to three feet high, with yellow flowers. Blossoms June to August. & The Biennial Gaura. (Gaura Biennis.) 5 We find it often in gardens, on account of its splendid red flowers. It resembles the Evening Primrose, grows from six to eight feet high, has many seeds, and does well in winter grain. 3. Viper's Bugloss. (Echium.) Is called so because the flowers resemble a snake's head. It grows on barren, sandy and stony places, thrives well, has blue, torch-like flowers, stems three to five feet, and is in the first year large small leaved root plant in the mixture. One pound of seeds, 50,000 grains. A— WILD GROWING AND PROTJECTIO.V PLANTS. Blue Weed. (Echium Vulgare. 5 )** These plants are quite bristly. They blossom the whole summer, and are excellent Bee plants. Care must be taken in gathering the seed, as it falls out easily, to cut the stem in the proper time. The leaves thrive in the mixture tolerably large, and the roots grow deep in the ground. 4. Bcllflower Family. (Campanula.) This family produces very fine seeds, and is surest on winter grain, but as they grow in gardens, woods and meadows, they serve well as by-plants. They are very nourishing for bees. Common on moist rich soils. American Bellflower, (Campanula Americana. 5 ) July, August ; two to three feet high. Slender Bellflower, (C. Aparinoides, 5 ) Rock Bellflower, (C. Rotundifolio.iJ) Pyramidical Bellflower, (C. Pyramidalis.2f) Peach Leafed Bellflower, (C. Persicifolia. U ) Carpatic Bellflower, (C. Carpatica. U) Canterbury Bellflower, (C. Medium. U ) 5. Hound's- Tongue. (Cynoglossum.) These plants often grow with the blue weed, and have also bristly and long root leaves. The stems are lower and more bushy. A.]— WILD GROWING AND PROTECTION PLANTS. The Common Hound's- Tongue. (C. Officinale. 5 ) * * Pound in waste grounds— May, June. An erect 38 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. downy plant of a dark green color, two feet high, flowers purplish, red ; seeds rough, adhering to the fleece of sheep. One pound, 50,000 grains. Wild Comfrey. (C. Virginicum. 5 )* Resembles the above, grows from three to four feet high, has more seeds, and drab white flowers — May and June, in rich shady woods. Beggar' s-Lice. (C. Moriseni. 5 ) Grows on the borders of woods — July — stem two to three feet high. They all thrive well in the mix- ture. 6. Ox-Tongue. (Anchusa.) These plants do not produce so many seeds, but thrive and manure well. The leaves are larger and the roots fleshier, and grow in places as the above. Common Bugloss Ox-Tongue. (A. Officinalis. 24) A rough garden plant with bristly hair, two feet high, leaves a foot broad. Cattle are fond of it — blossoms May to fall ; first red, then blue. Very attractive to bees. Small Leafed Ox-Tongue. (A. Angustifolio.2J) Resembles the above. 7. Willow Herb. (Epilobium Lythrum Lysimachia.) Called so because their leaves resemble the willow leaves, and grow partly between willow brushes, moist shores and ditches ; are used as middle plants ; but the following are only for use in the mixture. Swamp Willow Herb. (L. Verticellatum. if)* Found near shores and ditches, two feet high. Cattle pasture on the young herb. A good bee pas- ture, grows in moist soils, and does well on winter grain; produces a great number of seeds. Blossoms from July till fall. The Mountain Willoio Herb. (Epilobium Mon- tanum. 5 )* — This is the only wild willow herb that is of use ; it grows exuberantly and gives a great many fine seeds. The Russian Willoio Herb. (Epilobium Dauricum. 5 )* Is still superior, and is worth to obtain the seeds for cultivation. It germinates and grows rapidly. One pound, 8,000,000 grains. The Common Willoio Herb. (Epil. Angustifolium. y )* Grows on newly cleared land and waste places — July. Stem four to six feet high, flowers numerous, suited to moist soil ; when young is a pasture fodder. 8. Reseda. Grows in sandy, stony ground, and is particularly useful in forming the density of the mixtures in win- ter and summer grain ; belongs to the middle plants. Dyer's Weed, (Reseda Luteola,© 6 ) * from two to four feet high ; June till fall. The White Mignonette, (Reseda Odorata, 6 ©)* Wave Leafed Reseda, (R. Undata, 6 ©) from two to three feet, found in gardens. Yellow Reseda, (R. Lutea, © 5 ) * Grows on field borders, two feet high; per pound, 1,000,000 grains. 9. Speedwell. (Veronica.) This family has many kinds that produce fine seeds, and are particularly useful in forming the density of the mixture on dry soil. They are mid- dle plants, found in meadows, bushes, woods, &c. July, August, September. 10. Larkspur. (Delphinium.) This family of plants are used in gardens as orna- ments, on account of their beautiful flowers; they give also a great amount of seeds ; they are peren- nial, and form every year stronger stalks ; they ger- minate well in summer grain, are middle plants in the mixture, and average 250,000 grains to the pound. II. — THE WINTER NARCOTIC PLANTS. Wolfs-bane, (Aconitum,) Henbane, (Hyoscyamus,) Bane-berry, (Actaea,) which have an erect growth, to which we add the Deadly Nightshade, (Atro- pa>) the Ground Cherry, (Physalis,) Poke Weed, (Phytolacca.) Wolfs-bane. (Aconitum.) Is frequently found in the garden as an ornamental plant. It has many seeds, which only germinate in winter grain. It manures excellently, through its sharp juicy leaves and roots, and forms a middle plant in the mixture. THE rAUMKR'K PROMOTION BOOK, 39 The American Monks-hood. (Aconitum Uncina- tum.)y* — Grows on mountains and rich shady soils, along streams. August — five to six feet high. Blue Wolfs-bane. (Aco. Napellus. U) * — Grows from three to seven feet high; blossoms June, August. Yellow Wolfs-bane. (A. Lycoctonum. u) * — Two to three feet high. The juice of this plant destroys all kinds of vermin. June and July. Pyrenaic Wolfs-bane. (Aco. Tyrenaieum. u ) * — Three to six feet ; yellow ; June, July. Large Wolfs-bane. (Aco. Camarum.y) * — This resembles the Blue Wolfs-bane, but is larger. It has, on an average, 250,000 grains per pound. 2. Black Henbane. (Hyoscyamus Niger. 5 ) * A tall foetid weed, growing about waste places, from two to three feet high ; July ; flowers large • color, dull yellow. Germinates well in the winter grain. 700,000 grains per pound. Baneberry. (Acteea.) Of this family, we find two kinds in gardens. They only thrive on the winter grain, are good herbs, and their juice destroys all kinds of vermin. Earshaped Baneberry. (A. Spicata. U) — Grows two to three feet high ; blossoms May and June ; its berries give a black inky juice. Grape-like Baneberry. (A. Vacemosa. ) — Grows four to five feet high, and blossoms in June and July. 4. Deadly Nightshade. (Atropa.) — We find this family in mountain woods ; it is excellent in winter grain. Common Nightshade. (Atropa Belladonna. UJ* — Is cultivated in gardens, groves, often six feet high, and bears a great number of berries. (The seeds must be washed out.) It germinates very well, and forms a fine plant; blossoms in June and July, and contains 300,000 grains per pound. Common Poke. (Phytolacca Decandra.) This well known plant is common in fence cor- ners and moist grounds ; blossoms in July and Septem- ber. It forms, in the summer grain and fallowB, a stout plant, with juicy leaves and thick fleshy roots. The cluster of seeds must be dried, and the seeds rubbed out. 20,000 grains to the pound. III. — selection ion IBS MftUHlUWfe The Common Mullein and the Common WffltiNg Prim- rose are to be found almost everywhere, in fields, roadsides, &c, and will aid to make a beginning in the fall. But all the other plants we have mentioned in this vegetable form should be cultivated, as they can be obtained so easily, when the seeds are once planted, so that at all times the ma>.- can he ren- dered more dense, stronger, and more readily mixed. SECTION XLI. TniRD VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. Meadow and Field Plants. The most important of these are the Meadow Rue, (Thalictrum,) St. John's Wort, (Hypericum,) Great Burnet, (Sanguisorba,) Sheep Burnet, (Poterium,) Plantain, (Plantago,) Corn Cockle, or Sweet William, or Single Pink, (Lychnis,) etc., all being the most luxuriant plants, and producing a great number of seeds. A.]— BUXCH FLOWERS. The kinds of Meadow Rue.** (Thalictrum.) These kinds of plants grow in meadows, bushes and open fields. They are generally pastured, and seldom come to seed; but, by cultivation in gardens, they assume strong stalks, and produce a great num- ber of seeds. They have a spreading herb and large branchy roots in the mixture, germinate well in win- ter grain, as they grow well on moist ground. They belong to the most important plants for topseed, and are mostly protection plants. They are also good Bee plants; on an average, one pound will contain 300,000 grains. Meadow Rue, (T. Cornuti, W)* — Is found in most meadows, grows three to five feet high, and blossoms in June and July. This plant is liked by cattle as pasture. Early Meadow Rue, (T. Divieum. ^') — Common on the banks of streams; April, May; one to two feet high. Rugos-Leafed Meadow Rue, (T. Rugosum.^) — Common on shady swampy rivulets ; June, July ; three to five feet high. 40 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. Rue Anemone, (T. Anemonoides.y) — Is found in woods ; April, May ; eight to twelve inches high. St. John's Wort. (Hypersicum.)* This family produce a great number of fine seeds, which germinate only on winter grain, and moist soils in summer grain; they are middle plants, and are important in forming the density of the mass or mixture. The cultivation of these plants is especially important, as they are perennial, and their gain of seeds considerable. This family are all excellent Bee plants. They have all yellow blossoms, and average 800,000 grains to the pound. Common St. Johns Wort, (H. Perforatum. W)* — In pasture fields very common ; June, July. Giant St. John's Wort, (II. Pyramitatum. W)* — River banks and hills; July, August. Spotted St. John's Wort, (H. Corymbosum. 2J) * — Shady woods and wet meadows ; June, July ; one and a half to two feet high. Elliptic St. John's Wort, (H. Ellipticum. U ) *— Moist grounds ; July ; one to two feet high. Winged St. John's Wort, (H. Adpressum.*-') * — Grows in swamps, two feet high. Naked St. John's Wort, (EL ETudiflorum. W) *— Wet grounds ; August; one to two feet high. Shrubby St. John's Wort, (H. Prolificum. «)*— On the banks of streams; July; a highly ornamental herb, two to four feet high. 3. Cleavers. (Galium. ^) Goose-grass, (G-. Aparine.) — Moist thickets two to six feet high ; June. Bough Bedstraw, (G. Asprellum.) — Low thickets, two to five feet high ; July. Dyer's Cleavers, (G. Trifidum.) — Swamps and low grounds; June, August; two to four feet high. Sweet Scented Bedstraw, (G. Triflorum.) — Rich wood-lands ; July; two to four feet high. Hairy Bedstraw, (G. Pilosum.) — Dry woods, from June to August; one to two feet high. B.]— HEAD FLOWERS. 1. Burnets. (Sanguisorba Poterium.) These plants are excellent meadow and pasture plants in the mixture ; but too bitter when sown by themselves. They produce a great number of seeds, and grow up well in the summer grain. The Meadow Burnets make fine protection plants in the mixture, and the SheepBumet very good middle plants. The Common Meadow Burnet, (Sanguisorba Offici- nalis. W) * * — Three to four feet high; August; grows well on winter grain, has roots and leaves from one to two feet. When cultivated in the gar- den, its stalks grow from five to six feet high, and produce many seeds; one pound contains 250,000 grains. The Great Burnet, or B. Saxifrage, (S. Canaden- sis. W) * * — Wet meadows; August, September; stem from two to four feet high. Sheep Burnet, (Poterium Sanguisorba. W) * * — Is very common on dry soils, from one to two feet high, and blossoms in June and July. It is an excellent pasture plant, endures dry weather well, and is properly used in summer grain ; one pound contains 300,000 grains. 2. Plantain. (Plantaga.) This well known family have healthy juices in their leaves, and, when young, are liked by cattle. The seed thrives on winter grain. They produce a tolerably useful herb. The following kinds have, on an average, 400,000 grains to the pound. Common Plantain Jjeaf, (P. Major. ) Heart Leafed Plantain, (P. Cordata. y) — One to two feet high ; June, July. Lance I^eafed Plantain, (P. Lanceolata. y) — Twelve to eighteen inches high, common on dry fields among grasses ; it has erect spear shaped leaves of six inches long, of which, when young, cattle are fond. It is also an excellent pasture plant, blossoms the whole summer, and contains 300,000 grains. Virginia Plantain, (P. Virginica. If) — Sandy fields, April until September, four to ten inches high. 3. Knotweed. (Polygonum.) To this family belong the Buckwheat, and most of the fallowing seeds which germinate as quick as Buckwheat; thrive in summer grain and on fallows. They are middle plants, and average per pound 40,000 to 50,000 grains. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 41 Meadow Knotweed, (P. Bistoria. if) — Grows on meadows, from one to two feet high, has large root leaves. Pennsylvania Knotgrass, (P. Pennsylvanicum.©) — At the margin of ponds and ditches, July to Octo- ber; stem from two to three feet high. Ladies' Thumb, or Spotted Knotweed, (P. Persi- caria. 0) — Is very common in waste and damp places; July, August; stem twelve to eighteen inches. Pale Knotweed, (Lapathifolium. 0) — Swamps and ditches; stem two to four feet high; August. Water Pepper, or Smartioeed, (P. Hydropiper. © ) — Very common on low grounds ; August, September. A well known intensely acrid plant, grows from twelve to twenty inches high, and manures excel- lently in the mixture. Mild Water Pepper, (P. Hydropiperoides. © )-Swamps and along streams ; July, August ; twelve to fifteen inches high. Virginian Knohveed, (P. Virginianum. ©) — Very common in thickets in rich soil ; August ; two to four feet high. Princes' Feather, (P. Orientale. ©) — Natural sized in gardens; August, September; stem four to six feet high. C.]— SINGLE PINK PLANTS. These plants have a great many fine seeds ; a grass leafed herb ; are natives of light soils, and of the greatest importance in forming the density of the mixture in light sandy soils. They are seldom met in a wild state, and are, therefore, to be cultivated in gardens ; they repay, however, richly in their quan- tity of seed — on an average, per pound, 1,000,000 grains. 1. Soap Plants. *(Gypsophila Saponaria.) The slimy qualities of these plants prove their manuring strength. The following are the most frequent in fields and gardens : Longstemmy Gypsplant, (G-. Fastigiata. if ) — Grows from three to four feet high, with large reddish flower bunches, on sandy places; July; per pound, 5,000,000 grains. The Bunchy Gypsplant, (G. Paniculata.it) — Grows from three to four feet high, with large reddish flower bunches, on sandy places; July; 1,000,000 grains per pound. The Sand Gypsplant, (G. Arenaria.y) — From one to two feet high ; August; blossoms white; 5,000,000 grains per pound. The Pink Gypsplant, (Gk Saxifrage, if ) — Infields, one foot high; August; 1,000,000 grains per pound. The Common Soap Wort, (Saponaria Officinalis. ^ ) Grows in waste places, from one to three feet high, with large purple or flesh colored pink flowers. 200,000 grains per pound. 2. Lychnis. This family yields a great number of good seeds, when cultivated in gardens. They thrive better in winter than summer grain. Corncockle, (Lychnis Githago.©) — In grain fields ; June, July; a well known pale green handsome plant ; stem eighteen to thirty inches. The Scarlet Lychnis, (L. Chalcedonica. if) — A fine garden flower, one to two feet high, dark green leaves and scarlet flowers ; June, July. The Mullein Pink, (L. Coronaria. u ) — A popular garden flower, the whole plant covered with dense wool ; one to two feet high, blossoms purple ; July. Ragged Bobbin, (L. Flascucula.if) — A handsome flower, pink color, one to two feet high; June to August; on an average, per pound, 1,000,000 grains. Pinks. (Dianthus.)* The following kinds form, in the summer grain and fallows of dry soils, a small herb, of rapid growth, yield a good number of fine seeds, and are easily raised. Sweet William, (D. Barbatus. if) — An ornamental garden flower, of from ten to fifteen inches high ; May, July. China Pink, D. Chinensis. 5 ) — A beautiful species of from white to red colored flowers; June. Single Pink, (D. Plumarius. if) — Flowers purple; from June to August. Superb Pink, (D. Superbus. if) — A singularly beau- tiful and highly fragrant species ; one to two feet ; June. Coronation Pink, (D. Coryophilles.if) — From one to two and a half feet high, stem branched, flowers white and crimson ; July, August ; on an average, 1,000,000 grains per pound. 42 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 4. Silent. These bring a great number of fine seeds, are small plants of rapid growth, and very useful in the mixture of the mass in forming the density. Starry Campion, (S. Stellata. U )* — Grows on shady banks and woods, two to four feet high; flowers white; August. White Catchfly, (S. Nivea.2/)— One to two feet high ; flowers white ; June, July. Virginia Catchfly, (S. Virginica. U ) — Open woods, one to two feet high; flowers few, but large and showy; May, June. Snap Dragon Catchfly, (S. Anterrhina. if ) — Dry hills, one to two feet high ; flowers small, white or pale purple ; July. Night Flowering Catchfly, (S. Noctiflora.y)— Cul- tivated grounds, one to three feet high; flowers large, white and purplish ; July. SweetWilliam Catchfly, (S. America, if ) — A popular garden flower, twelve to eighteen inches high. All these, on an average, have 2,000,000 grains per pound. 5. Stitchweed. (Stellaria.) These plants grow on moist soils, are weak and slender, stand erect in the mixture. Although they have more blossoms, still they yield not as many seeds as the Silenes ; but they are important, deserve a place for cultivation, and give about 1,000,000 grains per pound. Common Chickweed, (S. Media.© 6 ) — Orassy road- sides, fields, yards, &c; twelve to eighteen inches high ; flowers small white ; May, November. Long Leafed Stitchwort, (S. Longifolia. if) — Orassy places; eight to fifteen inches high; June. Northern Sliichwort,(8. Borealis.©)— Shady swamps ; six to fifteen inches high ; June, August. 6. Sandwort. (Arenaria.)* This family of plants are generally low, from four to twelve inches high, yield a great number of fine seeds, germinate quickly in the mixture on light soils, and form a very dense mass. The Upright Sandwort, (A. Stricta. if ) — Rocks and dry banks; eight to ten inches; flowers white; May, June. Thyme-Leafed Sandwort, (A. Serpillifolia. ) — Sandy fields ; stems numerous, with reflexed hair ; four to eight inches high ; blossoms white ; May to August. Side Flowering Sandxoort, (A. Lateriflora. if) — Shady gravelly banks and woods ; stem five to ten inches high; flowers white ; June; average 5,000,000 grains per pound. D.] — Classes of Flax. (Linum.)* They grow often on dry fields, roadsides, etc. The seeds germinate as well as the common flax, and thrive well in summer grain. Per pound, 100,000 grains. The Common Flax, (Linum Usitatissimum.©)— Two to three feet high; flowers purple blue. The seeds are very important for the Green Manuring, as they yield a great number of seeds, and thrive well in summer grain and fallows. On account of its slip- pery juices it manures very strongly. As a middle plant it is excellent for the density of the mixture ; and if cultivated, it delivers cheap and abundant seeds. The Wild Flax, (L. Virginianum. 5 if) — Grows in woods and fields ; one to two feet high ; flowers very small and yellow. It has the same quality as the former. E.]— Garlic. (Allium.)* This herb manures remarkably well. It only suits the winter grain. The seeds of onions also do well in the mixture on summer and winter grain. P.] — Live Forever. (Sedum Telephium. if)* This plant is an excellent manure on poor soil. The whole plant is exceedingly fat and nourishing; it contains a large quantity of potash and sticky juice; grows from one to two feet high, possesses a reddish flower, blooms in July and August, and pays well for the trouble of gathering the seeds. It must be sowed by itself, (as it will not grow when sowed with the mixture,) mixed with a considerable quan- tity of sand, so as to be sufficiently spread on the ground after using the roller; for, if put in too deep, it will not come up. Observe, also, that it must be sowed on winter grain, on sandy or grassy soils, (not on clay soils.) It grows on sandy soils, rocks, &c, and contains from 6,000,000 to 10,000,000 grains per pound. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION JJOOK. 43 Evergreen Stone Crop, (Sedum Anacampseros. u ) — Grows from one to two feet high ; flowers purple ; July. Wall Pepper, (S. Acre, u) American Orpine, (Telephoides.lt) The Three Leafed Stone Crop, (S. Termatum.) G.]— Winter Poppy. (Papaver, Chelidonium Glan- cicum.) We frequently find some of the following Poppies in gardens. They are excellent manuring herbs, and do well in summer grain and fallows. The poppies have, on an average, 1,000,000 grains to the pound, and the Celendine, 500,000 grains. Oriental Poppy, (Papaver Orientale. u )— Three to four feet high. Cambric Poppy, (Papaver Cambricum.y)— Two to three feet high. Field or Corn Poppy, (Papaver Dubium.y)— Two feet high. Common Poppy, (P. Somniferum.)— Common in cultivation. Common Red Poppy, (P. Rhoeas.)— Cultivated. Common Celendine, (Chelidonium Majus.if]— A pale green juicy plant, which grows in waste places ; May, August; flowers yellow; one to two feet high. Horn Poppy, (Chelidonium Glancium. 5 )— Grows on sandy fields, two feet high; blossoms from May until July, with large yellow flowers. The leaves are of a greyish green. SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. In localities where the Meadow Rues do not grow wild, they can often be found in gardens or adja- cent places, and thus be procured. The different kinds of St: Johns Wort are easily found. The Great Burnet and Sheep Burnet are in all meadows. The Plantain Leaf is common on fields, lanes and fences, and the different Pink Plants grow wild abundantly in gardens. SECTION XLII. THE FOURTH VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. Winter Umbelliferous Plants. In this family of plants are included the Parsnips, Carrots, Caraways, Fennels, etc. They are of high importance in the Green Manuring mass, as they pos- sess peculiar enriching principles, and contribute, in a high degree, to the enrichment of the soil, by their large leaves and roots. They possess sharp gummy- like and aromatic juices, and yield a largo quantity of seeds. Every farmer will perceive, that the leaves and stalks of these plants, during their growth, as well as during their fermentation, after being ploughed under, will destroy mice, insects and vermin. The perennial and biennial Umbelliferous Plants do not shoot up in stem the first year after their seed. ing, but grow in leaves and roots over winter. as carrots, parsnips, and other plants of this kind. Many of these plants continue to have green leaves through the winter, and cover the ground against frost. The seeds of most of these plants have a strong aromatic odor, and for this reason, are easily spoiled if they are not kept in cool dry places. Their vola- tile oils evaporate, and their fat oils decompose themselves in dry confined air, and are subject to become rancid before sowing; the best method for their preservation is to hang them in bags, in an open cool shed. I will divide the following°families according to the size and density of their root leaves, into five divisions. In the first, I will name the large and broad leafed umbelliferous plants ; the Cow Parsnip and Common Parsnip; in the second I place the small and light leafed umbelliferous plants, as Wild Chervil and Wild Carrots; in the third, I place the Fennel leafed umbelliferous plants ; in the fourth I put the Thorough Waxes, and in the fifth, the Spurges. I select first— the large leafed umbelliferous, as they belong to the protection plants. The light leafed are also plants of this family, and I put them in the second division, as middle plants ; the Fennel leafed as an addition, and for the further perfection of the mixture, I add the Thorough Wax and Spurges. I. — THE FAMILY OF THE PROTECTION PLANTS, OR THE LARGE AND BROAD LEAFED UMBELLIFEROUS. 1. Parsnips. (Heracleum.) This family is very useful in the mixture for Green 31anuring, for it grows almost everywhere, thrives well in the winter and summer grain, and produces an excellent herbage. The Low or Wild Pars-nip, (H. Lanatum. 5 )** Grows from three to six feet high, in moist cultivated 44 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. grounds, and blossoms from June to August. It grows on almost any soil, within six or eight weeks, has large leaves and thick roots, when sowed on summer grain, fallows or stubbles, and yields 150,000 grains per pound. 2. Common Parsnip. (Pastinaeasativa. 5 )** Grows in fields and waste places, from three to six feet high, especially on moist places ; blossoms July, August. It grows well, and in six or eight weeks be twelve inches high, with thick roots, in fallows and stubbles. It is also a good pasture plant. When it is young, cattle are fond of it. It is not material whether we use the seeds of the wild or tame parsnip in the mixture; their leaves are very similar. 150,000 grains per pound. These are two kinds of Parsnips for the winter and summer grain. The following are not so general, but are as valuable and worthy of cultivation in the garden, and also thrive well in summer graiu, fallows and stubbles. 3. Angelica. This plant has extraordinary large leaves, and very large fleshy roots, in the mixture of the winter and summer grain. Great Angelica, (A. Atropurpurea. U )* — Grows in meadows, and furrows, and gardens ; flowers green- ish white ; July, August ; six to eight feet high. The stalk is thick, hollow and leafed, the growth large in the mixture of the winter grain. 100,000 grains per pound. Small Angelica, (A. Silvestius.K)* — Grows in moist meadows and woods, from one to two feet high; July. Bees love to feed on its flowers ; dark green leaves and deep branchy roots. 150,000 grains per pound. Hersuti Angelica,(A.'Kersut&. U )* — Dry open woods ; from two to five feet high; numerous white flowers; July, August. 100,000 grains per pound. 4. Lovage. (Sigusticum.) This well known plant is cultivated in gardens. When sowed on winter and summer graiu, forms a large herb, and resembles the parsnip leaves. 200,000 grains per pound. Laser Plants. (Laserpitium. U )* This kind of umbelliferous plants have also large leaves, and is important in the Green Manuring, and does well in winter and summer grain. They deserve cultivation in the garden, grow from four to eight feet high, and blossom in June and August. 100,000 grains per pound. 6. Masterwort. (Imperatoria. U )* This species have also very high, large leafed stalks, and resemble the parsnip in its manuring qualities; three to four feet high; seeds, 150,000 grains per pound. 7. Water Parsnip. (Sium Latifolium. U ) On moist cold fields. The seeds of this ldnd do well on winter grain ; it is found on ditches and in swamps ; stem from three to five feet high ; flowers small and white ; July, August, September. Narrow Leafed Water Parsnip, (S. Lineare. U) — Pound in swamps, stem three to four feet high, with numerous small white flowers ; July, August. The seeds of these plants must be kept in the air, pre- served in dry sand, or must be sowed directly after being collected, or they will not germinate. 200,000 grains per pound. Water Fennel, (Phellandrium. 5 ) — Germinates as well as the former under the same circumstances ; is found in standing waters and swamps, three to four feet high; July, August; 200,000 grains per pound. Water Hemlock, (Cicutavirosa. U ) — Common in wet meadows ; blossoms July, August ; three to six feet high ; grows only when sowed immediately after the seed is ripe, in wet low fields ; produces a good leaf and root mass ; 300,000 grains per pound. Poison Hemlock, (Conium Maculatum. 5 ) — Grows in waste places, a large branching herb, about four feet high, flowers small and white, stem round and hollow, with purplish spots; seeds, 300,000 grains per pound. This plant thrives well on both dry and wet ground, has a cmick growth, and forms large bushy leaves. It cannot be too highly recommended as one of the most important plants in the Green Manu- ring, especially if the seeds of this plant be mixed THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK with the seeds of the Water Parsnip and Chess, it will enrich poor fields better than the strongest sta- ble manure. II. — THE CLASSES OF MIDDLE PLANTS, OR THE SMALL LEAFED UMBELLIFEROUS. 1. The Classes of Wild Chervil. (Chaerophyllum.) The following of this family of plants will only do well on winter grain, and must be sowed early, before winter. They are found in shady moist places, hence they do best on winter grain. Common Wild Chervil, (Ch. Sylvestris. U)** — Moist shady places ; blossoms in May, June ; stem two to three feet high ; yields many seeds, and forms an herb of dark green color, with large milky roots. 150,000 grains per pound. Knobby Chervil, (Ch. Bulbosum. 5 )** — Found gen- erally in shady meadows ; blossoms June, July; grows often seven to ei°;ht feet hia:h. The Wild Carrot. (Daucus Carota.)* Found on old fields, road-sides, and on dry and sandy places, often in abundance; blossoms from June till August; grows only when sowed early on the winter grain ; produces a good herbage in the mixture. The seeds must be kept in a dry, cool place, and not in a closed room. 300,000 grains per pound. T$. B. — The Tame Carrot answers as well for the mixture. 3. Wild Parslies. (Selimune.) This family has several kinds, which contain a milky juice. They thrive well in winter grain. Wild Parsley, (S. Sylvestris. U ) — Found on both dry and moist soils, three to five feet high ; blossoms July, August. Herb and root have a milky juice; averages 200,000 grains per pound. Swamp Parsley, (S. Palustre. U) — Resembles the former, and grows from four to five feet high, blos- soms white; July, August; 200,000 grains. The Garden Parsley does well in the winter grain and fallows. 4. Meadow Parsnip. (Thapsium. U) This family has large milky and sharp juicy roots. 7 The seeds are large and winged, blossoms yellow; suited to the topseed in winter grain. Hairy Pointed Thapsium, (Barbinode.2i) — Found on river banks; blossoms June; stem tall and branched; two to three feet high; flowers yellow; 50,000 to 100,000 grains per pound. Golden Thapsium, (T. Aureum.lt) — Banks and moist meadows: June; one to three feet high; 50,000 grains to the pound. The Purple Alexanders, (T. Atropurpureum.li) — Grows on rocky hills, and from one to two feet high; July; 100,000 grains to the pound. The kind of Pimpinells. (Pimpinella.) This family is found growing in almost every loca- tion. They produce excellent pasture plants, yield a great number of small seeds, and are an important addition to the summer grain mixture. The Large Pimpinell, (P. Magna. Uf — Grows from three to four feet high, on sandy stony field borders, hills, meadows and pastures; blossoms through the summer, white and red; 300,000 grains per pound. Small Pimpinell, (P. Saxifrage. U)* — From two to three feet high; grows the same as the former. The Blue Green Pimpinell, (P. Droca.y)* — One to three feet high; 300,000 grains per pound. 6. All kinds of Fennel and Anis grow well on poor soils, especially on winter grain. Spurge. (Euphorbia.) This class is very useful. Their leaves and roots manure excellently, on account of their sharp, milky, juicy qualities. The seeds must be preserved in very cool, airy places. They are only suited for the winter grain. The Flowering Spurge, (E. Corollata.if) — Is found on dry banks and sandy fields, blossoms from July to September, one to two feet high. Darlington's Spurge, (E. Darliugtonii,2{) — Grows in moist woods; blossoms May and June: two to four feet high. Sun Spurge, (E. Helioscopia.O) — Found in waste places; blossoms from July to September; grows ten to sixteen inches high. 46 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. Petty Spurge, (E. Peplus.©) — Waste grounds; July and August; six to twelve inches high. Common Spurge, Eyebright, (E. Hypericifolia.©) — Is found on waste and cultivated places; July, Sep- tember; ten to twenty inches high. Spotted Spurge, (E. Maculata.©) — Grows on grav- elly hanks and open places; blossoms June, Septem- ber; six to twelve inches high. Wild Ipecac, Ipecac Spurge, (E. Ipecacuanha. U ) Is found on dry and sandy soils ; May, July ; five to ten inches high. Toothed Spurge, (E. Dentata.O) — On shady hill aides in rich soils; blossoms August; one foot high. II. — SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. For protection plants, we find the Parsnip and Cow Parsnip almost everywhere ; middle plants, as the Wild Chervil, Carrots, Pimjmiells and Parsleys, in the gardens and fields in abundance, to make a common cement. They can be increased from time to time, by adding others of the same vegetable form and family of plants, to any amount of seed, in variety, for a mixture, and can easily be raised in abundance; their mixture will have a powerful manuring effect on the soil. SECTION XLIII. FIFTH VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. The Winter Labial Flowers. The peculiarity of this vegetable form is, that the plants have lip and mouth-shaped flowers. They are classified in such as have bare seeds, and such as have covered seeds. The former have mostly a square stem ; their flow- ers stand whirled one over the other; they have many seeds, (placed in open capsides,') which easily fallout; they must, therefore, be cut in time. The seed germinates quickly, and is well suited to the summer grains. These herbs have a strong smell, and possess highly invigorating manuring principles. The other division have closed capsules, as the kinds of Snap Dragon, the kinds of Common Figwort and Fox-Glove. Many of these plants are garden flow- ers, which will be applicable when the soil has become more fertile by the Green Manuring, for they will thrive better, yield more seeds, and aflbrd more matter to the soil. I. — THE OPEN SEED PLANTS. A.] Kind of Mints. The Catmints. (Nepeta.)** This family are of a rapid growth, and we can take the following kinds for protection plants. They make no root leaves, but form only stalks; grow up quickly, and are well suited to fallows and summer grain ; they grow, however, in the winter grain, too high before harvest. They bear, also, many seeds, in large bunches, grow on dry soils luxuriantly, and contain much manuring matter; some have a pleas- ant, and some an offensive odor; they are worth cul- tivating. The Catnips, (Cataria. U )** — Grow on waste and cultivated grounds, as common plants ; July, August ; two to three feet high; 600,000 grains per pound. Ground Ivy, (N". Glechoma. K) — .Found in shady places ; blossoms May, August ; one to two feet high. Garden Mints of difl'erent kinds. Sage. (Salvia.)* Mostly garden plants. The seeds germinate quickly, and grow well in summer grain and fallows. They produce fine root-leaves, grow from one to two feet high, and deserve a place in the garden. 500,000 grains per pound. Lyre-leafed Sage, (S. Lyrata. 5 )* — Is found in wood lands and meadows ; May, June ; ten to twelve inches high. Common Sage, (S. Officinalis. 6 ) — A well known garden plant; grows from one to two feet high. Clary Sage, (S. Sclarea. 6) — One to three feet high. Splendid Sage, (S. Splendens. k) — A beautiful species, cultivated in gardens; two to four feet high. 3. Balm. (Melissia. u ) The seeds germinate rapidly, have a strong odor, and enrich the soil ; their volatile parts have supe- rior enriching qualities. The Common Balm, (M. Officinalis, u ) — Grows from two to three feet high. The Stone Balm, (M. Calamintha. u ) — Grows on mountains and stony hills; two to three feet high. The Nep>tha Balm, (M. Nepta. y) — Grows in sandy mountainous regions; blossoms July, August; has a strong; odor. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 47 Large Flowered Balm, (M. Grandiflora. y ) — Grows from one to two feet high; hlossoms June and July; has also a strong odor, and averages 1,600,000 grains per pound. 4. Horse Hint. (Monarda.y) This family are mostly raised and cultivated in gardens ; their plants grow from three to live feet high, yield good seeds. Their leaves are spicy ; their flowers are food for hees ; require moisture, and do better on winter than summer grain; 500,000 grains per pound. Bergamot, (M. Didima. y ) — Two to three feet high. Wild Bergamot, (M. Fistula, y ) — Two to five feet high. Horse Mint, (M. Punctata, y ) — Two to three feet high. Basil. (Clinopodium. y ) This plant resembles the Horse Mint, but grows not so high on dry sunny ground; has a strong spicy odor; 1,000,000 grains per pound. The Wild Basil, (C. Vulgare. y) — Is found on hills and old fields ; grows from one to two feet high. Gray Basil, (C. Incanum. U ) — One to two feet high. 6. Wood Betony. (Betonica.y) This plant deserves the attention of the farmer, and is well adapted to winter and summer grain. The Meadow Betony, (B. Officinalis. U ) — Grows on meadows and in bushes ; one to two feet high ; blos- soms red, May and July; is a good bee plant. The Erect Betony, (B. Stricta. y) — Grows from one to two feet high; blossoms yellow, July; has an odor like elder; 500,000 grains per pound. Dragon's Head. (Dracocephalum Virginianum. if) This plant has a strong odor, and produces a good number of seeds, which do well on summer grain ; two to four feet high; blossoms August; 500,000 grains per pound. 8. Hedge Nettle. (Stachys. y ) This plant grows in fence corners, bushes, &c; its seed is well adapted to moist soils, and on winter grain, and has 600,000 grains per pound. Rough Hedge Nettle, (St. Aspera. if) — Grows on wet banks and thickets; June and August; flowers pale purple. Marsh Hedge Nettle, (St. Palustris. if ) — TVet places ; July, August; two to three feet high; flowers purplish. The Wood Hedge Nettle, (St. Sylvatica. y )— Two to four feet high; blossoms June, August. Yellow Hedge Nettle, (A. Recta, y ) — Two to three feet high; blossoms from May till July. Woolly Hedge Nettle, (St. Lanata.W) — Two to three feet high. 9. Germander. (Teucrium.) These small plants resemble the Hedge Xettle3. They are good bee plants, with small grained seeds, and well adapted to summer grain; they are low spicy aromatic herbs; 1,000,000 grains per pound. 10. Hyssop. (Hysoppus.)^ The seeds of this plant are small-grained, but thrive well on middle soils. They are perennial ; from one to two feet high; blossom July, August ; from 1,000,000 to 2,000,000 grains per pound. 11. Marjoram, (Origanum, ) and Garden Thyme. Excellent bee plants, which, in the mixture, form a short herb ; but thrive well in summer grain, in barley soil ; 4,000,000 grains per pound. 12. Hoarhound, (Marrubium,^) and Pennyroyal, (Tri- chosteina.^') Found in waste places and around houses, lanes, &c, do well in summer grain, and form a fine herb in the mixture; has 600,000 grains per pound. 13. Motherwort. (Leonurus. y) Found on waste places, around houses, &c., thrives well in summer grain ; blossoms July, Sep- tember; two to three feet high; 500,000 grains per pound. 11. Snap Dragon. (Antirrhinum, y) This is a garden plant, (flower,) growing well in 43 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. dry sandy soil, and adapted to the mixture in sum- mer grain ; 1,000,000 grains per pound. 15. Figicort Family. ( Scrofularia. U ) These plants thrive in the winter grain, and only on moist soils in the summer grain; three to five feet high; blossom June and July, and have 1,000,000 grains per pound. III. — SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. Where the Common Catnip does not grow wild, it is important for the farmer to cultivate it, as it be- longs to the list of the best protection plants. The different kinds of Sage, Balm, Hedge Nettle, Hoarhound, Pennyroyal, Motherwort, Figwort and Snap Dragon, are found growing on almost every farm, so that there can be no difficulty in making a beginning with this vegetable form. SECTION XLIV. SIXTH VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. The Winter Shell Plants. These plant families have a great number of seeds, of rapid growth, and do well in the summer grain. Most of them are not to be used on the winter grain, as they shoot up to seed if sowed too early. They thrive well, even on light sandy soils, and form strong bunches, and are also of an early growth, on account of which they are well suited to fallow and stubble mixtures; they are worthy of cultivation, and should be used in abundance. They distinguish themselves into long shelly and round shelly kinds. I. — THOSE WITH LONG SHELLS. The kinds of Winter Cabbage. ( Brassica. 6 ) To this family belong biennial kinds of Cabbage and Turnips which shoot up in stalks first, in their second year. They are better suited to summer grain and fallows than winter grain; 125,000 to 150,000 grains per pound. Swedish Turnip, (Rutabaga.) Rape, (B. Rapa.) Common Beet, ( Beta Vulgaris.) Mangel Wurzel, (Beta Cycla.) Treacle Mustards. (Erisymum. a ) These plants yield a great number of small grained seeds, which are well suited to summer grain, and form strong dense bunches. Where they do not grow wild, they should be cultivated. If sowed in late summer grain, they will only form leaves, and shoot up in May, and also if sowed in stubbles. If sowed on winter grain, they shoot up and blossom in July, August and September. They grow as well on sandy and stony, as on lich soil; grow faster, however, in rich soil, and average 2,000,000 grains per pound. Wild Mustards. Black Mustard, ( Sinapis Migra,) While Mustard, (S. Alba.) 3. Winter Cresses, (Barbarea.H) Can be sowed on winter grain, as they do not shoot up into stems, but make large leaves, like the Rape and Turnip. Their roots are bulbous. They grow, mostly, in moist, places and roadsides, two to three feet high; blossom in April, May and August, and yield a great number of seeds; 2,000,000 grains per pound. 4. Hedge Mustard. ( Sisymbrium. ^ ) This family contains the same qualities as the Treacle Mustards for Green Manuring; is generally found in waste places ; May to September ; flowers yellow; one to two feet high; seeds average about 4,000,000 grains per pound. Hedge Mustard, ( S. Officinalis.) Mouse Ear Hedge 3Iustard, ( S. Thalianum.) Hoary Hedge Mustard, (S. Canescens.) Sky Rocket. (Hesperis Matronalis. if) A garden plant, which also grows wild, so that we can collect seeds in abundance; thrives well in win- ter and summer grain on the poorest soils. 200,000 grains per pound. 6. Wall Cress. (Arabis. 5) Is suited only to summer grain, as otherwise it would shoot up; yields a multitude of fine seeds, and its bunches are especially adapted to forming the density of the mixture. Sickle Pod, (A. Canadensis. 5 ) — Grows on dry hills and roadsides, in bushes and rocky places; two THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 49 to three feet high; May to August; flowers white; 8,000,000 grains per pound. Hairy Wall Cress, (A. Hirsuta. 6) — Grows like the former, but only twelve to fifteen inches high ; 4,000,000 grains per pound. Woad. ( Isatis Tinctoria. 5 )** This plant produces rapidly a large hunch, and thick roots in the mass. It thrives as well in heavy as in middle soils, in winter grain, summer grain, fallows and stubbles. The seeds are rather large, but the Common Woad is to the Green Manuring of the greatest importance as a protection plant. It grows three to four feet high ; 60,000 grains per pound. 8. Rock Alyssum Madwort. ( Alyssum Saxatile. 5 )* Germinates rapidly, forms bunches, does well in summer and winter grain, and on dry soils. It de- serves cultivation in gardens, as it yields a great number of seeds. 500,000 grains per pound. Pepper Grass. (Lepidium.^) Thrives well in summer grain ; seeds very small, and germinate rapidly. Wild Pepper Grass, (L. Virginicum.OS) — Dry fields and roadsides ; May, September ; one foot high ; 1,000,000 grains per pound. Pepper Grass, Tongue Grass, (L. Sativum.© 5) — One to three feet high; 2,000,000 grains per pound. III. — SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. Winter Turnips, Rape, some kinds of Mustard, and Madwort, grow wild almost everywhere ; are to be found wild on almost every farm, yield an abundance of seeds, and increase rapidly for the first com- mencement. SECTION XLV. SEVENTH VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. The Winter Mallow Plants. These plants are mostly of slimy juices in leaves and roots. They also form tolerably large leaves, and for this reason serve as protection plants in the mixture. Their seeds, however, are not so numer- ous, and, therefore, on account of the qualities above mentioned, highly important for cultivation in gar- dens ; some of the plants are excellent for pasture and fodder. 1. Winter Mallows. (Malva.) These plants are good for fodder when sowed in the mixture, but if sowed alone would grow too rap- idly. They do not yield many seeds, but thrive well in summer grain, produce fine bunches of leaves, and when raised as fodder plants, give seeds for Green Manuring. They grow on all kinds of soil, in summer and winter grain ; average number of seeds per pound, 100,000 grains American Mallorr, ( M. Americana. 5 ) Low Mallow, (M. Rotundifolia. 5) High Mallow, (M. Sylvestris. 5 u) Hollyhock. (Althea. u) These plants are frequently found in gardens, and deserve still more cultivation, as their seeds produce large bunches of leaves in the mixture, and thrive as well in winter as in summer grain. Marsh Hollyhock, (A. Officinalis.) Hollyhock in Gardens, (A. Rosea.) Fig-leaved Hollyhock, (A. Focifolia.) 8. Crane's Bill. (Geranium, u) "We find this family in gardens, and frequently growing wild. They suit summer and winter grain, form bunches of leaves like the Mallows, and grow best on moist and heavy soils. Spotted Crane's-bill, (G. Maculatum.) — Common in open woods; May, June; ten to twenty inches high. Small-flowered Crane's-bill, (G. Pusillum.) — Sandy soil; May to July; one foot high. Caroline Crane's-bill, (G. Carolimanum.) — Fields and hills; May to July ; eight to sixteen inches hi°-h. SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. The Malloivs are common, easy to be gathered, and very useful in the mixture, as well as the seeds of the Garden Hollyhocks. "We may begin with these two, and continue with others of the same veg- etable form, as may be easily obtained. 50 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. SECTION XLVI. EIGHTH VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. The Winter Hull Plants. The leaves and stalks of these plants contain, after a chemical examination, a good deal of gum- miferous or animal matter, and for this reason, they give much animal nutriment, as well by their stalks as by their pea-like and rapidly germinating seeds. It is evident, therefore, that these plants manure well ; for instance, where a clover mass has been ploughed down, of one foot high, the clover having stood thick enough, experience has shown a great improvement. The copious mixture of the following hull plants, for topseed, is highly important in Green Manuring, and should be used in preference to sweet or honey clover, as being the most enriching to the soil, and yielding a large quantity of seeds. The kinds of Honey Clover. (Melilotus.) This kind of Clover is very important in Green Manuring. Besides yielding a great number of seeds, it is of rapid growth. In order to be success- ful, however, in collecting the seeds, there must be at least a portion of it raised in remote or separate places from other clover, the seed being liable to fall out while it is handled, so that great care is neces- sary in procuring it. Unlike the common red and white clover, we should cultivate it in the garden, and not in the field. Nature has supplied these plants with all that is wanted to benefit and enrich our lands, from the fact that they penetrate the soil, and render it mellow with their strong thrifty roots ; by applying them frequently in succession, they tend much to enrich the soil. They grow on the heaviest clay soil, as well as on swamp or sandy ground. The Common White Honey Clover, or Sioeet Clo- ver. (Melilotus Vulgare, or Trifolium Melilotus Officinalis Flora Alba. 6 ) — This plant is of very rapid growth, furnishes stalks and leaves in abundance, and supei'sedes all others in the amount of seeds. "We can raise on one rod square, from ten to fifteen pounds of seed, and besides, its growth is just as rapid in fallows as in stubble's and topseed ; within four to six weeks it will produce leaves and bunches one foot high. On rich soil, it frequently grows too high in winter grain ; in such cases it should not be sowed in winter grain until the spring following, so as to prevent its growing too high in the mass. In order to prevent crowding tbe plants in the mass, I have selected first, the White Melilotus, or common "White Sweet Clover ; the others, which are the most preferable, may follow in their order. It is found in fields and waste places, where it can sow itself freely ; grows from three to five feet high, blossoms in June, and produces 200,000 grains per pound. The Common Yellow Melilot, ( M. Officinalis. 5 ) — It grows mostly on moist soils, on meadows and field-borders, often in a great quantity, and about half as high as the former. The root is thick and long ; the stem from two to three feet high, and gives a yellow hemp. It blossoms earlier than the "White Honey Clover, and has 150,000 grains per pound. 2. Kinds of Clover. ( Trifolium.) The Common Red Clover, (T. Pratense,) and the Common White Clover, (T. Repens,) are known to every farmer; he will therefore have some seed to spare, as the by-mixture, in Green Manuring for the topseed. Every farmer knows best to what heights the red and white Clover would grow in the mix- ture, but they will only suit as middle plants in the mass, since white Honey Clover would out-grow them three times. The Red Clover has 200,000 grains per pound; the "White Clover 600,000 grains per pound. Canadian Milk Vetch. (Astragalus Canadensis, y) Forms fine leafy bunches in the mixture, and grows two to three feet high; 70,000 grains per pound. 4. Lucerne. (Medicago Sativa,)* If we keep the common Blue Lucerne separate in a garden, the stalks will improve, increase in size, yield two crops of very fine seeds in one year, and 200,000 grains per pound. The Common Yellow Lucerne, (Medicago Falcata.) — May be treated in the same manner as the one mentioned above. The seeds are very easily ob- tained ; but by planting them in poor, stony or sandy ground, they will produce more seeds than on rich soil, for in the latter they grow too thrifty to run THE FARMER' 8 PROMOTION BOOK. 51 into seed. It is most excellent for pasture; number of ssetls per pound, 300,000 grains. 5. Vetchling-s. (Lathyrus.)* The following are most excellent fodder and pas- ture plants, though their seeds be somewhat scarce and large; in order to obtain them, it is best to rear them among shrubbery or near fences. They are only adapted to the mixture, as by themselves they are not calculated to form a mass. For the Green Manuring, they would not be very profitable in the mixture, their seeds being too large; but in the culti- vation of pasture and fodder, they would be excellent ingredients. The four first large kinds here speci- fied, only yield 5,000 grains per pound. The Broad-leafed Vetchling; (L. Latifolius. u ) — Bears large leaves and stems ; its flowers are very large, white and rosy red color; June till August; is an excellent fodder plant. The Knobby Vetchling, (L. Tuberosus. U ) — Is a very wholesome and nourishing fodder plant, grows among the grain as well as in meadows; blossoms red; May and June ; grows from two to four feet high. The two and four-leafed Vetchling, (L. Heterophyl- lus. u) — Bears large spear-like leaves and numerous stems ; grows four feet high ; flowers white and flesh colored ; July and August. The Woad Vetchling, (L. Sylvestris.Zf) — Bears flesh-colored and greenish white flowers, two, five, and seven in a cluster, and has large sword-like leaves; five to six feet high, and blossoms in June and July. The Common Vetchling, (L. Pretensis. y) — Is found from two to three feet high, in meadows, erect; yel- low flowers; June and July; bears an abundance of small leaves, with globular black seeds; 12,000 grains per pound. The Marsh Vetchling grows erect, from one to two feet high ; bears purple or bluish flowers ; June and July ; 20,000 grains per pound. The four first mentioned should be cultivated apart from other garden plants or shrubbery, and the two latter in beds, so as to be able to perpetuate the propagation of seed for the several purposes designed. They are most excellent in the meadow mixtures, as they increase the produce per acre, and will yield two or three times as much grass on the same ground. The two latter are better in pasture mix- tures. 6. Velcfies. (Vicia.)* In order to gather seed, they should be cultivated in gardens, among bushes, bo that the plant may rest on the bush to climb. Their nutriment and produce is the same as that of the Vetchling*, but they are snited better for forming a density in the mas.-: in the mixture for pasture. They want good middle soil. Carolina Vetch, (Y. Caroliniana. U) — Climbs on borders of woods and along fences; May and June; two to four feet long. American Vetch, (V. Americana, u ) — Moist thick- ets and woods; June; stem one to three feet long. Tufted Vetch, (Y. Cracca.) — Borders of fields, woods and meadows ; June to July ; two to three feet long. Slender Vetch, (Y. Tetrasperma. ) — Fields and banks of streams ; May, June ; one to two feet long. Common Vetch or Tare, (Y. Sativa.) — Cultivated fields and waste places ; June ; stem one to two feet high. Hairy Vetch, (Y. Hirsuta.) — In cultivated fields ; June; two to three feet long; on an average, from 20,000 to 40,000 grains per pound. SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. Of this vegetable form, we take for the beginning the common White Honey or Sweet Clover, and Yel- low Clover, as protection plants ; it is adapted to every soil, and of a very rapid and thrifty growth. The Bed and White Clover serve for Middle Plants. SECTION XLVII. NINTH VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. The Winter Thistle and the Feather Seed Plants. The following Thistle Plants have a strong ma- nuring cmality, and are of speedy growth. The thornless featherseed plants I have endeavored to distinguish as much as practicable, in (A.) milky, juicy ; and in (B.) not milky. The former contain more manuring- qualities, while the latter produce more leafy bunches. I. — THISTLE PLANTS. 1. Common Burdocks. (Lappa.)** This family is useful for manuring, because they 52 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. are of thrifty and speedy growth, and form very large leaves; they require, however, a somewhat heavy soil. The Common Large Burdock, (L. Majus.y 5 ) — Grows nearly everywhere, from three to five feet high. The Small Burdock, (L. Minus. $ U) — Grows only half the size of the former. The Felty Burdock, (L. Tomentosum. 5 V)— As frequently found as the former; three to four feet high. The stalks, leaves and roots are of a very slimy nature, and manure most excellently ; 30,000 grains per pound. Cotton Thistle. ((Enopordon Acanthium.) These Thistles form larger hunches of leaves in the mixture than the Burdocks, and thrive well on dry sandy soils ; grow from four to six feet high, are a good ingredient to green manuring, and yield 40,000 grains per pound. Field Thistles. (Cirsium.)** Of this species, the biennial are the best for Green Manuring, on account of their stalks and roots; the perennial, also, grow exuberantly infields, but die off by the Green Manuring. They cannot thrive, how- ever, in the mass, on account of being too densely crowded and shaded. In this respect they resemble other plants which have strong or vigorous roots; still the biennial Thistlei are not so tender, because they propagate themselves from the seed, and form large protection plants in the mixture. By cutting off the ripe heads and threshing out the seed, we rid ourselves of them at once. Among these bien- nial Thistles, the following produce the largest bunches of leaves, and most numerous seeds, and thrive as well in the winter as in the summer grain. They must not be used in too light a soil. Common Thistle, (C. Lanceolatum. 5 ) — Grows everywhere on fields and roadsides ; blossoms from July till September; two to four feet high. Two-Colored Thistle, (O. Discolor. 5 ) — Meadows and open woods; August to September; three to six feet high. Pasture Thistle, (C. Pumilum. 5 ) — Generally in low and dry fields ; July, August ; two to three feet high. The Wool Thistle, (C. Eriophorus. 5 )— Covered with wool ; six to eight feet high ; July to Sep- tember. The Swamp Thistle, (C. Muticum.lt) — Common in swamps and low places; August; four to eight feet high; average 80,000 grains per pound. Teasel. (Dipsacus.)** This plant produces a large herb in the mixture, and forms bulbous roots. The seeds thrive well, and are smaller than any of the field Thistles. They are just as good in winter as in summer grain, espe- cially on heavy soil. In fallows and stubbles, they form, in six or eight weeks, large roots, and an herb one foot high. They ought to be cultivated in gar- dens, so as to enable us always to procure the seed, but like most biennial plants, they sow themselves. Fuller's Teasel, (D. Fullonum. 5 )**— A cultivated European plant used by Clothiers, who raise the nape of woolen cloth with the hard hooked scales it bears ; it grows about five feet high; July; 125,000 grains per pound. The Wild Teasel, (D. Sylvestris. 5 )— Naturalized ; found in hedges and roadsides; August; stem three to four feet high; 120,000 seeds per pound. Button Snake Root. (Liatris.)** This species form also a large herb in the mixture, do as well in winter as in summer grain, and in fal- lows and stubbles, but not on light soils. They are perennial, and if we cultivate them iu gardens, their seed is cheap to obtain. They produce more and smaller seeds than any of the Thistles mentioned above ; 200,000 grains per pound. The Blazing Star, (L. Squarrosa.^) — Dry soils ; a handsome plant, bearing long linear leaves, brilliant purple flowers; from one to three feet high ; August. The Gay Feather, (L. Scariosa.l') — Dry sandy soils; rather stout; flowers bright purple; two to five feet high ; September. The Blue Blazing Star, (L. Spicata.2/)— Moist grounds; a handsome species; two to five feet high; August. 6. Centaurea. These plants thrive well on middle soils, and pro- THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 53 duce a fine herb in the mixture, and have, on an average, from 50,000 to 100,000 grains per pound. Brown Knapweed, (C. Sacea.^) — "Waste places; July, August; branching; two feet high. Black Knapweed, (C. Miara. U) — Common in gar- dens ; two to three feet high. Blue Bottle Batchelor's Buttons, (C. Cyanus.©) — Common in gardens ; two to three feet high. II. — THE THOENLESS FEATHERSEED PLANTS. A.] — Milky Juicy Plants. . These are all middle plants, and thrive best in good soils, in summer grain, but do well also in winter grain on poor soil, as they have moisture enough to develop their germinating principles or qualities. Hawkbit. (Leontodon.)* These plants have most excellent manuring qual- ities, and are therefore an excellent ingredient in forming a mass. As they tend to make fodder and pasture bitter, it is well to collect the heads as fast as we see them ripen in the meadows, so as to accu- mulate a quantity of their important seeds, and to prevent them from rendering the pasture bitter. The Common Dandelion, (L. Taraxacum. U) — Com- mon everywhere. Autumnal Haivkbit, (L. Autumnale.W) — Meadows and roadsides; July and September; ten to eighteen inches high. Both these plants have 600,000 grains per pound. 2. Wild Lettuce. (Lactuca Elongata. s ) These milky juice plants mostly grow on dry places, and yield a great number of seeds; two to eight feet high ; 500,000 grains per pound. 3. (Crepis Biennis. L. 3 ) This plant should be cultivated by itself in corners of gardens or fields ; it yields a great number of seeds, and is an excellent middle plant, which, by no means, shoots up the first year. It is also just as useful for topseed in summer grain, as it is in the fallows and stubble mixtures. It will thrive in all kinds of soil, can be found in fields, meadows and pastures, and blossoms from July till August; seeds per pound, 600,000 grains. 4. Hawkweed. (Hieracium. u ) Thrives well in summer grain, fallows and stubbles, and produces a fine herb in the mass; of the follow- ing kind, we can raise a great quantity of seed. Rough Hawkweed, (U. Scabrum.) — Woods and dry hills; flowers yellow; July, August; one to three feet high. Gronovious Hawkweed, (H. Gronovii.) — Common in dry, sterile soil; flowers yellow; July, August; one to four feet high. Veiny Hawkweed, Rattle Snake Havjkweed, (II. Venosum.) — Common in dry soils and pine woods; June to August; one to two feet high. Panicled Haxokweed, (II. Paniculatum.) — Common in damp woods ; one to three feet high ; August ; seeds average, per pound, 600,000 grains. Common Succory, or Cickory. (Cichorium Intybus. y ) Cultivated and somewhat naturalized in grass fields, found on roadsides, etc.; thrives well in sum- mer grain, fallows and dry middle soils; flowers blue ; from June till September ; two to three feet high; 300,000 seeds per pound. Thoroiighwort. (Eupatorium. u ) Does well in the winter grain and fallows, and yields a great quantity of seeds. The Common Water Hemp, (E. Cannabinum.) — Found along creeks ; four to five feet high ; July and August. Trumpet Weed, (E. Purpurium.) — Common in low grounds ; July to September ; six to twelve feet high. Narrow-Leafed Thoroughwort, (E. Hysopifolium.) — Dry fields and sterile soils ; August, September ; one to two feet high. Fall Thoroughwort, (E. Altissimum.) — Woods and sandy soils; September and October; three to seven feet high. Vervein- Leafed Thoroughwort, (E. Teucrifolium.) — Low grounds; August to October; two to three feet high. Round-Leafed Thoroughwort, (E. Rotundifolium.) — Dry soils ; August, September ; three to four feet high. 54 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOR. Hairy Thoroughicort,(E.~Puhe$cens.')-~DTj grounds; August, September; three to four feet high. Thoroughwort Boneset, (E. Perforatum.)— Abund- ant in meadows and low grounds ; August ; two to four feet high. Nettle-Leafed Thoroughwort, (E. Ageratoides.)— Rich woods .and rocky hills; August, September; two to three feet high. Aromatic Thoroughwort, (E. Aromaticum.)— Low woods; August, September; two feet high; average 1,000,000 grains per pound. 2. Indian Plantain. (Cacalia.H) These are of the same nature as the Thoroughwort. They form large roots and leaves the first year, and only do well to be sowed in the fall or winter, in the fallows ; average, 1,000,000 grains per pound. Pale Indian Plantain, (C. Atriplieifolia.)— Moist, rich woods; August, September; three to five feet high. Great Indian Plantain, (C. Reniformis.) — Rich, damp woods; August, September; four to eight feet high. Sweet Scented Cacalia, (C. Suavolens.) — Rich woods and banks of streams; September; three to four feet high; seeds per pound, 1,000,000 grains. III. — SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. Common Burdock, Cotton Thistle, Pasture Thistle, Dandelion and Wild Lettuce grow everywhere, so that we can find a sufficient quantity of seeds for the beginning. Every farmer knows the locality of his own lands, as well as the character of the soil thereon, and as we have enumerated and specified a variety of plants adapted to the various kinds of soil, he must select those that are peculiarly adapted to his own farm. He ought also to appropriate a garden or small lot to the raising of seed, from the fact, that after col- lecting all that have been growing wild, the seeds will become scarce. SECTION XLVIII. TENTH VEGETABLE FORM OF THE TOPSEED. Common Wormwood, Tansy, Yarrows and Winter Chamomile; also, the perennial Sunflower-like Plants. It is our intention here to mention, in the first place, the Wornnoood, Tansy, Yarrow, Chamomile, etc., as they possess great and important manuring qualities. We think they deserve attention in making a collection for the beginning; and secondly, we will notice the sunflower-like plants of this vegetable form. I. — Wormwoods, Tansy, Yarroios, Chamomiles. These are all aromatic plants, and therefore of a rich manuring tenor. We must thresh and sift out the seeds from a large quantity of chaff; but they produce a larger amount of easily germinating seeds than those in the former vegetable form. They resem- ble each other, however, in this respect, that they germinate slowly, and, therefore, dare only be sowed in winter grain, so as to have sufficient moisture to insure success. If we sow them on summer grain, we cannot promise ourselves a luxurious mass of this class of seeds, except on rich land ; but in winter grain they will thrive in the poorest soils. 1. Wormivoods. (Artemisia, y)** This family yield a great quantity of fine seeds, which germinate well, and form large leafy bunches, when sowed on winter grain ; by virtue of their aro- matic stalks and leaves, they possess very strong, good manuring qualities. Common Mugioort, ( A. Vulgaris. ) — Banks of streams and waste places; September; two to three feet high ; seeds per pound, 5,000,000 grains. This plant we fiud on almost any farm; it is of great value for its enriching strength in manuring, and large quantity of seed, but we must not deem it too much trouble to rub out the seeds, as beating and thresh- ing will not take them out, but by using a little care we will be repaid for all our labor. Common Wcrmivood, (A. Absinthium.) — Common in gardens ; manures very well ; August ; two to four feet high ; seeds per pound, 4,000,000 grains. The Field Mugivort, (A. Campestris.) — Sandy soils; on roadsides; August, September; two to five feet high. It is also very important in forming a mass in the mixture. 3,000,000 seeds per pound. Southern Wood, (A. Absotanum.) — A well known shrubby plant, common in cultivation, three & et high. The High Wormwood, (A. Annua. 0) — Five to six THE FARMER'S i' It O \J U'1'lO.N liUuK, 03 feet high ; must not be used in the winter grain, he- cause it will shoot up into seeds ; but in summer grain and fallows, it produces a good herb; 0,000,000 seeds per pound. Roman Wormwood, (A. Pontica.) — Cultivated in gardens ; three to four feet high. Common Tansy. (Tanacetum Vulgare. 2i)** Thrives well only in winter grain, forms large leaves, produces a great number of fine seeds, whicb must be rubbed and skutched out of a great amount of chaff; two to three feet high ; 1,000,000 seeds per pound. 3. Common Yarrow. (Achillea Millefolium. u)'* Thrives best in winter grain ; common in fields and on hills; one to two feet high; 1,000,000 seeds per pound. 4. Chamomile. (Anthemis. u 3)* Yields a great quantity of fine seeds, and is a good middle plant on dry soils; 1,000,000 grains per pound. Corn Chamomile, (A. Arvensis.) — Fields and cul- tivated grounds ; June till August ; ten to fifteen inches high. Garden Chamomile, (A. Nobilis.) — Cultivated in gardens ; one to two feet high. II. — Sunflower Plants. This family yields not a great number of seeds, but as they are perennial, they may be obtained at small expense. Tbey are also very good bee plants. 1. Winter Sunflowers. (Helianthus.)** Every farmer knows that these produce large stalks and leaves. They thrive well in the winter grain, and form large bunches of leaves; average 100,000 seeds per pound. Dark Red Sunflower, (II. Atrorubens.) — Gravelly soils; August, September; three to four feet high. Common Sunflower, (II. Aunuus.0) — In gardens; July, August ; seven to twelve feet high. Downy Sunflower, (H. Mollis.) — Low grounds; July to September: two to four feethis:li. Pah-Leafed Sunflower, (EL Strnmosti .) — Common on river banks and drj Augu.-.t and Sep- tember; two to four foot high. Cross-Lcofcd Sunflower, (H. idvaricatus.) — Com- mon in thickets and barren places; August to Octo- ber; one to five feet bigh. Thin-Leafed Sunflower, (\l. Decapetahv.) — Com- mon on low banks of --troains; August to October; three to five feet high. Tall Sunflower, (II. Gigantns.) — Thickets and swamps; three to ten feet high. Small-Headed Sunfloicer, (II. Nicrocephalos.) — Woods and thickets, western states; August, .Sep- tember; three to eight feet high. 2. Cone-Flower. (Rudbeckia. u ) They are often found in gardens, and its seeds thrive well in winter and in summer grain ; 100,000 seeds per pound. Tall Cone-flower, (R. Laciniata.) — Common in low thickets ; July to September ; six to eight feet high ; a tall, showy plant. Three-lobed Cone-flower, (R. Triloba.) — Dry soils; July to October ; one to three feet high. Showy Cone-flower, (R. Speciosa.) — Dry soils; August, October; one to two feet high. Small-flowered Rudbeckia, (R. Fulgida.) — Dry soils ; July, October; one to three feet high. Hairy Rudbeckia, (R. Hirta.)— Dry soil; July, August ; showy plant ; two to three feet high. Tickseed. (Coreopsis.) This family yields a good many seeds, while it is prolific in flowers ; thrives well in winter and sum- mer grain; average 500,000 grains per pound. Tickseed Sunflower, (C. Trichosperma. 6 )— Swamps near the coast; August to Octobar; two to three feet high. Three-leafed Tickseed, (C. Tripteris. U )— An ele- gant species found on the banks of streams; August to October; four to six feet high. Dyer's Coreopsis, (C. Tinctoria. ©) — ZSative of Upper Missouri ; blossoms all summer ; one to three feet high. 56 THE PARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. Common Elecampane. (Inula Helenium.2i)* This species contain a large number of garden flowers, the seeds of which thrive well in winter and summer grain, produce a fine herb, bloom most all summer, and are good bee plants. It is a large coarse looking plant, naturally growing on roadsides ; four to six feet high ; 1,000,000 seeds per pound. 5. Rosin Plant. (Silphinm. U) Deserves a place in the garden for cultivation, as it produces luxurious stalks and masses of leaves, in summer and winter grain. Three-leafed Rosin Plant, (S. Trifbliatum.) — Dry woods and plains; August; five to six feet high. Cup Plant, (S. Perfoliatum.) — Rich soil, along streams; August; four to six feet high. 6. Leaf Cup. (Polymnia Canadensis. U) Moist shaded ravines; June, July; two to five feet high. Large Leaf Cup, (P. PJvedalia. u) — Rich soils; July, August: three to six feet high. III. — SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. Wormwood, Tansy and Yarrow ai*e easily obtained, and they can be collected in sufficient quantities for the beginning. The cheapest and best seed cultiva- tion of field and garden plants, will be to have them in a garden, when the wild ones will cease to afford a sufficient supply. SECTION XLIX. KINDS OF GRASSES FOR THE TOPSEED MIXTURE. There are a number of Grasses growing wild and in abundance, bearing many seeds, that would not answer for fodder and pasture; they must be wholly appropriated to manuring grasses. "We will, there- fore, in the following description and sub-division, mark those which are especially worth cultivating, with a *, so as to distinguish them from the herbs. I. — PROPER MANURING GRASSES. 1. The Brome Grasses. (Bromus.) The following Brome Grasses are most excellent of their kind, for the Topseed, as they are of a speedy growth, and produce a great number of seeds. They are also most excellent in fallows and stubbles, since they form broad leaves and bunches, one foot high, in six to eight weeks. Some farmers have used them for fodder grasses, but they are not so profita- ble for this use, as they are only biennial, and con- tain but little nourishment. The fields are also too much injured with their seeds, when we cultivate them as fodder grass, as they fall out so easily. Some, as, for instance, the Field Brome Grass, [Bro- mus Arvensis,) produces a good swath or pasture, but it blossoms and ripens already when only three to six inches high, and spoils the pasture and fields with its seeds. Thus, we must bear in mind, that biennial have a greater propensity to run into seed than perennial plants, but if used only in Green Ma- nuring, they have not the chance of blossoming and running into seed. For their seed cultivation, we should appropriate the corners of the garden, or a field, as they will perpetuate themselves forever with their own seeds, and can manure themselves with their own leaves. Cheat, Chess, [B. Secalinus. $ ] — In wet seasons, we too frequently find it in the winter grain. The reason why it is such an injury to the grain is, that it germinates in the fall, and forms stalks before win- ter, so that for Green Manuring, it must be sowed in the winter, and then it will form strong, short grass in the mixture. It is generally sifted out of the grain in barns, and has, per pound, 70,000 to 100,000 grains. * Field Brome Grass, (B. Arvensis. 5 ) — Found in fields and meadows in "West Chester and Darlington; June, July; two to three feet high. Yields an extraordinary number of seeds, and is of rapid growth; also, excellent manuring grass; seeds per pound. 150,000 grains. *Soft Brome Grass, (B. Mollis. 5 )— Same nature as the Field Brome Grass in Green Manuring. Found in fields and pastures, but not often met with ; one to ' two feet high; yields 100,000 grains per pound. *T/ie Large Fodder Bromus, (B. Gigantus. U) — Along creeks, bushes and wood-lands; July, August; three to four feet high ; thrives well in winter grain, and on moist soils in summer grain, produces a large, broad, shining grass; does'not shoot up the first year; THE FARMER'S PBOMOTION JiOOK, will perpetuate itself for many years, and does not scatter its seeds so easily. We can raise a sufficient quantity of the latter for manuring, on a small patch of ground. It does not belong to the best of fodder grasses, although it yields a large crop, and may be mowed several times ; 200,000 grains per pound. *C'iliate Brome Grass, (B. Ciliatus. U) — River banks; July ; three to four feet high ; 100,000 grains per pound. *The EreclBromus, (33. Erectus.if ) — Also a fodder grass; one to two feet high; 100,000 grains per pound. By collecting and cultivating these Brome Grasses, we can make a very dense plant manuring mixture, as they are the best and most frequently found among the biennial and perennial, and, therefore, easily obtained. 2. * Common Darnel, Rye Grass. (Solium Perenne. u ) Meadows and fields; one to two feet high; June. We can frequently, when ripe, procure a large quan- tity of these seeds at little expense. It is a hard grass, when young; however, a good pasture plant. When the pasture stands not dense enough, as in a rich, luxurious meadow, the stalks will shoot up to seed and die out. In the meantime, on good pas- ture, it will last for six years. We cannot expect to raise good pasturage until we have improved the ground by Green Manuring; thus, our meadows will become vigorous and produce good pasture, when the grass seeds, calculated to make good pasture, are sowed on. The Rye Grass is, therefore, for the present, only valuable for Green Manuring, because it does not shoot up the first year, and is useful in forming the density of the mixture. Seeds per pound, 300,000 grains. * Velvet Grass, White Timothy. (Holcus Lanatus. U) This grass grows almost everywhere, on dry moist or sandy soils and swamps ; June; one to two feet high; has soft spongy and juicy leaves. Cattle like it in the mixture, but not so well in too great abund- ance, or by itself, as it is too rough and spongy. It has the same disposition to shoot up which the Rye Grass has, and then will not be touched any longer by animals ; therefore, as long as we have not ren- dered the soil vigorous enough for pasture and fod- der cultivation, by Green Manuring, it is only fit for topseed in winter grain, because in summer grain it forms too small leaves, and often will not come up at all. It deserve - cultivation in a remote part of the garden, and will become stronger < year. If the seed is rubbed out carefully, we will have 3,000,000 grains per pound. 4. Hair Grasses. (Aira.) The following two kinds are the most useful for the Topseed of the Green Manuring. The first on middle and moist soils, the other on sandy soils, but they grow only to a small low herb on winter grain, and will not come up in summer grain on poor soils; they will do so, however, on rich ground. * Tiif ted Hair Grass, (A.'Cerpitosa. U ) — Often found in meadows and pastures, on moist soils, in large quantities; three to four feet high; yields a quantity of seeds in large waving panicles, and root leaves one to two feet long; two sharp edges, and five tooth- like ribs, so that no animal touches it while green. In hay it will be eaten, but is yet a bad kind of grass; per pound, 2,000,000 grains. * Common Hair Grass, (A. Hexuosa. u ) — Common on dry, rocky and sandy places ; June ; one to two feet high. Makes good sheep pasture gras3 on sandy soil, after having been invigorated by the Green Manuring, so that the pasture may well be set in with grasses ; otherwise it will shoot up immediately into stems, and the sheep then will not touch it again. For the present, it is only good in the win- ter grain of such soils, where it brings forth a short, dense grass in the mixture ; seeds per pound, 4,000,000 grains. 5. * Bough Bristle Grass. (Setaria Yerticillata.U) Naturally near dwellings; about two feet high. It has a great quantity of seeds, which are easily obtained by cutting oil the grass. In the mixture it produces a fine low grass. In dry soils we must sow it on winter grain ; in moist soils it should be sowed in summer grain; June, July; 600.000 grains per pound. 6. MUM Grasses. (Milium. u) The two following kinds grow in woods and shady places. They have a flirry appearance ; have a few 58 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. millet-like seeds, and are not fit for fodder and pas- ture cultivation. The third kind grows along the borders of fields, and bears a great number of flow- ers, but is of no use in fodder and pasture cultiva- tion. Its seed, however, thrive well in summer grain. Theflirry or waving Millet Grass, (M. Effusum.) — Grows from two to three feet high, and the leaves have the odor of the honey clover; June; 150,000 seeds per pound. The Oats-like Millet Grass, (M. Paradoxum.) — Re- sembles the meadow oats ; May, June ; 150,000 seeds per pound. * 'The many-flowered Millet Grass, (M. Multiflorum.) — It forms thick bundles of tube-like stems; grows to three feet high; July; 500,000 grains per pound. 7. Melic Grass. (Melico.if) These grasses possess no value for fodder and pas- ture cultivation ; but as they grow wild, their seeds can be used in the winter grain mixture. Melic Grass, (M. Speciosa.) — Rich soil ; three to four feet high; June; 500,000 grains per pound. The Blue Melic Grass, (M. Cocrulea.) — Grows on most meadows and pastures ; July ; two to three feet high; 500,000 grains per pound. 8. Oats Grasses. (Avena.) The following kinds are very common and last- ing; when sowed on winter and summer grain, they have large leaves, which render them important in the Green Manuring. The Common Meadoic Oats Grass, (A. Pratensis.) — Blossoms in May ; grows on dry meadows ; from three to four feet high ; 500,000 grains per pound. The Hairy Meadoio Oats Grass, (A. Probescens.) — Blossoms in May ; has flat, soft, hairy leaves ; grows on dry meadows and pastures ; three feet high ; 500,000 grains per pound. Silver Oats Grass, (A. Sesquitertia.) — Blossoms in May; three feet high; grows like the former ; 500,000 grains per pound. Tlie Gold Oats Grass, (A. Flavescens.) — The ear is yellow ; blossoms in June ; one to two feet high ; grows on dry meadows and pastures. -^ *Tlie Oat Rye Grass, (A. Elatior.) — Found often in gardens and orchards, under the name of French Rye Grass ; sometimes in meadows and field borders, and is an excellent enduring mowing grass. For the Green Manuring, it is of the greatest importance. When sowed in summer grain, it forms a plant of twelve to fifteen inches high ; grows faster than the former Oats Grasses, germinates and grows rapidly, and will produce two crops of seed in one season. When cultivated in the garden, it richly rewards the cultivator. We can easily discover the Green Manuring as used until now, made by sowing saleable grains, is ten times more expensive, and much less beneficial. Oats have, per pound, only 20,000 grains, and form not so large a stalk, hence, are not, by ^»ne half, as beneficial as the Oats Rye Grass, which has in a pound, 200,000 grains, and bears seeds twice a year. 9. A few enduring Litter Grasses. The following Litter Grasses will produce more straw on an acre, than a heavy crop of rye, and as they are enduring, or perennial, and need not be re-sowed, but only occasionally manured, their culti- vation will be much cheaper. We can also obtain seeds for the Green Manuring ; hence, I only mention them for the benefit of scientific and industrious farmers. Tli-e Knotty Barley Grass, (Hordeum Bulbosum.) — Grows four feet high, on river banks ; root leaves a foot long; 30,000 grains per pound. Common Reed Grass, (Phragmites Communis. U) — Edges of ponds and swamps ; August, September ; nine to ten feet high ; 50,000 grains per pound. Wild Rye, (Elymus Virginicus.^J) — Four to five feet; river banks; 100,000 grains per pound. Canadian Lyme Grass, (Elymus Canadensis. V) — River banks ; August ; four to five feet high; 100,000 grains per pound. Hairy Reed Grass, (Elymus Villosus.y) — River banks ; August ; three to four feet high ; 100,000 grains per pound These rough and course grasses have very broad leaves, and long straws, and afford a reedy litter. T/ie Stiff Wheat Grass, (Triticum Rigidum.2^)— Sowed by itself, affords the finest litter cultivation, forms good stalks, entirely leafless straws; contains 100,000 grains per pound. THE FARMER'S PltOMOTIOfl BOOK. 59 Rush-like Wheat Grass, (T. Juneeum.H) The High Wheat Grass, (T. Gigantum.24) The Blue-green Wheat Grass, (T. Glaucum.lt) At the same time, we can use as a fodder grass, the Common Wheat Grass, or the Awned Wheat __ Grass, (T. Cauinum,l{) for poor soils, and with good profit; it is important for Green Manuring; 100,000 grains per pound. 10. Bent Grass. (Agrostis.) They are most generally under-grasses, have many fine and well germinating seeds, and are important in forming the density of the mixture. They are not well adapted to the Topseed of the summer grain, in dry soils, but on the winter grain they thrive well on the very poorest soils, having moist- ness to aid the germinating process. The Bent Grasses are also fine pasture grasses, especially the five following, which are marked with a *. They grow well only on good soils, for on poor soils they soon run up into seed. * Red-Top, Herd Grass, (A. Vulgaris. K) — June; one to two feet high, * White Bent Grass, Fiarin Grass, (A. Alba. if) — Moist meadows and fields ; July ; one to two feet high. *Hair Grass, (A. Laxiflorum.if ) — Dry fields, com- mon ; June, August ; one to two feet high. * Rough Thin Grass, (A. Scabrum. u) — Damp, shady places ; July to August ; one to two feet high. * Gigantic Agrostic, (A. Gigantea. if) — Meadows and pastures ; three to four feet high ; has a large, yellow, broad bunch, high stems and broad leaves. Both its husks are hairy at the points, and at the joints of the stems; roots will grow when lying on the ground. These five Agrostis, marked with a *, are import- ant grasses, and when not found in sufficient quan- tity to gather seed, they must be cultivated ; when well cleaned, they have 6,000,000 grains per pound. THE MOST FREQUENT WILD-GROWING FODDER AND PASTURE GRASSES. Spear Grasses. (Poa.)** These important and nourishing grasses ripen so early, that their seeds can be gathered before har- vest, or hay-rnaking, and are found abundantly in all locations, so that they can easily be collected for fod- der and pasture cultivation, and for the Green Manuring. In the summer grain they do not ger- minate so well, and remain too .small; but in the winter grain they are excellent, and form splendid pasturage. Cattle and stock of all kinds are very fond of them, and they tend much to improve the clover and pasture cultivation, and the stock that feed on them improves much faster than on clover alone. It is, therefore, highly beneficial and im- portant, that these grasses be added to the clover pasture; they are also easily obtained, and very nourishing. On an average, they have 1,000,000 grains per pound. Spear Grass, Meadoio Grass, (Poa Pratensis. U j — Grows on field, meadows, &c, is very common in cultivation ; blossoms May, July ; two to three feet high. It belongs to the mowing grasses. Red Top, (P. Trivialis. 2i) — Banks of streams, wet meadows, common ; June, July ; one to two feet high. A valuable mowing grass. Blue Grass, Wire Grass, (P. Compressa.) — Fields and pastures ; June, July ; one to two feet high. A pasture grass. Vernal Spear Grass, (P. Pungens. U) — Rocky places ; May ; one to two feet high. A pasture grass. A few Fescue Grasses, (Festuca.)* These grasses ripen next after the Spear Grasses. The following kinds are very common, and we can easily obtain a large seed contribution; they ripen mostly at the time of hay-making. Meadow Fescue Grass, {F. Pratensis. V) — Common in fields and meadows ; June, July ; two to three feet high. It is often in grassy places in such abund- ance that we can easily gather hundreds of pounds of seed ; 250,000 grains per pound. Tall Fescue Grass, (F. Elatior.y) — Found in moist meadows and pastures; June; three to five feet high. Its produce is double as large as the Meadow Fescue Grass; has more moisture, and is not so abundant. It deserves cultivation in the highest degree, as it is the most productive mowing grass, and surpasses in nutrition and produce of seeds, the clover. 100,000 grains per pound. 60 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. THE SMALL FESCUE GRASSES. Tlie Sheep Fescue Grass, (F. Ovina.y) — Grows on all dry meadows and field borders ; frequently one foot high; blossoms May and June; 600,000 grains per pound. Bed or Creeping Fescue Gi-ass, (F. Rubra. U) — Dry soils ; June ; one to two feet bigh ; 500,000 grains per pound. Hard Fescue Grass, (F. Duriuscula.2J) — Dry. pas- tures; June; has larger ears than the Sheep Fescue, and is more productive than the two former; 500,000 grains per pound. All these kinds of Fescue have very little, or no chaff, whilst otber kinds of grasses have more chaff than seed. They thrive well on summer grain, if the soil is not too poor. Orchard Grass. (Dactylis Glomerata. U )* Grows on fields and meadows ; two to three feet higb ; is very useful for the density of fodder and pasture mixtures, and for the Green Manuring; blos- soms almost all summer; per pound, 400,000 grains. 4. Timothy Herd's Grass. (Phleum Pratense.y) This well known important fodder grass grows from two to three feet bigh, and holds the preference for cultivation on meadows and fields ; its seeds do not shell out, and are very easily gathered. This plant is cultivated to such an extent, that we can have a supply at all times ; is well suited to winter grain, and, on account of forming a density, it is also useful in summer grain; has 800,000 grains per pound. 5. Common Quaking Grass. (Briza Media, u)* This is also a very excellent pasture plant, and can be abundantly collected on dry meadows. In gather- ing it for the manure, we must strip the seeds off by single straws. It is an important grass, and should be used generally ; blossoms June, and grows one to two feet high ; per pound, 700,000 grains. 6. Bed, Canary Grass, Ribbon Grass. (Pbalaris Arun- dinacea. y ) Grows in swamps and along shores ; three to six feet bigh ; thrives well on winter grain, and produces a large herb. In gardens, we have sometimes a grass of this kind, with colored ribbon-like striped leaves, the seeds of which germinate just as well. It is a good mowing grass, and if we keep a bed of it for seed cultivation, we can meet our wants for Green Manuring. 500,000 grains per pound. III. — SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. We find all the above described grasses as natives on pastures, meadows and field borders, in large quantities, and thus they will enable the farmer to commence this system of farming with the greatest ease, for such as we find on the farm, and in the neighborhood, we may be assured that they are suited to the soil, and we can apply them in the beginning. Such as do not grow wild, must be raised on garden beds. The second and third part will treat of the latter. SECTION L. Beview and application of the most frequently growing plants and grass seeds, in fields and gardens, for the Topseed in general. A.] — AS TOPSEED MIXTURES IN THE WINTER GRAIN. Topseed Mixture of the Winter Grain in Middle Soils. Having laid before the reader the whole store of the most useful plants, as found growing in fields, woods, roarshes, lanes, alleys, meadows, &c, we will select but such as grow the most frequently, as we have done already at the end of each vegetable form. Those which grow on every farm, and in the sur- rounding country, are generally known, being always present to the eye, in gardens, meadows, &c; they are best suited to middle soils. The heavy soils and very light soils, however, have their particular plants, which mostly succeed in growth, also, on the middle soils. To this review we will add the number of seed grains of each kind of plants, which they contain per pound. The kind of plants which are used as protection plants in the mixture, we will mark with two **', but those used as middle plants with one *. The farmers of the middle soils have, therefore, the convenience in the following review, to see the kinds of plants, and the number of seeds per pound, which the collection of seeds contain, for if they have collected several pounds of the different seeds, they THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 61 can tell by the review the number they have, as it sets down the number contained in a pound. But as the number of grains, in the collected seed, depends much upon the locality and plants cultivated, we must select the seed so as to form the due proportion of plants, and proper quantity, in order to have five seeds to the seed-inch, or 5,000,000 grains to the acre, or ten pounds of seeds. Hence, by knowing the number of seeds in a pound of each kind, we can form a selection correctly, always having due regard to the proper number of protection and middle plants, and grass seeds. We will now give two reviews of the topseed plants of the middle soil, the first of which contains a selec- tion of all tested topseed plants of the middle soil ; the second contains only ten kinds of plants of the same soil, viz : one kind of plants out of each of the ten vegetable forms of plants as before given. FIRST REVIEW. Of the most general Topseed Plants of the Middle Soil. From the First Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Large kinds of Dock, 300,000 ** 1 " Small kinds of Dock, 400,000 * From the Second Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Large Mulleins, 800,000 ** 1 " Small kinds of Mullein, :. 800,000 * 1 " Common Evening Primrose, 1,400,000 ** 1 " Dyer's Weed, 1,000,000 * From the Third Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Meadow Rue, 300,000 ** St. John's Wort, 800,000 * Kinds of Clover, 400,000 * Great Burnet, Burnet Saxifrage, 250,000 * Burnet, 300,000 * Plantain Leaves, 400,000 * Single Pinks, Corncockle, Sweet Williams, 1,000,000 * From the Fourth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Cow Parsnip, 150,000 ** 1 " Wild or Tame Parsnip, 150,000 *" 1 " Wild Chervil, 150,000 * 1 " Carrots, 300,000 * 9 1 lb. Anise, 300,000 1 "'Parsley, 200,000 From the Fifth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Common Catnip, 600,000 ** 1 " Hoarhound, 000,000 ** 1 " Great Snap Dragon, 1,000,000 * 1 " Common Figwort, 1,000,000 * From the Sixth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Rutabaga, 150,000 ** 1 " Mustard, 2,000,000 * 1 " Hedge Mustard, 4,000,000 * 1 " Rock Alyssum, Mad wort, 6,000,000 1 " Woad, 50,000 ** 1 " Turnips, 150,000 * From the Seventh Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Mallows, 100,000 ** 1 " Hollyhocks, 100,000 ** 1" Crane's-bill, 100,000* From the Eighth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. White Melilot, Honey Clover,... 200,000 ** 1 " Red Clover, 200,000 * 1 " White Clover, 600,000 * From the Ninth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Common Burdock, 100,000 ** 1 " Field Thistle, 80,000 ** 1 " Common Dandelion, 600,000 * 1 " Wild Lettuce, 600,000 * From the Tenth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Common Wormwood, 5,000,000 ** 1" Common Tansy, 1,000,000* 1" Common Yarrow, 1,000,000* 1 " Common Chamomile, 100,000 * OF THE WINTER GRASSES. A.) Manuring Ghrasses. 1 lb. Brome Grass, 1 1 1 1 1 1 150,000 Cheat, 150,000 Common Darnel, 300,000 Velvet Grass, or White Timothy, 2,000,000 Tufted Hair Grass, 2,000,000 Common Hair Grass, 2,000,000 Rough Bristle Grass, 600,000 62 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. lib. Millet Grass, 500,000 1 " Melic Grass, 500,000 1 " Oats Grass, 500,000 1 " Wild Oats Grass, 200,000 1 « Agrostis, (Rough Thin Grass,)... 4,000,000 B.) Fodder and Pasture Grasses. 1 lb. Tall Fescue Grass, 200,000 1 " Poa Grass, 1,000,000 1 " Meadow Fescue Grass, 500,000 1" Orchard Grass, 400,000 1" Timothy Grass, 800,000 1 " Quaking Grass, 700,000 1 " Bermuda Grass, 700,000 I" Ribbon Grass, 500,000 63 lbs. 55,000,000 "We see by this review, that sixty-three pounds of seed, of the most common manuring plants, contain over 55,000,000 grains. Hence, we have a mass of seeds for eleven acres, as we only need five millions for one acre, and five pounds and more than a half to the acre. Of this review we select one kind of plants, of each vegetable form, which are generally found, and often in abundance, to make a commencement. Having ten kinds of plant seeds, we add a few of the generally known grass seeds, which are not used for fodder or pasture cultivation, but only for the Green Manuring. Of the different kinds of plants, the least number used in the mixture should not be less than ten, otherwise it will not be dense and powerful enough. "When one or more of these kinds of plants grow not on a farm, or in the neighborhood, we can take others of the same review or family in their place, as set forth above. In the following review Ave will take one pound of seeds of each vegetable form, in order to illustrate the number of grains in a mixture. SECOND REVIEW, Of ten plants and a few of the Grass Seeds, of the most general Topseed Plants of the Middle Soils. A.)— Of Plants. lib. Docks, 350,000 ** 1" Mullein, 800,000** 1" St. John's Wort, 800,000* 1 " Wild Parsnip, 150,000 ** 1 lb. Common Catnip,. 600,000 Rutabaga, or Turnip, 200,000 Mallows, 100,000 White Melilot, (White Clover,)... 200,000 Dandelion, 600,000 Common Yarrow...... 3,000,000 lib, 1 " 1 " 1 " 14 lbs. 6,800,000 B.) — Of Grasses. Cheat,.... 150,000 Common Darnel, 300,000 Tufted Grass, 2,000,000 Agrostis, Rough Thin Grass, 4,000,000 13,250,000 Then, at 5,000,000 of grains per acre, thismixture would be sufficient for two and three-fifths acres; hence it would only take five pounds per acre. It will be better, however, to take a larger amount, so as to insure success. We find it also necessary to take into consideration the shadiness of the mixture ; hence it should consist of one-fifth protection plants, two-fifths middle plants, and two-fifths grasses, which we illustrate in the following manner : A.) — Protection Plants. 1 lb. Docks, 350,000 1 " Mullein, 800,000 1 " Wild Parsnip, 150,000 1 " Melilot, 200,000 1 " Rutabaga, (or Turnip,) 200,000 • 1,700,000 B.)— Middle Plants. 1 lb. Yarrow, 3,000,000 1" St. John's Wort, 800,000 1 " Catnip, 600,000 1 " Mallows, 100,000 1 « Dandelion, 600,000 5,100,000 Of Grasses in grains or seeds as stated above, 6,450,000 In this experiment we see the number of protection plants is too small, and must be increased to 3,000,000 And middle plants to 6,000,000 And the grasses lessened to 6,000,000 15,000,000 In this manner we can easily form a Green Ma- nuring mixture very accurately. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. (53 SECTION LI. Topseed Mixture of Heavy Soil in Winter Grain. For this purpose we select of the former list those kinds of plants which grow best to leaves and roots on heavy soils ; and as the procuring of seeds depends on the locality and cultivation,- 1 will specify the number of pounds, and number of seeds to a pound, of the protection and middle plants. From the First Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Large Dock, 300,000 ** 1 " Sour Dock, 400,000 * 1 " Marigold, 20,000 * Second Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Common Evening Primrose, 1,400,000 ** Third Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Meadow Rue, 200,000 ** 1 " St. John's Wort, 800,000 * 1" Great Burnet, 250,000** Fourth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Cow Parsnip, 150,000 ** 1 " Common Parsnip, 150,000 * Fifth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Catnip, 600,000** 1 " Hoarhound, 300,000 ** Sixth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Winter Cress, 2,000,000 ** 1 " Hedge Mustard, 4,000,000 * 1 " Woad, 50,000 ** Seventh Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Mallows, 100,000 ** 1 " Crane's-bill, 100,000 ** Eighth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. White Melilot, 200,000 ** 1 " Yellow Melilot, 150,000** Ninth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Burdock, 100,000 ** 1 " Thistle, (Pasture Thistle,) 100,000 ** 1 " Chiccory, 300.000 * Tenth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Common Mugvvort, 5,000,000 " 1 " Winter Sunflower, 100,000 " From Winter Grasses. 1 lb. Cheat, 100.000 1 " Brome Grass, 200,000 1 " Common Darnel, 300,000 1 " Velvet Grass, 2.000,000 1" Tufted Hair Grass, 2,000,000 1 " Millet Grass, 200,000 1 " Fescue Grass, 250,000 1" Timothy Grass, 800,000 1" Orchard Grass, 400,000 1 " Ribbon Grass, 500,000 33 lbs. 23,520,000 This would be sufficient for 4| acres, at 5,000,000 grains per acre, about seven pounds for Ave acres — on an average. In this review of the most general plants, we have more than twenty kinds, with strong roots, and natives of such soils; they thrive well, form a shade which mellows and moistens the tough clay surface. The kinds of grasses selected have, also, the same effect. If we make use of from ten to twenty of these plants and grasses, which are easily obtained, we can form a dense shady mass, and a powerful mixture, which will manure, enrich and fertilize the soil, and render it as mellow and pro- ductive as that of a garden. On this kind of soil it is necessary to have more protection plants, viz : plants with large seeds, marked * * than of middle plants with small seeds ; for on heavy clay soils, the fine or small seeds germinate and grow not so well as coarse ones. The coarse seeds bring forth plants with large roots and broad, long leaves, which tend to mellow the soil and render it fruitful, by obtain- ing larger portions of air matter. The middle or sandy soils, also, require a shady mixture, to prevent their drying out, and enable them to gain a large decomposition of air. SECTION LII. Tojiseed 3Iixture of Winter Grain on Light Soils. For light soils, the following list of thriving plants contains nearly a double quantity of plants of the kind with fine seeds, to that of lar PKUMO T 1 0 N BOO K . '9 2. Crane's bill. (Geranium.) They grow wild in fields, hedges, and horders of woods, and have, on an average, from 50,000 to 100,000 grains per pound. Small /lowered Geranium, (G. Pusillum.0) — Sandy soils ; May to July ; one foot high ; purplish flower. Carolina Crane's-bill, (C. Carolinianum. ©) — Fields and hills ; May to July; eight to fifteen inches high. Herb Robert, (G. Robertianum.©) — llocky places, and shady ravines ; June to October. SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. One or the other of the above described Summer Mallows, we find everywhere in gardens and fields ; they are all well suited to the topseed in the fallow mixture. SECTION LXVI. EIGHTH VEGETABLE FORM OF THE FALLOW MANURING. June Hall Plants. I divide this vegetable form into three parts : 1. The Hull Plants raised on farms, of which we use some seeds for the green manuring. 2. The annual Wild Hull Plants. 3. The annual Garden Hull Plants. They are too large grained to be ex- tensively used in the green manuring, but in the proper kind of soil we may use them in the mixture, as they bring forth good protection plants. The Horse Bean, (Folia Vulgaris.©)** — Produces a fat herbage ; but its seed being so large, it is of but little profit in the green mauuring. As the Horse Bean, however, in the fallow mixtures of heavy soils, belongs to the protection plants, it requires only a small proportion in the mixture. Cultivated in gar- dens ; one to two feet high. The Black Fodder Bean, (F. ISTarbonensis.©) — Grows much higher and faster than the former; three to five feet high ; has a rich herbage, and black round seeds. The Tooth-leaved Fodder Bean,(F. Serratifolia.©) — Is valuable for fodder, and grows faster and higher than the former. The Bush Bean, (Phaseolusnanus.©) Peas. (Pisum.)** The Peas, like Beans, have too large seeds, but where they can be raised they are useful in the fallow mixture. From L,000to6,000 grains per pound. Chick Pea, (Cicer arcetinum.O) — Cultivated ; nine to eighteen inches high. 3. The Vetches. (Vicia-0)** Vetches are well suited for green manurin-- they are not very saleable, and, therefore, not ex- pensive. Some have in a pound 10,000 grains. TJte common Vetch, or Tare, (V. Sativa.Sj — In cultivated fields and waste places. One to two feet high ; June. Hairy Vetch, (V. Hirsuta.©) — In cultivated fields ; May, June ; two to three feet high. II. THE ANNUAL WILD HULL PLANTS OF THE FALLOW MANURING. 1. The kinds of Summer Honey Clover, (Melilotus.)** I have already mentioned that among all the Sweet Clovers, the annual as well as the biennial, the two most common kinds, viz: the white and yellow Melilotus, are also most valuable in the fallows. The Kinds of Summer Clover, (Trefoi'- The following only are the most important : The Incarnate Clover, which is often found in gardens, and of which, therefore, the seeds may be ea?ily obtained. The Rabbit Foot, or Stone Clover, grows wild, generally, in dry fields. Hop Trifoil, on sandy soils. These Summer Clovers, however, do not all deserve cultivation ; I simply quote them here so that they may be collected where they grow wild. They are all middle plants ; the seeds germinate well ; only form small stalks to contribute to the density of the mixture. The Incarnate Clover, (Trifolium incarnatum.©) — Often in gardens ; red seeds ; July and August : one to two feet high ; per pound, 300,000 grains. Rabbit Foot Clover, (T. Arvense.©) — Common in old fields and roadsides ; May to September ; six to twelve inches high; per pound, 1,000,000 grains. Hop Trifoil, or Golden Clover, (T. Agrarium.©) — Sandy fields ; June to August : six to fifteen inches high : 400,000 grains per pound. 80 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION" BOOK. in THE ANNUAL GARDEN HULL PLANTS OF THE FALLOW MANURING. 1. Lupines, (Lupinus.)* The herb of these plants manures well, but the seeds are too large grained, and, as stated before of Beans and Peas, they must be applied as a small part of the mixture in the fallows. The following are the most common kinds, and often raised in the gardens. The White or Tame Lupine, (L. Albus.O) — One to two feet high ; June and July ; per pound, 1,000 grains. The Variegated Lupine, (L. Varius.©) — Blue and red flowers ; 1,000 seeds per pound. The Wild Lupine, (L. Perennis.O) — Gardens ; purplish blue ; one foot high ; May and June ; 2,000 grains per pound. The Yellow Lupine, (L. Luteus.O)- — Two to three feet high ; per pound, 2,000 grains. The Hairy Lupine, (L. Pilosus.O) — Two to four feet high ; flowers blue ; 1,000 grains per pound. 2. Vetchlings. (Lathyrus.)* Do not manure as strongly as the Lupines, but are more bushy in the fallow mixtures, and yield more seeds. They must be sowed along hedges, or must be provided with sticks, like peas, for their cultivation. The Chick Pea, (L. Sativus.©) — June; blossoms white and blue ; 1,000 grains per pound. The Sweet Pea, (L. Odoratus.©)— Three to four feet high ; June ; 6,000 to 8,000 grains per pound. The Annual Pea, (L. Annuus.©) — Pale yellow ; July to September ; four to six feet high ; 4,000 grains per pound. Coffee Pea, Chick Pea, (Oicer Arietinum.0) — Cul- tivated in gardens ; nine to eighteen inches high ; July; reddish flowers ; 2,000 grains per pound. SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. Beans or Peas, Vetches or Vetchlings, Lupines, White, Yellow, or Winter Sweet Clover, are all appli- cable to the Fallow mixture. SECTION LXVII. NINTH VEGETABLE FORM FOR FALLOW MANURING. The collection of the feather-seed plants may, at first, appear too troublesome; no more, however, than all the other wild plant seeds. We need only cut off the heads of the thistles when they begin to feather, and likewise the heads of thornless plants, as soon as they appear downy. For the first beginning we do not require much seed, and can, of ourselves, very easily make the collection: but the more we extend the green manuring over our fields, the more practice we will have in collecting, and the more familiar we will become with the seeds required. Children will be capable of rendering service in picking these seeds, which prove to be of great utility in farming on this system. I. — THE SUMMER THISTLE. 1. Cockle Burr. (Xanthiuin.)** These grow partly wild, partly in gardens, and often form large burrs. They thrive well in the fallows, form thrifty bunches of leaves, but the seed is large. Contains per pound, 2,000 grains. The Common Cockle Burr, or Clot Weed, (X. Stru- marium.©) — Roadsides and waste places; July to September ; two to three feet high. Thorn Clot Burr, (X. Spinosum.©) — Waste places; September to November ; one to three feet high. 2. The Annual Field and Garden Thistle. Having described the biennial field Thistles in the Topseed, as they form large bunches of leaves, in a very short time, in the fallows, I will notice here the following garden thistles: The Milk Thistle, (Carduus Marianus.©")— Fields and gardens; four to six feet high. Per pound, 20,000 grains. Common Saffron, (Carthamus Tinctorius. © ) — Common in cultivation ; one to two feet high ; flowers yellow and red ; 20,000 grains per pound. The White Saffron, (C. Creticus.©) — Blossoms white; July and August; two to three feet high; 30,000 grains per pound. The Blue Saffron, (C. Coeruleus.©)— Flowers blue ; July and August; two to three feet high; 30,000 grains per pound. Centaurea* When the following kinds have once been sowed THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 81 on beds, in a garden, they generally propagate them- selves, and yield a great number of seeds. They form, in the fallows, thrifty, quickly-growing bunches of leaves, and yield, per pound, from 50,000 to 100,000 grains. Blue Bottle, or Bachelors' Button, (Centaurea Cyanus.0) — Common in gardens ; July; two to three feet high. American Centaury, (C. Americana.©) — August to October ; two to four feet high. Sweet Sultan, (C. Moshata.O) — July to October; two to three feet high. At the end of division F, of the plants used in stubble mixtures, the reader will find the manner in which to arrange and apply the plants herein described in families, in the cheapest way, and to the best advantage. II. THE ANNUAL THORNLESS FEATHER-SEED PLANTS. 1. Bock Cresses. (Lapsana Communis.®)** Found growing wild, in fields of light and heavy soils, along ditches and hedges, also in shady places ; grows two to four feet high ; blossoms yellow ; from May to August. If we sow it in the spring, it blooms in August, and when sowed in the stubbles, it lives through the winter and blossoms in May. Where it does not grow wild, or is pastured off, it deserves cultivation in gardens, as it is of great use in the stubble and fallow manuring. Yields 600,000 grains per pound. 2. Endive. (Cichorium Endivia.©)* Will, in the fallows, on middle soils, make a fine middle plant, within six to eight weeks. It is a well known garden plant, and used as a wholesome salad. Per pound, 600,000 grains. The Annual Lettuce. (Lactuca.*) The following species form a rich, low herb, in the fallows, within six to eight weeks. If sowed after harvest, in the stubble mixture, they will shoot up in time the following spring. They thrive on light soils, and average 600,000 grains per pound. Garden Lettuce, (L. Sativa.©) — Well known. The Wild Lettuce, (L. Elongata.) — Common in rich damp soils, hedges and thickets ; two to eight. i'o(-t high ; July to September. The Poisonous Lettuce, (L. Virosa.©) — Four to six feet high; July, August; blossoms yellow, only in the morning. 4. The Low Thistles. (Sonchus.)' These plants grow both in the garden and wild in the fields ; as a general thing, they are in abuncL and the seed collection can easily be made. The seeds do not all ripen at once, and, therefore, must be picked off by degrees, as the pods begin to get feathery, or downy. The Common Low Thistle, (S. Oleraceus.G) — One of the worst weeds, but an excellent manuring plant in the fallow mixtures; found in waste places; two to four feet high ; July to September ; flowers yellow ; 600,000 grains per pound. The Spiny-Leafed Lov) Thistle, (S. Asper.G) — Fields and waste places ; August, September ; flowers yellow ; about two feet high ; per pound, 600,000 Groundsels. (Senecio.)* The following kinds are to be had in large quan- tities, very frequently, and are a very good juicy manuring plant. The Common Groundsel, (Senecio Vulgaris. ©) — Common in waste places ; blossoms yellow from May to October; six to eighteen inches high; yields on an average 1,000,000 grains per pound. Golden Senecio Squaiv Weed, (Saureus. ©) — Com- mon everywhere in rocky places ; May, June ; one to two feet high. 6. The annual kinds of Fleabones, of Cudweeds and of Cotton Rose. I would here repeat as above, that when the seeds are not easily distinguished from the chaff and wool, we dare only rub the heads, and sow chaff and all together. Horse Weed, Butter Weed, (Erigeron Cana- dense. ©) — Very Common in fields and waste places ; from July to November ; small white flowers ; one to five feet high. The Acrid Fleabone, (E. Acre. ©) — On dry fields ; blossoms reddish, in July, August ; one foot high. 82 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOR. Daisy Fleabone, (E. Annuum. ©) — Very common infields and meadows; June to October; three to five feet high ; average 2,000,000 seeds per pound. Fragrant Life Everlasting, (Gnaphalium Polyce- phalum. ©) — Common in old fields and woods ; July to September ; one to two feet high. Low Cudweed, Low Life Everlasting, (G. Uligno- sum.O) — Wet grounds, roadsides; common every- where; July to September; four to six inches high. Purple Life Everlasting, (G-. Purpureum. 0) — Gravelly soil ; common on sandy fields and pastures ; June ; eight to twelve inches high. German Cudweed, (Filalgo germanica. ©) — Dry fields ; July, August ; four to eight inches high. SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. Cockle Burr, Summer TJiistle,ar\d Dock Cresses, are so general that their seeds can easily be procured. But also among the topseeds above mentioned, the Ful- ler's Teasel and Field Thistles produce in the fallow and stubble mixtures a rapidly growing herb. SECTION LXVIII. TENTH VEGETABLE FORM OF THE FALLOW MANURING. The kinds of the Summer Wormxooods, and the annual Sunflower plant. 1. The Summer Wormtvoods. (Artemisia.) The above described kinds of Wormwood in the tenth vegetable form of the Topseed mixture, viz : The Common Wormwood, the Common Mugivorts, the Roman Wormwood, produce in the fallow mixture a good herb, and likewise in the stubble mixture ; but in the latter they form only a middle plant, since they have not such large leaves. In the fallows they are very useful on account of their sharp, juicy quality in the extirpation of vermin. Under the protection of the larger plants, they help to increase the density of the mixture, and can be abundantly applied on account of their numerous seeds; average 6,000,000 seeds per lb. 2. The Chamomile plants and the Aster plants.* Corn Chamomile, (Anthemis Arvensis. 5 ) — Fields and cultivated grounds; June to August; nine to fifteen inches high. The seed, when sowed in stub- bles, blossoms in May ; if sowed in the spring, blooms in the summer. It manures well; 1,000,000 grains per pound. Garden Chamomile, (A. Nobilis.) — Cultivated in gardens ; one to two feet high ; July, August ; 800,000 grains Showy Aster, (Chrysanthemum Coronarium. ©) — Gardens; flowers large, of a deep yellow color; August ; three feet high ; 200,000 grains. 3. Burr Marigold. (Bidens.) * * The following are strong herbs in the fallows, and, therefore, deserve especial cultivation. They gener- ally thrive on somewhat moist soil. However, in the fallows, they do well on any middle soil ; average about 100,000 grains per pound. The Common Beggar Ticks, (B. Trondosa. 0) — Moist waste places; July, September; two to four feet high. Swamp Beggar Ticks, (B. Connata.) — Wet grounds, common ; August ; one to two feet high. Nodding Burr Marigold, (B. Cernua, 0) — Swamps and ditches; August, October ; one to two feet high. Spanish Needle, (B. Bipinnata. 0) — Dry soil, waste places ; July to September ; two to four feet high. Large Floivered Burr Marigold. © — Common in swamps and ditches; August, September; six to twenty inches high. 4. Sunflower. (Helianthus.) * * Is a protection plant in fallow mixtures, but its seeds are too large to be applied too frequently. There are different kinds with smaller and larger seeds. The latter have from 10,000 to 15,000 ; the former 20,000 grains. The Common Sunflower, (H. Annuus. ©) — Is a well known garden plant; July to August; seven to twelve feet high. 5. Marigolds Zinnia. (Tagetes Zinnia.)* These are well known garden plants, which bear a great quantity of seeds, and make in the fallows an excellent herb ; average about 200,000 grains. French Marigold, (Tagetes Patula. 0) — One to two feet high ; August. African Marigold, (Tagetes Erecta. ©) — Two to three feet high; August. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION ROOK. 83 Elegant Zinnia, (Zinnia Elegans. 0) — July, August ; two to three feet high. Many-Flowered Zinnia, or Youth and Old Age, (Zinnia Multiflora.0) 6. Marigold. (Calendula.© ) The first of the following is a field weed, but the rest are garden plants. They thrive well in the fal- lows, but the seeds are not very numerous, and fall out easily. The Field Marigold, (C. Arvensis. 0) — Grows sometimes in fields; blooms in August; yellow; one foot high. Pot Marigold, (C. Officinalis. 0) — A common showy garden plant; 30,000 grains per pound. SELECTION FOR THE BEGINNING. The Summer Wormwoods, or the Common Worm- wood, the Chamomiles, and either of the Burr Mari- golds, or some of the Sunflower Plants, are almost everywhere to be had for the first beginning. SECTION LXIX. THE KINDS OE GRASSES IN THE FALLOW MANURING. There are grasses which grow very frequently, almost everywhere wild, and thus annual ; for this reason they shoot up quickly into stems, and if the same summer the seed is sowed, it will yet blossom and bear seed. The proper place then for these will be in the fallow mixture, as they will form strong thrifty plants in six or eight weeks, and be ploughed under before they come into blossom. The Winter Chess, as already described, is of a rapid growth, and although it does not shoot up into stems, yet it forms a strong, thrifty grass, and is therefore one of the most important grasses in the fallow manuring. I have placed it, therefore, here, together with Summer Chess, (Cheat.) 1. Cheat. (Bromus.)** This produces more grass in a few weeks than Oats. The most rapidly growing are the following. Field Brome Grass, (Bromus Arvensis. 5 ) Cheat, Chess, (Br. Secalinus. 5 ) Soft Brome Grass, (Br. Mollis. 5 ) The Large Brome Grass, (B. Gigantus. 5 ) The Erect Brome Grass, (B. Erectus. 5 ) Broom Corn, (Sorghum Saccharatum.©) The ,sv;/7 Bramt Gfra is especially selected for the fallow manuring, because it shoots up the first year into stems. For this reason J have excluded it from the topseed Bromes. It grows in fields and pas- tures, is easily known by its velvet, soft leaves, sterns and ears, and as it, makes a spongy hay, it is; not fit for fodder cultivation, but in the fallows it is excellent, for here it forms, in six to eight weeks, a large herb, and will he ploughed in before it blos- soms ; 100,000 grains per pound. 2. Indian Corn. (Zea Mais.©)** The corn is much too large grained, and like other plants, can only be applied in small quantities in the fallow mixture. It is a large, broad protection grass. The large corn has per pound 1,000 grains, and the small kind, at the highest, 5,000 grains. The Common Millet (Panicum Miliaceum©)** and the Panic Grasses. The Common Millet forms in the fallow mixture, within six or eight weeks, a broad grass, one foot high. The soil, however, should be good, and not too dry. It is rather more applicable than Corn and Oats, as the seeds are much smaller, since it has 125,000 grains per pound. The Panic Grasses are very important for fallow manuring. The following yield little, if any less, grass, in a few weeks, than the Millet; are in nearly all fields, moist and dry ones. Barnyard Grass, (Panicum Crusgalli.0) — This grass grows the highest of the Panic Grasses, and forms a broad grass like the Millet; grows generally in barn yards; August, September; two to four feet high; 200,000 grains per pound. Hair-stalked Panic Grass, (P. Capillare. 0) — Com- mon on sandy soils and cultivated fields; August to September ; eight to twelve inches high. Bough Bristle Grass, (Setaria Yerticillata. 0) — ■ Naturally near dwellings ; July ; about two feet big-h ; 300,000 grains per lb. Green Fox Tail, (Setaria Viridis. 0) — Common in cultivated grounds ; July ; two to three feet high. Bottle Grass, (S. Glauca. 0) — Very common in stubbles ; July, August ; two to three feet high. 84 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK, Finger Grass, or Crab Grass, (P. Sanguinale. ©)■ — Naturally everywhere in cultivated grounds ; August to October; twelve to eighteen inches high. Smooth Finger Grass, (P. Glaubrum. ©) — Sandy fields; August, September ; six to twelve inches high. Slender Finger Grass, (P. Tiliforme. 0) — Dry sandy soil ; August ; one to two feet high ; average 500,000 grains per lb. 4. The annual Agrostis. (Agrostis.) The Common Agrostis, (Agrostis Spica Venti, ©) is well known to the farmer, as it is found in large quantities in the grain. For the green manuring of the fallows, it is one of the most important grasses. It grows to a foot high in six or eight weeks, in the fallow mixture, with broad juicy leaves, like blades of Barley. It thrives on sandy and loamy soils ; grows from two to four feet high, and blooms from June till August. "We can use it freely, as it bears seeds so abundantly. It germinates well, grows fast, and forms a large grass in the fallows. It has, like the following, 3,000,000 per lb. The Red Agrostis, (Agrostis Purpurea. ©) — Grows on the poorest soils, and resembles strongly the former. The Interrupted Agrostis, (Agrostis Interrupta. 0) — Grows likewise on dry soils, from one to two feet high. SECTION LXX. Review of the most frequently growing- Plant and Grass Seeds for the fallow manuring in general, and especially of the middle soils. "We will now select of all the mentioned fallow seeds, those that every farmer is acquainted with, because they are generally in his own neighborhood, fields or garden ; and, therefore, convenient to be had in abundance. They are the following : A.] — -AS A LARGER SELECTION AND REVIEW. Of the First Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Lamb's-quarter, field or garden, 500,000 ** 1 " Goose Foot Seed, or Coxcomb,... 1,000,000 ** 1 " Spinage Seed, 80,000 * 1 " Wild Hemp Seed, 40,000 * 1 " Amaranth, (Coxcomb,) 1,000,000 ** Of the Second Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Jamestown Weed......... 50,000 ** 1 " Nightshade, 300,000 * Of the Third Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Buckwheat, 30,000 ** 1 " Spurry Seeds, 500,000 * 1 " Linseed, 100,000 * 1 " Poppy Seed, 1,000,000 * 1" CornCockle, 500,000* Of the Fourth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Chervil, 100,000 * 1 " Gardendill, 500,000 * Of the Fifth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Elsholzia, or other Summer mints, 2,000,000 ** 1 " Toad Flax, 1,000,000 * Of the Sixth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Summer Turnips or Mustards,... 150,000 ** 1 " Summer Hedge Mustards.......... 2,000,000 ** 1 " Wall Cresses, 4,000,000 * 1 " Spring Cress, 6,000,000 * 1 " False Flax, 300,000 ** 1 " Garden Cress, 300,000* Of the Seventh Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Summer Mallows, 50,000 ** 1 " Summer Cranesbill, 50,000 * Of the Eighth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Beans and Peas, 2,000 ** 1 " Vetches, 10,000 * 1 " Sweet Clover,... 200,000 ** 1 " Rabbit foot Clover, 1,000,000 * 1 " Lupines and Vetchlings, 3,000 * Of the Ninth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Cockle Burr and Summer Thistle, 20,000 ** 1 " Dock Cress, 600,000 ** 1 " Endive, 600,000 * Of the Tenth Vegetable Form. 1 lb. Summer Wormwood, 6,000,000 * 1 " Chamomile, 1,000,000 * 1 " Burr Marigold Sunflower, 100,000 * T 1 I E F A ]{ M K R' & P R u M O T J 0 N B (J O K . 85 0/" i/*e Summer Grasses. 1 lb. Corn, smallest, 1 " Cheat, 100,000 1 " Millet, 125,000 1 " Barnyard Grass, 300,000 1 " Agrostis, 3,000,000 5,000 ** 1 lb- Cheat,. B.] — Of the Grasses. In this calculation, forty pouuds contain 34,615,000 We have here over forty different kinds of seed, containing forty pounds weight, and over thirty-four millions of grains ; consequently, enough for more than six acres, if we sow about five millions of seeds per acre, so that, according to this calculation, we require six pounds of seed per acre. But if we count up the protection plants, they will produce some 8,000,000 of grains, as the plants sowed in the topseed mixture must shade the ground, before the summer heat. The more thrifty and strong the plants are, the. better and more successful the first experiment will be to the farmer, and thus he will find that one-fourth, or even one-third, will not be too much. As the plauts in this review are not to be had everywhere, and every year alike, we will select a single one of each of the ten vegetable forms, and this one of the kind most frequently found, and easily obtained almost anywhere. In this way we may select some ten to twenty different plants and grass- seeds most likely to be obtained, and easily collected ; for while some plants grow in the wildest profusion on some farms and in some neighborhoods, they are foreign to others. B. — A SMALLER SELECTION AND REVIEW. A.]— On Plants. 1 lb. White Goose foot, (Coxcomb,)... 1,000,000 ** " Jamestown weed, or Nightshade, 150,000 ** " Spurry, 500,000 * " Amaranth, 1,000,000** ' EMiolzia, (can easily be procured by seed merchants,) 1,800,000 ** " Hedge or Treacle Mustard, 2,000,0u0 * " Toad Flax, or Cresses, 300,000* " Summer Mallows, 50 000** " Sweet Clover, 200 000 ** " Dock Cress, 60o',000 ** 12 100,000 1" Millet, or Barnyard Grass, 125,000 1 " Agrostis, 3,000,000 Thirteen pounds — amount, 10,775,000 Here we have 5,000,000 of grains per acre, for about two acres ; thus one acre would only require about six and one-half pounds of these summer seeds. We see also, that the fallow mixtures are mostly composed of summer or annual plants, and can easily be made up of from ten to twenty different kinds of plants and grasses, so as to form a dense, vigorous, and shady mass. But we will also add to these the quickest growing winter cr topseeds, which within four to six, and at the furthest, eight weeks, form herbs 1 foot high, with strong roots in the fallows, according to the weather ; they gain the size above mentioned, in shorter or longer time. C.]— The Winter Topseeds most useful in the Fallows are the following. 1. Docks, especially the Curled and Garden Dock. 2. The kinds of Dyers Weed, and on fruitful soils, also the Mullein and the Common Everdng Primrose. 3. Meadow Rue and Burnet, only on fruitful soils of the fallows. 4. Parsnip and Cow Parsnip. 5. Catnips. 6. Rape and Winter Turnips. 7. Malloios. 8. Sweet Clover. 9. Fuller's Teasel. Field Thistle. 10. Common Mugwort and Wormicoods. — On good soils of the fallows ; also, several of the mentioned Sunflower plants. These are also important Topseeds for the fallow mixture on heavy soils. SECTION LXXI. SELECTION OF THE FALLOW MIXTURE FOR HEAVY SOILS. The proper treatment of Fallows in this kind of soil, and especially poor clay soils, is to keep them well shaded, and to keep up the fermentation by the process of Green Manuring. The stubbles, when ploughed down in the fell, should in the following spring be ploughed again, and sowed with a shadv 86 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. and quick growing plant mixture, before the soil has time to harden itself. This plant mixture should consist of the following summer seeds in connection with the Winter or Topseeds above named, which will render excellent service. A.] — Summer Plants. 1. The Field and Garden Lamb' s-quarter ** 2. The Goosefoot Plants ** 3. The Wild Hemp * 4. The Jamestown Weed ** 5. The Black Nightshade * 6. Amaranth, (Coxcomb.) ** 7. Mustards, Turnips, Radishes ** 8. FalseFlax * 9. HorseBeans ** 10. Vetch * 11. Rabbit Foot Clover * 12. Common Cockle Burr and Summer Thistle.. ** 13. Dock Cress ** 14. Field Chamomile * 15. Sunflower ** 16. Burr Marigold ** B.] — Summer Grasses. Corn, Cheat, Millet, Barnyard Grass, Agrostis. Including the Topseed named above, we have in all more than thirty kinds of the most shady and rapidly growing plants and Grasses for the fallow mixture of the clay soils. Of these, there are at least from ten to twenty different kinds, to be had almost everywhere, and, therefore, easily obtained, for collecting the seeds. Under the shade of such a mixture, the toughest clay soil cannot harden, if we sow it immediately in the spring, for where such fields lie exposed to the sun in a hot summer, they are the best to fallow. SECTION LXXII. SELECTION OF THE FALLOW MIXTURE FOR LIGHT SOILS. For the very light soils it is not advisable to com- mence with a fallow mixture in the spring, but it is better to pass over a plant mixture of Topseeds in the fallows, which have been sowed in December; so as to bring a manure in the fallows, this is ploughed down in the spring, and sowed on a fallow mixture. But if the soil is very poor it should first have a half stable manuring, for the Green Manuring will then grow more vigorously, double its strength, and be more apt to resist the dryness. I shall in the follow- ing review name only some plants adapted to very light soils, and which will form excellent plant masses. A.] — Plants. Ragweed, (or the Mexican Goosefoot,) The White Goosefoot, (or Coxcomb,) Buckwheat, Corn Spurry, Toad Flax, Elsholzia, Turnips, Hedge Mustards and Treacle Mustards, False Flax, White Stone Clover, and Rabbit Foot Clover. B.] — Grasses. Corn, Cheat, Barnyard Grass, and Agrostis. With this description and review we will end the instruc- tion on fallow manuring. We have selected a num- ber of plants and grasses adapted to the various applications and changes of Topseed manuring, so that the produce of the soil and the interest of the Farmer must be promoted by their effectual applica- tion. EXPLANATION OF PLATE II. SECTION LXXIII. Plants of the Fallow Manuring. The representation of the annual Grasses for the fallow manuring, stands in the upper row. They are found the most frequently — the richest in seed, and the most rapidly growing summer grasses. The representation of the fallow manuring are arranged as much as possible after the ten vegetable forms, as described — and in this order we will endeavor to explain them. First Vegetable Form. Of this form the Garden Lamb's-quarter is not represented, as every farmer knows it; and of the Bright Lamb's-quarter, only the Atriplex Nitens is represented. But the leaves of several wild Lamb's- quarter, — as the A. Pastula, Hastata, Laciniata, Tatarica, Rosea, Sibirica ; and next each leaf I have the seed cover of each of the wild Lamb's-quarter represented to distinguish them from the Goosefoot. Then comes the "Goosefoot" family. The Common White Goosefoot I leave out, as they are so generally known ; and next to the Bright Lamb's-quarter a small by-branch of the Fig-leafed Goosefoot, (Chenopodium THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 87 Ficifolium,) as this is less known and surpasses all tbe others in quick growth, in quality of manuring strength, and in seeds. Above the Fig-leafed Goosefoot, is placed the round seed cover, which is peculiar to the Goosefoot family ; and under it a leaf of the Wall Goosefoot, (Chen. Murale,) and a leaf of the Maple-leafed Goosefoot, (Chen. Hybridum,) then the Triangular-leafed Goosefoot, (Chen. Urbicum,) and next stands a branch of the Gigantic Goosefoot, (Chen. Altissimum,) and below stand small branches of the Broom Goosefoot, (Kochia Scoparia,) — of the Rose- seedy Salt Goosefoot, (Salsola Rosarea.) The Spinage, is well known. The Ragweeds, (Ambrosia,) are also very useful, but being very common and generally known, I leave them out. Of the Amaranth, I only represent the wild Green Amaranth, (Amaranthus Viridis,) that the reader may remember the Garden Amaranths are important and useful for the fallow manuring. There is also a small bunch of Garden Docks, (Rumex Patientia,) below on the left corner; the seeds thrive, and do well in the fallow mixtures; it cannot be too highly recommended. ■Second Vegetable Form. Under the Green Amaranth is placed a parcel of narcotic plants, as represented. Below the frame is found the Deadly Nightshade, (Atropa Belladonna,) with leaves and blossoms, and a ripe black berry. At the left side is a leaf of the White Henbane, (Hyoscyamus albus,) but on this leaf the flower of the Black Henbane, (Hyoscyamus niger,) is represented, and close by, the ripe Chalice and three grains of the Black Henbane. Next to this narcotic plant is found a branch, in blossom, of the Ground Cherry, or Yellow Henbane (Physalis Viscosa,) with its fruit, and on the other side hang the leaves and blossoms of the Common Jamestown Weed, (Datura Stramonium.) Above this this stands an umbel of the Poison Hemlock ; and above the Ground Cherry lays a cluster of the Black Nightshade, (Salanum Nigrum.) Third Vegetable Form, The Buckwheat and Knotweed, and also the differ- ent kinds of Spurry, are well known. The Wild Flax resembles the common ; but the Yellow Summer Flax, (Linum Flavum,) we represent here, as it makes a larger and richer herbage than the other flaxes ; it stands under the Elsholzia. We also omit the Poppies, Pheasant's Eye, (Adonis,) Larkspur, (Delphinum,) and the Fennel Flowers, (Nigella,) as they are all generally known ; but we represent the Corispermum, as its different kinds thrive successfully even on the poorest soils. The seeds are the color and size of bed-bugs, and the half-ripe seeds of the Corispermum Nitescens are as transparent as a half- dead bed-bug. The one kind (C. Xitidurn,; .stands on the leaf of the Green Amaranth; and the other, (C. Canescens,) stands between the Common Toad Flax and the Stone Clover. The Corncockle, Soap Pla?i(s, Sand Pinks, £c, are not represented, for want of room, and because they do not belong to the most important. There is a branch of the Bunchy Gypsum Plant, (Gypsophylla Paniculata,) represented below the Bent Grass, so as to know by this the rest of the Gypsum plants. Close to these, on the right side, are the two common Wild Corncockles, (Lychnis,) and next, are three of the most seed-bearing Catch- flies, (Silena Inflata, S. Noctiflora, S. Nutans,) so that the species of the Catchflies may be known. The Catchflies are important and necessary in the fallow manuring. The different Sayidworts (Arena- ria) have the same excellent qualities. "We there- fore represent here the earliest kind, so as to know all the others by them. A branch of the Arenaria Verna, is at the right side, and next to the Catchflv, the Knapweed-, American Centaury, Summer Plantain, (Plantago Psyllium, Coronopus and Arenaria.) They are very important, but common and well known plants, and do not need to be represented. Fourth Vegetable Form. This vegetable form contains the summer umbel- liferous plants, among which are the different kinds of Chervil, (Caucalis) too well known to require a representation. As we lack room for this plant, we will represent its seeds in the spaces under the Grasses in No. 1, as the ripe seed of the Caucalis Dancoides. Between the top of the Linaria Vulgaris and the Elsholzia, are the ripe seeds of Caucalis Lati- folia; in No. 2, on the other side of the Elsholzia, are the ripe seeds of the Caucalis Grandiflora: in No. 3, above the Arenaria Verna are the ripe seeds of the Caucalis Leptophylla; in No. 4, above the Nutans, the kinds of Tordylium, which have a seed that resembles a Parsnip ; and in No. 9, the Tordylium Officinalis, at the right of the Green Amaranth. For 88 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. the distinction of the Forilis, I place in No. 5, below the Apera Spicaventi, the ripe seed of the Common (with yellow seeds) Forilis Anthriscus ; under No. 6, the ripe seed of the Common Scandix Anthriscus; under No. 7, the seed of Knotty (Gray Grainy) Scandix Nodosa, and under No. 8, the seed of Knotty (and Yellow Grainy) Forilis Nodosa. All these umbelliferous summer plants are especially adapted to the stubble manuring, for they pass through the winter and come up early in the spring season. The Dill, Coriander, Anise, kfc, are common and generally known. The rest of umbelliferous spice plants belong to the fallow mixtures, since they do not pass through the winter. Fifth Vegetable Form. This contains the "Labial Flower Plants." Of these only two of the most useful are represented — the Flsholzia Qnstata, and the Common Toad Flax, (Linaria Vulgaris.) By these the rest can be easily known. Sixth Vegetable Form. The annual kinds of Cale and Radishes, and field plants of this class are generally known; but we will represent one of the richest and most suitable of the Treacle Mustards, (Erysimum officinale) which can be known by its dense laying shells; it stands under the Silene noctiflora, and next to it, shells are rep- resented in natural size. This, with the other Mustards, is rich in seed, and easily gathered by pulling up the ripe stalks. They are represented in Plate I, and are easily known. The Hedge Mustards also are rich in seed ; of this class we represent but one — the Small- leafed Hedge Mustard, (Sisymbrium Sophia.) The family of Mustards all produce a great many seeds, but in gathering them, none but the ripe stalks must be taken. Of the Wall Cresses, (Arabis,) we represent one kind by which the others can be known. The Arabis Arenosa is placed next to the Sisymbrium Sophia. I represent the blossom in its natural size, (a.) and the natural size of its shell, (6.) On the other side of the Erysimum officinalis, are the shell plants, with roundish shells. Alyssum Calignum, (Madwort,) by which the rest of this species can be known ; between it and the officinalis its roundish shells in their natural size, and at the right side of the Alyssum Calignum, the thoroughly perforated grown Pepper Grass, copious in seeds and very manuring. Seventh Vegetable Form. This contains the Annual Mallow Plants, and the Annual Crane's-bill. Common and generally known. Eighth Vegetable Form. This form contains the Summer Hull Plants, such as Beans, Peas, Vetches, etc., which need no repre- sentation. But among the Wild Hull Plants the common White and Yellow Sweet Clover, (Melilotus Vulgaris,) and the Melilotus Officinalis, the Blue Melilotus, (Melilotus Ccerulea,) are important in the fallow manuring, and are placed on the left side of the Plate. The common Rabbit Clover or Stone Clover, is preferable to any of the other Head Clover, (Trifolium Arvense,) — it stands above the Blue Melilot and the Garden Hull Plants described. It is unnecessary to present them on the Plate, since they are universally known. Ninth Vegetable Form. The "Cockle Burs," on account of their fast growth, are very necessary in the fallow manuring — although they have a large seed, they grow very rapidly and produce a large herbage. The Common Cockle Bur or Clot Weed, (Xanthium Strumaria,) and the Xanthium Orientale, are close together below on the left side, near the Rumex Patientia. The Summer Thistles, Saffrons and Knap- weed, being veiy common, we omit. Of the String- less Feather Seed Plants, the Lapsana Communis is- important for fallow manuring, and is represented next to the Xanthium ; above the Xanthium, are two kinds of Lettuces — the Poison Lettuce, (Lactuca Virosa,) and the Willow Leafed Lettuce, (Lactuca Saligna,) — by them we can know the rest of the family. Tenth Vegetable Form. Of the biennial kinds of Wormwoods, I represent the Artemisia Scoparia, together with a root-leaf at the right hand below. Of the Summer Chamomiles I represent only Real Field Chamomile, (Matricoria Chamomilla,) at the right hand, next to the Artemisia Scoparia, by which all the other kinds of this family may be known. The Annual "Sunflower-like Plants," are placed at the right hand in the lower corner. The Nodding THE PARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 89 Burr Marigold, (Bidens Cernua,) by which the Wild Marigolds can be easily distinguished. They form in the fallow manuring a large and rich herbage. SECTION LXXIV. F.] — DESCRIPTION OF THE KINDS OF PLANTS OF THE STUBBLE MANURING. The most serviceable plants of the stubble manu- ring are such as produce their seeds before the harvest of the winter grain, and others before the harvest of the summer grain. For this reason they thrive much quicker in stalks and leaves in the fall, than others, while in the following spring they shoot up again and blossom; such early plants belong as well to the topseed as to the fallow plants, and as they are described among them already, I will mention them only according to the kinds of soil on which they are native, viz : as selection for the stubble mix- ture of the Middle Soils, Heavy Soils, and Light Soils. SECTION LXXV. SELECTION OF THE STUBBLE MIXTURE FOR MIDDLE SOILS. We will follow here the order of our vegetable forms, as it has for its purpose to show, that, at least, one kind of each of these vegetable forms can be collected on each farm at any time for the first sow- ing, so as to compose the mixture of from ten to twenty kinds of plants and grasses. For the middle soils, we have also here the largest selection. Of the First Vegetable Form, or the early Dock and Goosefoot Plants. The following kinds of Docks are those which come the earliest to maturity, and the most con- venient in their collection, also grow on each soil, as Yellow Dock, Broad-leaved Dock, Blood-veined Dock, Field Sorrel, also the Large Bed Beet, continue during the winter in not too cold climates in a vigorous state, produce, in the stubble, a very good herbage, and shoot up early in the spring. The various kinds of Goosefoot, however, ripen their seeds much later, but there can be obtained a suffi- cient quantity to be sowed upon stubble. The Spinage is ripe before harvest, if sowed in the spring on a small piece of ground (or garden) for seed, it also remains quite thrifty in not too cold climates. The Hemp can be sowed late in the fall, after the rest of the stubble mixtures, and shoots up early in the spring. The Wild Hemp is of the same nature. Of the Second Vegetable Form, or early Mullein and Narcotic Plants. Of the Mulleins (Verbaecum, ) some plants also will be ripe before harvest, and while they grow to a larger herbage, when sowed directly after harvest of the winter grain, it is advisable to save seeds of the previous year for the stubble mixture. Of the Evening Primrose, (Oenothera.)— Especially the lower capsule will ripen early enough to be sowed with the first stubble mixtures, and by doing acquire a much larger growth. Viper's Bugloss, or the Blue Weed, (Echiurn.j — Blossoms from May till August; the earliest seeds can be sowed with the stubble mixtures; and by having a bed of ground in the garden, sowed with the already mentioned Bell/lowers, they will yield a great quantity of early seeds for the stubbles, and produce a fine herbage before winter. The Hound's Tongue, (Cynoglossum.)— Blossoms in May, the seeds will ripen before harvest, and like Bugloss Ox-tongue, is of large growth before winter, and excellent for the stubble mixture ; also various kinds of Dyer's Weed, (Reseda,) are ripe early enough to sow them soon after harvest — they brino- a fine herbage in the mixture. The various kinds of Speed- well and Larkspur give likewise an excellent her- bage for the density of the mixtures before winter, and shoot up directly in the spring, but they must be raised first in the garden before a sufficient amount of seeds can be obtained. Of the Narcotic Plants, can be applied only the Henbane, the Deadly Nightshades, Ground Cherry or Yellow Henbane, Common Polk, while the rest of this species freeze during the winter; they must be sowed directly after harvest, as the late sowed re- main too small. The Third Vegetable Form, or early Meadow and Field Plants. It would be very profitable to cultivate many different kinds of the Meadow Rue, for they grow to larger bushes or shrubs every year— yield, therefore, more seed, and make in the stubble mixture a fine herbage, like nearly all plants sowed in the fall, and remaining green during the winter; in the sprint 90 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. they shoot up quickly into fine stalks and leaves. The same happens also with different kinds of the St. John's Wort, Sheep Burnet, Plantain Leaves, Devil' s- bit, Knotweed, Soapivort, Corncockle, Wild Pink, Catch- flies, Sandworts, Flax, 8fc, viz : Such plants whose blossoming time is the earliest in the spring which can be found and selected in the description of the topseed plants, also the annual kinds of this species which blossom in May and June, as I have described in the third vegetable form of the fallow manuring, become ripe before harvest ; they sow themselves in their wild state the same year, and germinate before winter, and blossom directly in the spring again. To these belong the kinds of Spurry, the common Poppies, summer Pink Plants, the various kinds cf Corn Salad, Wood Sorrels, Gentian, Sfc, also the annual Devil' 's-bit and Field Plantain* Of the Fourth Vegetable Form, or the early Umbelliferous Plants. The Cow Parsnip and Wild Parsnip are the most pre- ferable; also the described kinds of Angelica, Lavage, Imperial Master Wort and Poison Hemlock. The latter, however, must be first cultivated before their seeds can be applied. Of the rest of Umbelliferous Plants, the Wild Chervil is the earliest, for already in March its herbage is a few inches high; after this come the Wild Carrot, Anise and Parsley, the most common and earliest, and all other Umbelliferous Plants ; the earliest, at least, are also very valuable in the stubble mixture. Of the summer Umbelliferous Plants, as described in the Fourth Vegetable Form of the Fallow Manuring, are the kinds of Chervil, very early. Where the described kinds of Thorough Wax grow wild or in the garden, they are very useful in the stubble mixture, and the annual kinds of Purge shoot up also well before winter. Of the Fifth Vegetable Form, or the Mint Family. The seeds of the Catnip ripen soon after harvest, and are, therefore, very applicable to the stubble mixture; particularly important are the described kinds of Sages for their early and rapid growth ; also all the rest of the Mint family, described in the Fallow and Topseed, are applicable to the stubble mixture, and blossom in May and June. All these plants, rich in seed, deserve cultivation, in order that we may obtain the seed at little expense, and con* veniently at hand. Of the Sixth Vegetable Form, or the early Shell Plants. Of the Rapes and Turnip>s, we can take as an ex- ample, that the stubble mixture must soon be sowed after harvest, so that the stalks may become large enough before winter; but when the soil, through frequent green manuring, has been made more fruit- ful and fermenting, the last sowed mixtures will shoot up quicker in stalks and leaves, and if they bring forth in the fall but small plants, the mixture will shoot up the more rapidly to a dense mass the following spring. Such early shell plants are espe- cially described in the Sixth Vegetable Form of the Topseed and Fallows, as Winter and Summer Mus- tards, Winter Chesses., False Flax, Hedge Mustard, Rockets, Rock Alyssum or Madwort, Wall Cresses, Woad, Horse Radish, Pepper Grass, Candy Tuft, Henesty. Of the Seventh Vegetable Form, or early Mallow Plants. They are described in the topseed. Winter Mallows, Holly Hocks, Marsh Holly Hocks and Crane's-bill are all very early, and by sowing the seed after harvest, they will have a fine herbage before winter, and in the spring shoot up quickly to stalks and leaves. Of the Eighth Vegetable Form, or the early Hidl Plants. Above all, the sweet Clovers (Melilotus,) and espe- cially the common White and Yellow, are highly important ; also the Wood Peas and Vetches described in the Eighth Vegetable Form of the Topseed. Of the Ninth Vegetable Form, or the early Thistles and Feather Seed Plants in general. The Common Burdock, Field Thistles, especially the Fuller's Teasel, Button Snake Roots, and the early Knapweeds ripen all before harvest, and grow to a fine herbage before winter. Among the thornless feather seed plants, the kinds of Hawkbit, Salsify or the Vegetable Oyster, Lettuces, Pipau, Hawkweeds, should first be cultivated in the garden for the more convenient collection of seeds. Of the Tenth Vegetable Form. The Common Mugwort, the Common Wormwood^ THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 91 Common Tansey, the Chrysanthemum or Showy Aster, the Chamomiles, and the Common Yarrow begin to grow very early and make a good under plant in the stubble mixture. Of the same nature are some of the species of Sunflowers, described in the Tenth Vegetable Form of the Topseed. SECTION LXXVI. OF THE SELECTION OF THE GRASSES FOR THE STUBBLE MIXTURE. To the density of the stubble mixture by the grasses, the early Winter Grasses are also applicable, as well as the early Summer Grasses, which continue during the wiuter, and are described at the end of the Fallow Plants, for the reason, that while the mixture is ploughed under in the spring for summer grain, the summer grasses cannot come to seed. SECTION LXXVII. SELECTION OF THE STUBBLE MIXTURE FOR HEAVY SOILS. The plants for heavy soils are to be selected of the topseed and fallow seed mixtures of heavy soils, and must be of early and rapidly growing plants and grasses. SECTION LXXVIII. SELECTION OF THE STUBBLE MIXTURE FOR LIGHT SOILS. The plants for light soils, in the stubble, are selected from the topseed and fallow mixture used on light soils. SECTION LXXIX. ON THE APPLICATION TO THE STUBBLE MIXTURE. If we carry on the green manuring of the topseed and the fallows, the strength of the soil will increase visibly, and with the larger produce of the fields the dung manuring will also be larger. The next con- sequence will be that the fallows will entirely cease, that they will be cultivated with manured crops. But the means whereby we have obtained this great strength, the collection and cultivation of the ser- viceable seeds will be continued, while the collection is once in vogue, and consequently will be only left yet for the green manuring of the Topseed and the Stubble, as it is difficult thus in the beginning to introduce the stubble manuring, since after harvest too many other employments accumulate on a farm, so that we might give the stubble, as soon as pastured off, a ploughing for sowing the stubble mixture, it will, on the contrary, become easy to introduce it after a few years, while by the green manuring of the topseed and of the fallows, the produce of grain and of fodder and pasture will increase itself, whilst the plough work and produce of fallows will decrease by the mallowing of the soil, which we will receive by the green manuring. But the richer in dang, the more fermenting and warmer the soil will be made by the alternate plant and .'■table manuring-, as the time in which the plant mixture grows to its full strength will be shorter, and consequently the stubble mixtures more applicable. They will finally take the place of the fallow mixtures, and can be cultivated by their change with topseed mix- tures, and with the manuring of the clover and pasture mixtures, each following crop on a green manuring, so that the strength and the produce of the soil can be constantly increased. SECTION LXXX. A FEW REMARKS ON THE CULTIVATION OF THE DESCRIBED PLANTS AND GRASSES IN THE GARDEN. "We discover by the former treatise, that in the stubble mixtures, the seeds of the perennial and of the annual plants, consequently the plants of the topseed and of the fallows, which blossom in May or June, are naturally of a rapidly growing kind, and must be sowed together ; it also will be clear, that after a few years the collection of the wild seeds will no longer be sufficient; for this purpose a garden (or piece of ground) would be the most suitable for the convenience and cheapness to obtain the seeds. But, in such a cultivation, there should prevail a certain order, whereby we may facilitate the matter. We can divide different families in single shrubs or bushes, others in hedges, groups or in beds. These four different modes of cultivation, I will more defi- nitely describe ; each plant family can be marked by a piece of board with the mark of its name. SECTION LXXXI. THE CULTIVATION OF SINGLE BUSHES. These are such plants as have a spreading growth ; for instance, the Umbelliferous Plants, or such as generally grow on bushes or sticks, like Peas, Beans and Vetches, of which we can conveniently pick seeds. 92 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK, SECTION LXXXII. THE CULTIVATION IN LINES OR HEDGES. For this we take such perennial shrub plants, the seeds of which belong to the principal part of the topseed mixture, and which, at the same time, are of an erect and bushy kind, and remain green and fresh during the summer. On hedges we raise, for instance, the Meadow Rue, St. John's Wort, Catnip, Balms and Morse Mint, Lucerne or 3Iedick, Sainfoin, the various kinds of Trefoil (Clover,) kinds of Mugwort and Wormwood, Tansy, Showy Aster, Winter Sunflowers, Rudbeckia or Coneflower,t\ie various kinds of Tickseed, Sunflower, Elecampane, Leaf Cups and Rosin Plants, Src. SECTION LXXXIII. THE CULTIVATION IN GROUPS. These are of the "Topseed Plants," the following: various kinds of Large Docks, Mulleins, Evening Primroses, Viper's Bugloss or Blue Weed, Bellflowers, Dyer's Weed, Speedwell, Larkspur, Great Burnet, Devil' s-bit, Morning Bride, Wild Pink Plants, Catchflies, Sandworts, Flax and Wild Flax, Wild Garlics, Stone Crop, (Sedum) Sages, Hedge Nettles, Germanders, Trea- cle Mustards, Hedge Mustards, Woads, Alyssum, Mal- low Plants, Crane's-bill, the kind of Melilolus, Fuller's Teasel, Knapweeds, Hawkweeds, Chamomiles, Yarrows, etc. Of these plants we cannot form very dense plant hedges, and, therefore, it is better to raise them in groups. Of the "Fallow Plants" are the following, which we raise in groups in order that their seeds may not be spread farther, and that they may sow them- selves again on the places where they stand; as for instance the Lamb' s-quarter, the Goosefoot, Ama- ranths, Jamestown Weed, Henbane, Knoiweeds, Com- mon Flax, Summer Pink Plants, Summer Catchflies, Summer Sandworts, Summer Devil's-bit, Summer Um- belliferous Plants, Elsholzia, Toad Flax, Mustards, Hedge Mustard, (annual) Treacle Mustards, False Flax, the different Summer Cresses, Summer 3Ial- low Plants, Lupines, Cockle Burs, Saffrons, Batchelor's Buttons, Dock Cresses, Lettuces, Summer Chamomiles, Burr 31arigolds, Sunflowers, Velvet-flowers Strawflowers, etc. Whether a farm be small or large, this order of cultivation of plants for the Green Manuring will always be useful. A farm of 150 to 200 acres, requires for their cultivation only square yards, and farms of 1000 acres square roods. But these plants having a fixed place in the Garden, we can keep just as easily hundreds of them as 10 or 20 kinds. Plants of this kind, however, with copious seeds, and especially the annual and perennial, will impoverish the ground, at least where they stand ; we need only manure such places, sometimes, with the plants of their own seeds, viz: dig them under and they will grow again as powerful as before ; for they generally fill the ground with their own seed. Every farmer will also be convinced that by these modes of culti- vation for the Green Manuring, he can arrange for himself the cheapest and most convenient manage- ment. SECTION LXXXIV. THE CULTIVATION IN BEDS. This mode of cultivation is especially applicable to the Grasses which we need partly for the Green Manuring, and also for the Fodder and Pasture mixtures, inasmuch as the collection of the wild plants is no longer sufficient. For in the fields we must cultivate only such plants of which the seeds do not fall out, as for instance the Clover, Lucerne, Hedysarum, and Timothy ; for these we keep a clean soil. Only the kinds of Grain and Hull crops fall out a little if we cut or mow them at the right time. The most of the Topseed and Fallow Manuring plants, loose their seeds very easily, so that we would pollute our fields forever, if we were to cultivate them in any other way than as I have just described. This especially is the case with the Grasses. For the quietly laying swaths of fodder and pasture grasses, let their seeds fall out by the mere change of dew and sunshine ; and if we should rake these swaths together, and load them up like oats or barley, there will remain nearly nothing by the time we get them to the barn. All these disadvantages we can avoid, by culti- vating the most preferable grasses of the Green Manuring and fodder, and pasture, which are not frequent enough to collect from the wild plants, on four feet wide beds in rows ; the large or the mow grasses in three rows, and the smaller or pasture grasses in four or five rows with two feet wide walks between these beds. By this each kind of grass receives its bed, and we can cut off the seeds, when ripe, under the ears. The grass itself can be applied for feed, after having mowed it and taken THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 93 oft* the seeds ; the most kinds of these grasses will bring another crop of seeds in the same season. "We can also keep clean the intervals of the grass lines, by hoeing and manuring them over. But this must not be done with stable manure, for it produces only herbage, and few and imperfect seeds. The best manuring, therefore, is to increase the seed produc- tion by equal parts of mould and lime ; and to pro- cure this cheaply, we make a pile of young green weeds that contain no seeds, mix the lime with them, and let them rot. SECTION LXXXV. RETROSPECTIVE VIEW OP THE SECOND PART. What the cultivation in the gardens effects on a larger produce of such a surface, in cheapness, com- pensates the collection of the wild seeds, as we need only to gather them, so that the cost of seed per pound will not average over three cents. As I have fully shown the improved Green Manuring of the soil requires not more than five to ten pounds of seed per acre, consequently the cost is only from fifteen to thirty cents per acre. It is further proved that these seed mixtures produce a mass of green per acre of 5,000 pounds dry weight, consequently a strength of 10,000 pounds manure; and that this green mass is formed at the half of the ground, and air nourishment, what by all experience is ascer- tained. This green mass produces a real increase of the manure in the soil of 2,500 pounds dry weight of herbs, or the strength of 5,000 pounds of manure. B.] — This manuring strength can be very easily doubled by the repeated application of this Green Manuring; consequently it will give thorn a real increase of the manure at 5,000 pounds dry weight, herbage, or the strength of 10,000 pound-; of manure. C] — The strength of 1,000 pounds of manure, or a small load, is in the first case, from fivo to ten pounds of seeds, at three cents, or not more than six cents, including sowing. In the last case the strength of a load of manure costs no more than three cents, and it is sufficiently proved that such cheap manuring can be used between all field crops, and this without any interruption or alteration in the common way of farming, consequently a more rapid increase of produce, of grain and fodder can be effected, than could be done by any other mode of manuring. There remains yet to show the influence of this Green Manuring on the fodder and pasture cultivation. This consists in the mixtures of the improved Green Manuring, being constituted partly by the collection of the wild seeds of all kinds, and partly, also, by the cultivation ; consequently, in all and every respect, it extends to the local school of the improved fodder and pasture cultivation; for it delivers to the farmer not only the "seeds" but also the greater "manuring strength" of the soil, and teaches him to select the composition of the most productive " plant mixtures," whereby the fodder and pasture cultivation are to be improved, according to the laws of nature, and to the constant promotion of the farmer. 13 PART III. THE IMPROVED FODDER CULTIVATION. NATURAL SIZE OF A SQUARE HAND, DIVIDED INTO TWENTY-FIVE FODDER CULTIVATION SEED INCHES. MEASURE OF FOUR INCHES SQUARE. SECTION LXXXVI. Mow Nature nourishes the Animal. A glance at the different pastures of our domestic animals, shows that they are not appointed on single kinds, hut on a large variety, and on a mixture of plants. On the wild field and wood pastures we can count hundreds of plants which are eaten hy the domestic animals ; and if we would follow them in order to specify all these different plants, and the particulars under which they eat them, it would lead us to several useful disclosures. There is, however, (94) a difference between the roving animals in the wil- derness, as they are compelled to pasture themselves, and those that are nourished, and kept on good healthy pastures. For the improvement of the fod- der cultivation we have to take only for a specimen the richest natural pastures, which give the most milk and butter, or such which fatten the most rapidly, and the richest natural pastures for sheep which deliver the most and finest wool, consequently, by selecting the grasses and herbs of which they are mixed. For this it is also necessary to know the— THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 95 Proportion of the Kinds of Grasses and Herbs on the Meadows and Pastures. SECTION LXXXVII. If we examine the richest and most superior of the natural meadows and pastures, we will find that they consist of at least from twenty to thirty grasses and herbs ; and that the poorer a meadow or pasture is, the smaller will be the number of kinds of plants. Among them are generally many weeds, and the number of the superior fodder-plants on the richest natural meadows and pastures amounts only to from twenty to thirty kinds of grasses and herbs. Of this each farmer can convince himself the best, if he will make a Herbal of his pastures and meadows ; and if he then finds that the richest meadows and pastures contain also the most kinds of grasses and herbs, the natural reason will be, that in the single plants lie only single ingredients of the animal bodies ; conse- quently, if the animal shall be well nourished, his food must consist of a mixture of many wholesome kinds of plants — for only such a mixture can contain all the necessary fodder materials that are necessary for the animal bodies. On the meadows and pas- tures of the middle kind we find often from five to ten kinds of grasses and herbs, which are superior fodder and pasture plants, but also a great quantity of weeds and injurious plants. On poor and sour pasture and meadows they are yet more nume- rous, and the good grasses are often not present at all, so that the animal is left to its own instinct to eat the best of the grasses. So it is with the proportion of the grasses and herbs one to another, for we find generally on the richest meadows and pastures that the clover is never absent, but that the grasses overpower the herbs, which evidently shows — that the grasses are more wholesome and advantageous than the fodder-plants ; for other- wise the richest natural pastures would consist of the greater part of fodder-plants, and the reason of this is, that in the grasses more sugar and starch are contained. On an average, we will find on the best and first-rate meadows and pastures, the proportion of the grasses to the herbs to be ten to one ; but the poorer the natural meadows and pastures are, the more the weeds and the sour- grasses overpower the sweet grasses, and so it is on poor, impoverished fields which we intend for pasture. In the commencement we find among ten weed plants scarcely one grass plant, until finally the grasses increase themselves. But the agricultural fodder cultivation is generally yet only sowed of herbs, for instance — Clover, Lucerne, Hedv.-arum, etc. The only reason of this is, that the soil is too impoverished, and not kept in sufficient fermenta- tion ; and by the different matters in the crop3 we raise, the grasses cannot prosper, and consequently this can only be remedied by the improved green manuring. SECTION LXXXVIII. TJie number of Plants on one square foot of the Meadovis and Pastures. The richest meadows and pastures are so densely covered with grasses that we cannot count the num- ber of their plants on a square foot, otherwise than by carefully dissolving in water a square foot of sod, so as to separate the plants with their roots. "We can generally find on one square foot at least 1000 single plants ; consequently on one square hand 100 plants ; and to give the reader a representation, the figure and the division of the square hand before the fourth part will serve ; for here is the square hand divided into 100 parts, or into pasture-seed inches, so that if on each of these seed inches stands a plant, the density of the richest meadows and pasture is given. On inferior pastures or meadows, where we can only count, on one square foot of our acres, about 500 plants, and on the square hand about 50 plants, the reader can make himself acquainted with the density, by the figure and division of the square hand before the third part, as this figure is divided only into 25 parts, or fodder-seed inches, so that on each, two plants come to stand. But where we find on this space of the fodder-seed inch only one plant, there will be on the square foot 250 plants, or on the square hand 25 plants. The strength of the natural meadows and pastures is then so much weaker, and they are either sour or of inferior force and mixtures of the soil. On the clover-fields, or on the sowed pastures, we can count the plants without trouble, if we measure a square foot, for they have only (after the general seeding of clover) on a square foot from 45 to 50 plants, and on a square hand from 4 to 5 plants. 96 THE FARMERS PROMOTION BOOK, SECTION LXXXIX. Examples on the Pastures. It is certain that cattle naturally feed upon good low, or upon the best mountain pasture, when placed on dry and sandy pastures they can be sustained, but are obliged to pass over a large tract of ground, to find the mixture of grasses and herbs which are neces- sary for their nourishment, while on good low pas- ture such a mixture is found on one spot. But if cattle are inclosed on any pasture where they do not find the right mixtures, they will become restless, and consequently endeavor to hunt fodder else- where. The same happens with sheep. They will often rove over large spaces — such as fallows, stubbles, wood-pastures, etc. — in order to hunt mixtures of their grasses and herbs ; for when they can not get a variety (or a natural pasture) they will yield less and inferior wool; and if they are kept too long on pastures which consist of too few of the prospering kinds of plants, for instance the white clover, they will get sick, take the diarrhoea, and even die, as the various kinds of clover contain too much gum, and therefore will be decomposed by the grasses, which generally contain more starch and sugar. SECTION xc. Example on the Fodder and Clover Pasture. It is known that we can keep well cattle on green clover; but it is also known that straw fodder is necessary, and if not given them they will pull it out of the manure-hills and eat it ; consequently as clover is too nourishing, it must be mitigated by straw ; and who does not know the reason of the swelling up from clover fodder and pasture ? This shows that the animal will be nourished by a mix- ture of fodder plants, and not by a single kind — not even clover. It is also known that good stable feed- ing does not yield as great a quantity of milk or butter as on good pasture, for the reason that the cows find on a good pasture the proper mixture, which we can not give them in the stable, for the mixtures of the richest pastures consist nearly all of the best grasses, and in the stable they generally receive only fodder plants. Thus a great difference exists between summer and winter butter, also be- tween wool during the summer and the winter. "When the cows and sheep are poorly taken care of in the winter, which being longer than the summer, the farmer loses the greater part of the animal pro- duce, if he is not sufficiently provided with various selections of fodder, equal to the mixture of good meadows and pastures, (or meadow hay,) and for sheep with fine hay from the best sheep pastures. SECTION XCI. Revieiv of the Winter Feeding. The straw on most farms becomes the greatest part of the winter feeding, but as it has very little strength, the animal production is also very little during the winter. To remedy this defect, some farmers will add fruits, as potatoes, all kinds of tur- nips, etc., whereby the straw will certainly be fed with more advantage, and be more nourishing, but such fruits are generally too expensive, if they be fed instead of hay, as they cost three times as much to produce as the hay, which cannot be replaced by them after all. More hay must consequently be cul- tivated. As this, however, would bring disturbance in the whole farm, and cause damages and losses in the income, should we make a change on our farms and give more land for fodder cultivation ; we must therefore render the production of hay larger from the same surface — make the acre yield more loads. SECTION XCII. Reason for the Improved Fodder Cultivation. The production of fodder per acre can be made larger and cheaper by two different modes, without any necessary change in the farming ; first, by the improved green manuring, as it increases the strength of the soil, and these green manuring mixtures can be laid in between all crops; second, by the im- proved fodder cultivation the animals will be better nourished. But this reason is no other than the producing, that is, the matter-increasing vitality in the green plant, and as now in a mixture of many plants, used for the green manuring of the soil ; and likewise in a mixture of many more advantageous for the nourishment of animals, the producing vitality is greater than in a "single" manuring or in a " single" fodder-plant ; thus the mixture by itself is the original cause of the larger produce per acre, as each kind of plant has another appropriate condi- tion, and another connection of matter from the THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. V. ground and air nourishment. But as this cannot be denied, the consequence is, that the fodder cultiva- tion must give or produce so much more per acre, the more fodder-plants, suitable to the soil, are mixed together. Therefore, the reason of this improved fodder cultivation is no other than that of the mixed plant cultivation. SECTION XCIII. The Object of the Mixed Fodder Cultivation. The object is to obtain more perfect nourishment for animals; this will be, indisputably, the better, the more the soil is manured by plant mixtures of a variety of different kinds, as it nourishes the plants of the field-crops and the fodder cultivation, and by these the animals ; and thus promotes in every re- spect the advantages of the farmer. The soil must be put in a good state before we can introduce an improved fodder cultivation, and therefore the improved green manuring must be first introduced ; then the mixtures will also prosper the fodder cultivation much sooner and quicker; they nourish the animal more perfectly, and more con- formably to nature, and produce also a better animal manure, and a mixed fodder cultivation by a variety of matters, (when ploughed under,) a better sod ma- nuring to the soil. The process whereby nature thus nourishes the animal, by which the farmer can pro- cure himself a far larger animal produce, especially on his winter fodder, consists, in one word, in the mixed fodder cultivation. A mixed fodder cultivation is, however, in use among farmers, and is carried on in different modes ; yet we must remark that our object is only the im- proved mixed fodder cultivation ; and these different modes consist in the mixed fodder cultivation of one year — in the two and three years, or clover-grass cul- tivation— and in the artificial pasture cultivation of many years. SECTION XCIV. Of the Mixed Fodder Cultivation for One Year. "We sow all kinds of fodder grains, for instance, rye, with oats or barley, or peas, vetches, beans, sweet clover, turnips, buckwheat, corn, etc. But this kind of mixed fodder is too expensive — while its seeds are saleable, and while it produces only one swath. It is moreover very coarse, even when young; and if we allow it to get half or fully ripe, it impoverishes the soil, and injures the following crop. SECTION XCV. The Plants of the Annual Mixed, Fodder Cultivation. The annual fodder mixtures are always the best, as they are generally of a rapid growth, and as some of them have been in use, but they generally are considered as shift fodder; while the two and three years' fodder mixtures are in all respects more agri- cultural. Where we wish to raise such a mixture of winter fodder, we mix all kinds of grain and shell- fruits with white sweet clover, (Melilotus Vulgaris. j by which it will be cheaper, denser, and more yield- ing ; for the white sweet clover will grow at least a foot high the first year. To give an example of an annual fodder mixture, the following will be of service, as it will yield the most. It is generally sowed as dense as a rye-field, and, on account of the heat of the summer, we give it a shady proportion of § shell-plants and \ grasses, that is, 2 to 1. Beans, per lb. 1,000 grains, G2i Peas, (small,) a 5,000 k 50 Vetches, a 10,000 a 25 Buckwheat, « 15,000 a in Sweet Clover, « 200,000 a 0 •J Summer Rye, it 20,000 a H Barley, a 20,000 (C H Oats, a 20,000 a H Millet, u 200,000 It 91 An acre requires about 178 lbs. For such an annual mixture we have the same ex- pense as for a grain-field, and it is only yet a shift- fodder — which, however, does not equal a clover- grass mixture. SECTION XCVI. Of the Two and Three Years' Fodder Cultivation Mix- ture, or the Clover-grass Mixtures. Where the clover is good, and remains from two to three years sufficiently thick to be cut, or for pas- ture, we would not recommend to mix it with grasses, but where it decreases in its produce, some farmers commence to mix it with grasses — one takes timothy, another orchard or soft grasses, etc., just a3 they are used to the one or the other. The advantage with 98 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. the clover-grass mixtures is, that we mix the clover with such fodder plants and wholesome grasses as grow on soils where the clover cannot. Secondly, as the clover grows thicker, and yields more pasture, it is thus very natural that we must mix it with more fodder plants and grasses, which will grow on such places where clover does not grow, (or hut poorly) ; and such a mixture will yield the more in loads and pasture, the surface will he the more thickly covered to be ploughed down, the greater the variety of fodder plants we mix with the clover. Some farmers might he willing to mix more fodder plants and grasses with clover, if they had the seeds conveniently at hand. To write to seed merchants, is much too expensive and uncertain. This is, how- ever, only necessary for the commencement, where the fodder plants and grasses do not grow on his farm and neighborhood. "We often receive seeds, which, by laying too long, will not germinate, hut by procu- ring seed of our own collection or cultivation, we need have no fear that they will not grow, as I have described before the mode and cheapness of cultiva- tion. There is also a difference between the clover grass mixture before and after the introduction of the green manuring; for the former, such kinds of plants must be selected which increase the produce imme- diately on the soils, weakened by too frequently cropping. SECTION XCVII. On Clover Grass Mixtures before the introduction of the improved Green Manuring. The most preferable fodder plants are Clover, Lucerne, Hedysarum, and also such which we can col- lect wild, as the Yellow Lucerne, (Medicago Falcata,) the Sheep-burnet, (Poterium Sauguisorba,) Anise, (Pimpinella Saxifrage and Magna,) the White and Yellow Sweet Clover, (Melilotus Vulgaris and Offici- nalis,) etc. All these fodder plants will grow for two years on each soil, and the third year they decline like clover, but still they yield better the third year, than clover alone. To this mixture we should add some four or five of the fodder grasses, which I have described in the previous part. The yield of such an acre will be large. I will, however, in the follow- ing review, also specify the fodder plants and the most profitable wild, mow, or fodder grasses, which we can use for the mentioned clover grass mixture. I will here give a list of the plants and number of grains in one pound. SECTION XCVIII. Review of the kinds of Plants of the Clover Mixture before the introduction of the improved green manuring. A.] — Mow Plants. Nomber of Grains. 1 lb. Red Clover, (Trifolium Pratense,) 200,000 1 " Lucerne, (Medicago Bativa,). 200,000 1 " Hedysarum, (Hedysar. Onobryehis,).. 25,000 1 " Yellow Lucerne, (Medicago Falcata.) 300,000 1 " White Sweet Clover, (Melilot. Vulg.). 200,000 B.]- — Mow Grasses on inferior soils. 1 lb. Wheat Grass, (Triticum Caninum,)... 100,000 1 " Orchard Grass, (Dactylis Glomerata,) 400,000 1 " Meadow Fescue Grass, (F. Pratense,). 200,000 1 " Soft Grass, (Holcus Avenaceus,) 200,000 1 " Hairy Oats Grass, (AvenaPubescens,) 500,000 1 " Meadow Oats Grass, (A. Pratensis,).. 500,000 1 " White Timothy, (Holcus Lanatus,) Velvet Grass, 3,000,000 C] — Mow Grasses on superior soils. 1 " Timothy Grass, (Phleum Pratense,)... 800,000 1 " Tall Fescue Grass, (FestucaElatior,).. 200,000 1 " Ribban Grass, or Reed Canary Grass, (Phalaris Arund.) 500,000 1 " Cheat, (Bromus Gigantus,) 100,000 1 " Spear Grass, (Poa Trivalis,)..... 1,000,000 The one or the other of these fodder and pasture plants grow wild almost everywhere, and, if in the commencement, we have only two or three of the fodder plants and the same number of kinds of grass seeds at hand, they yield far more hay than the clover alone. SECTION XCIX. Of the density of the Clover mixture and the agricultural measures of its estimation and seed calculation. There can certainly grow more fodder plants on the square foot, where they consist of many different kinds of plants, than of a single one; but they do not grow so compact on poor as on rich soil, as the nourishment on the former is not sufficient; they may grow denser on a poor soil under certain cir- THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 99 cumstances, viz: if they are to remain only small, as for pasture or green manuring, but they will not answer for mow fodder or grain crop, as they have to grow higher, and require consequently more nourishment of the soil, than a pasture or a green manuring mixture. Of the middle soil, we can conclude from the poor and the rich soils, and, there- fore, it is necessary to know how many grains of clover we generally sow on the square foot. A.]— Density of tlie usual seeding of Clover. It is generally known, that we sow, at the highest rate, eight pounds of red clover to the acre, and under favorable circumstances on rich soils, only four to six pounds; as 1 pound contains 200,000, and the six pounds 1,200,000 grains per acre, or on the square hand, from forty to fifty grains, which is the usual sowing of clover on a middle soil, on an aver- age ; to this some farmers mix a small quantity of timothy seed, so that the quantity of seed at the highest rate may reach from sixty to eighty grains per square foot. B.] — Density of the Clover Mixture. To mix the clover with different mow grasses and mow plants, we can sow it thicker ; but if it is too thick on an inferior soil, it will not be fit to be mowed, and will remain small, like pasture. For before the introduction of the green manuring, the soil being too much impoverished by the grain crops which are wanted to the nourishment of the fodder plants, and besides, not sufficiently mallow and fermenting, even on the richest soils, we dare not sow the fodder mixtures thicker than the green manuring, viz: at 200 grains on one square foot, and on inferior, yet thinner, while the clover mixtures otherwise, will not be mowable. The gradation for the density of the seeding is, therefore, the following, viz : Inferior soils at 10 grains to the square hand, or 100 grains to the square foot. Middle soils " 15 " " " " " 150 " " " " Kich soils " 20 " " " " " 200 " " •' " The greater the strength of the soil is, the more grasses we can mix to the clover, while the vigorous soil, the more grasses it contains, the larger the yield ; the inferior soil, consequently, requires more herbs, so as to make the yield larger, and, therefore, the gradation of the mixture before the introduction of the green manuring, is as follows: On inferior soils 1 grain of the fodder plant'* to 1 grain of the Mow Gru*e» Middle soil 1 " " " * " 2 « «« « Rich soil 1 " « " " " 4 " u u u Thus, we sow on the square hand of the inferior soil, five grains of fodder plants and five grains mow grasses, and on the middle, five grains of fodder plants and ten grains of the mow grasses, and on the rich soils, five grains of fodder plants and fifteen of the mow grasses. C] — On the Produce. For the usual clover seeding, at the rate of from four to five grains are needed on the square hand of the middle soil, about three times more seed for this mow mixture, and on the inferior soil before the introduction of the green manuring, from eight to ten grains ; on the middle soil, twelve to fifteen grains, on rich productive soil, sixteen to twenty grains; and after the introduction of the green manuring, gradually with the increase of the strength of the soil, to the highest, forty to fifty grains on the square foot are mowable. But therewith, if all i3 rightly managed, a large increase of produce will be the issue. It is quite a correct calculation, that the acre produces more hay, the more grains are mowa- ble on the square hand. But this rests on three reasons : First, on the strength of the soil ; second, on the mixture ; and third, on the density of the plants. "When these three things are correct, the yield will be 500 grains on one square foot, which are mixed by the above position founded upon experience, ten times more hay per acre, as 50 grains on a square foot of the clover alone at the usual seeding. SECTION C. Example of a Hedysarum Mixture on gravelly dry soil. As the clover does not prosper so well on gravelly and dry soil, and the Hedysarum does so much better, we can use it as the main quantity in the mixture, according to the following mixture, at the rate of 10 lbs. per acre. Hedysarum,™ 40 lbs. containing per lb. 25,000 grains. White Sweet Clover,.. 1£ " « " 200,000 " Lucerne, 1J " " " 200,000 " Yellow Lucerne | " " " 300,000 « Sum of lbs 43£ 100 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. Mow Grasses. Wheat Grass, (Triticum Caninum), 1£ lb. ^ lb. 100,000 grs. Bronie Grass, (Bromus Erectus,) 1J Meadow Oat Grass, (Avena Pratensis,) J Meadow Fescue Grass, (Festuca Pratensis,). f Soft Grass, (Holcus Avenaeeus,) 1J Orchard Grass, (Dactylis Glornerata,) -| White Timothy, (Holcus Lanatus,) 1 Sum of lbs 5 J 100,000 500,000 200,000 200,000 400,000 3,000,000 This mixture yields only a short but very dense hay, and can be mowed twice before blossoming. Towards the Hedysarum alone it gives one swath and will produce three times more, and will give also a better pasture after it. For the commence- ment we can procure such fodder grasses and herbs which grow along the field borders, etc., to any height, tall or low, and mix it with the Clover or Hedysarum ; and the other kinds which do not grow wild on such or other places, we can write for and increase them on the garden bed. SECTION CI. Example of a Clover Grass Mixture on tlie middle soil. Here is the Clover, the main quantity of the mix- ture, and the following mixture at the rate of 5 lb. per acre. Clover, 5 lb Lucerne, \\ ' Stone Clover, 1J ' Yellow Lucerne, 4 ' Hedysarum, 10 ' Sum of lbs 18i containing per lb. 200,000 grains. 200,000 " 200,000 " " 300,000 « 25,000 " Fodder plants on the middle soils will be already mowable ; also, the Timothy, Tall Fescue Grass, JRib- bon Grass, Meld Brome Grass and Spear Grass. If they are sowed with the clover in the barley or oats, but especially if the mixture is sowed on the winter grain, and if we can bring together of the wild col- lection and of the cultivation even only the half, viz: five mow grasses, which make quite a dense swath, the soil improves and the more grasses we can add. The grasses grow up between the clover and fodder plants, without hurting the produce of them ; while these fodder plants mostly root down in the depth, but the grasses only in the surface of the soil, and so we have the produce of the grasses almost as an addition. If we, therefore, on a clover soil of a common good produce add a mixture of good mow grasses, the acre will produce double the loads, and if to the clover the mentioned fodder plants are added, the yield will be still larger. But if the soil is not vigorous enough, we can only sow an equal number of grasses, as follows : Wheat Grass, (Triticum Caninum,) 21 lb. or 100,000 grs. Soft Grass, (Holcus Avenaeeus,) l| " 200,000 " Meadow Fescue Grass, (Festuca Pratensis, )..l \ " 200,000 " Orchard Grass, (Dactylis Glomer,) -| " 400,000 " Ribbon Grass, (Phalaris Arundinacea,) i " 500,000 " Timothy Grass, (Phi eum Pratensis,) 5 " 800,000 " Spear Grass, (Poa Trivialis,) £ " 1,000,000 " White Timothy, (Holcus Lanatus,) ^- " 5,000,000 " Sum of the Fodder Grasses, 0| lbs. Sum of the Fodder Plants 18J " Amount in full, 25J " Without the 10 lbs. of Hedysarum,. ..15^ " By the collection or by the cultivation of the grass seeds, especially the larger grasses, that grow wild along the borders of his fields and other places, every attentive farmer will see what on his soil is inclined to grow, and he can, therefore, very easily increase the produce of his clover mixture. But I repeat it again, if we mix even only three fodder plants and three good mow grasses, the production will be three times larger than the clover alone. SECTION Oil. Example of Lucerne Mixtures on warm, dry middle soils. In warmer climates the Clover often does not yield so well, more than can be made use of. The Lucerne is used instead of the clover, to the two and three years fodder cultivation of the rotation crops ; but the more inferior the soil, the larger it leaves vacant places, and even on deep rich soils it will not stand closed; but if we mix it with Clover and Hedysarum and several mow grasses that grow along field borders, etc. wild, where the Lucerne shall be cultivated, then the result will be that this Lucerne mixture directly in the first year, sowed as topseed in the grain, that it grows a far stronger fall pasture, and in the second year to rich swaths, whilst the common Lucerne remains yet small; but in the third year it will be still stronger. Towards the THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 101 mere Lucerne, will be therefore that difference, more than three times larger, a far better hay, arid a stronger manure by ploughing it finely under. The Lucerne makes here the main quantity in the mix- ture, but sowed only from four to six grains to the square hand. section cm. Examples of Clover Grass and Lucerne Mixtures on rich soils. Farmers having rich soils are generally satisfied with the production of their clover-fields, and even proud of the yield, that they do not believe of a greater yield per acre. But I wish them only to try it once, *o mix the clover with good grasses. The reasons why the clover cultivation of the rich soils should be mixed with different grasses, are the following: on rich soils the clover in growing season becomes too luxurious, and thereby lodges and becomes diffi- cult to mow and cure, and in consequence, a great deal is left on the ground; and to mow it three times in succession, it becomes also too light, and to sow it thicker, as from five to six pounds to the acre, it will still become more inconvenient to mow and cure, as it will lay down the more. A.] — A Rich Clover Mixture. To avoid these disadvantages of an excessive luxurious soil, we must mix a larger variety of grasses to the clover : for instance, the following : Clover, at 4 grs. per square hand, 5 lbs. per lb. 200,000 grains. Lucerne at 1 " " " 1J " " 200,000 " Hedysarum.at 1 " " " 10 " " 25,000 " 6 grains, 16 \ lbs. The sum of the fodder plants, six grains to a square hand, and sixteen and a quarter pounds. The Mow Grasses to be mixed, are the following, viz: Grs. per acre. Tall Fescue Grass,... 2 grs. per square hand equal 2 J lbs. or 200,000 Meadow Fescue Grass, 2 " " SoftGrass, 2 " Foxtail Grass, 2 " " Orchard Grass, 2 " " Ribbon Grass, 2 " " Timothy Grass, 2 " " Spear Grass 2 " " Red Top Grass, 2 " White Timothy, 2 " 14 2i" " 200,000 21 « " 200,000 If" " 350,000 1*" " 400,000 1 " " 500,000 s <( " 800,000 I" "1,000,000 i" "1,500,000 i" "3,000,000 On. \r.t »i:ti. Fiarin Grass, 2 grs. per square hand equal \ lb. or4,000,000 Tufted Hair Grass 2 " " " " JL« "0,000,0% Sum of the FodderGrasses 24 grs. per square hand and IB lbs. per acre " " Fodder Plants, 6 " " " V,\ " " Making together 80 grains, 2^ lbs. per acre. Without the 10 lbs. of Hedysarum, thus only \'.i\ " " And by a larger application of the last six grasses only 10J " " This mixture will produce luxuriant crops for years in succession. B.] — A rich Lucerne Mixture in good soil and after the introduction of the Green Manuring. Here the Lucerne is the main quantity in the mix- ture, as will be seen in following: Grains. Lucerne, at C grs. per square hand ~\ lbs. per lb. 200,000 Clover, at 2 " " " . 600,000 grs. " Yellow Lucerne, ~) Pimpinella, i-2 " " 2£ " " 300,000 " " Sheep Burnet, J " Common Yarrow, 1 " " J " " 1,000,000 " In all 7 grs. or 4$ lb. The grasses added to the above plant mixture, are the following : Common Darnel, 1 grain, § lb. Meadow Oats Grass, 1 " J" Pasture Fescue Grass, 1 " ^ " Common Quaking Grass, 1 " J " Spear Grasses, 1 " \ " Common Hair Grass, 1 " T^- " Herd's Grass, 1 " ^ " 7 grs. 2J lbs. If we sow of this grass mixture, for instance, on the square hand about 14 grs. it will amount to 5 ft>s. And to this the men- tioned herbs, 7 grs. " " 4J " 21 errs. 9i We then sow 21 grains on a square hand and 9J pounds on an acre. This mixture can be sowed on oats or barley, is to be well rolled in, and will form a pasturage three times more luxurious and abundant than white clover alone; the sod manuring also when ploughed under will be four-fold stronger than the common white or red clover in manuring. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 109 SECTION CXXI. Example of a Pasture Mixture on middle soil. On such soils we take the red and white clover as the main quantity of the mixture, viz : on the square hand: Red Clover, 2 grs., or 2\ lhs. "ft lb. 200,000 grs. White Clover, 2 " | " " 000,000 " Lance-leaved Plantain, \ Yellow Lucerne, / Sheep Burnet, > 2 grs., or 2 lbs. ^ lb. 250,000 grs. Pimpinella, \ Adlibidum, (Hedysarum,) / Common Yarrow, 1 gr., or Jib. "$ lb. 1,000,000 grs. Makes 7 grs., or 5| lbs. per acre. The addition of the grasses is of the following kind, which do well in the pasture on such soils, are also easily collected, and for sheep and cattle very nourishing : Grains. Meadow Fescue Grass, 1 gr. to the sq. hand, or 1 Jibs, f? lb. 200,000 Common Darnel 1" " " | " 300,000 Orchard Grass, 1" " " -| " 400,000 Hard Fescue Grass, 1" " " £ " 500,000 Sheep Fescue Grass, 1" " " Ts? " 600,000 Common Quaking Grass, ...1 " " " -J " 700,000 Comb Grass, 1 " " " £ " 750,000 Sweet scented Vernal Grass 1 " " " ^ " 750,000 Timothy Grass, 1 " " " ys " 800,000 Spear Grass, 1" " " J " 1,000,000 Common Hair Grass 1" " " * " 3,000,000 Herd's Grass, 1 " " " ^ " 4,000,000 12 5J lbs. per acre. And if we double these 5 J lbs. Grasses, it makes 11 lbs. per acre. Add to these the mixtures of the herbs, " 5 J " " Makes 16J lbs. per acre. These grass seeds can be easily procured and some of them are found in abundance. If we mix the first three kinds of grasses with the seven kinds of herbs mentioned, and take 24 grains to the square hand, or 20 pounds to the acre, (for pasture this mixture, however, is too hard,) and if we add the three last kinds of grasses to the herbs, it requires only 24 grains to the square hand, or 5 pounds to the acre. But this mixture is too nourishing for sheep, consequently too scarce in the mixture, thus we add more of the large grained grasses, and take 10 pounds per acre. The design of this mixture is to increase the produce of the surface, which is the 15 most beneficial, since the more grasses and herb3 we can mix so as to grow well, the mixture on this kind of soil will yield three times more than the single clover pasture, shade and nourish the soil much better, and if sowed on barley or oats in their various mixtures will do well, as the farmer can see from the growth of these plants, since they shoot up in their natural state, and by this he can judge to some extent how to form his mixtures. •SKi'TIOX CXXII. Example of a Pasture Mixture on rich highlands for Sheep. The former mixture is for sheep pasture of an excellent kind, and suited as an application for the beginning, before the introduction of the Improved Green Manuring. We can apply to these the most general wild growing grasses and herb.s in the neighborhood. The following mixture consists of plants known on high pastures — the Meadow Fescue Grass alone is too nourishing for sheep and must not be put too largely in the mixture. The richer the soil is, the larger and stronger we can make the proportion of the grasses to the pasture plants, for the rich soil has more strength, can bear more grasses, and the stronger they are mixed the more animals can pasture on the same surface. In the commence- ment the soil is too raw or sour, else we could render the mixture still more dense. A soil having been treated by the green manuring, will support from 40 to 50 grains to the square hand — to 7 grains of grass 1 grain of pasture plants. It is thus possible to in- crease the density on the square foot to from 400 to 500 plants and grasses. We take for the fodder plants, of the former example on middle soils, About 7 grs. per square hand, or 51 lbs. per acre, and of Pasture Grasses, 42 " " 19 " " 49 grs. 24$ lbs. per acre. But if we add the small grain seeds, it will render it two to three times stronger, and will require only 10 to 12 pounds per acre. SECTION CXXIII. Example of a Pasture Mixture on rich low soils, for Cattle. For such pastures we sow the healthiest plants and grasses found in meadows and low lands. We take 110 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK, the common red clover as the main quantity, viz : 4 grains to the square hand, or about 5 pounds per acre, and from the rest of the above-mentioned pas- ture plants of middle soils, we add two grains, making 2 pounds — making 7 pounds per acre. The selection of grasses we make as follows : Oats Grass 1 grain, or 1 J lbs. pe? acre, 200,000 Tall Fescue Grass 1 " 1J " 200,000 Meadow Fescue Grass, 1 " lj " 200,000 Meadow Foxtail Grass,. 1 " | " 350,000 Orchard Grass, 1 " f " 400,000 Hard Fescue Grass, 1 " $ " 500,000 Sheep Fescue Grass, 1 " ^ " 600,000 Common Quaking Grass, 1 " J " 750,000 Comb Grass, 1 " \ " 750,000 Sweet scented Vernal Grass,... 1 " \ " 750,000 Timothy Grass, 1 " T\ " 800,000 Spear Grasses, 1 " I " 1,000,000 Herd Grasses, 1 " T\ " 4,000,000 Tufted Hair Grass, 1 " ^j " 6,000,000 14 7§ Which makes 42 grs. per square hand, or 23 lbs. per acTe. Add of pasture plants, 7 " " 7 " " 49 grains. 30 lbs, per acre. If we sow only the four last grasses in the mixture, which form an extraordinary nutritious pasture for cattle, it will make 42 grains to the square hand, and 7 pounds instead of 23 pounds, to which we add 7 pounds pasture plants, and we have 14 pounds of seeds per acre. But we must use the other grasses also in the mixture, or we may not make our mix- tures dense enough; for the small grasses, for in- stance, the Darnel, Comb Grass, Quaking Grass, Sheep Fescue Grass, Hard Fescue Grass, &c, are im- portant in forming the density of the mixture of pasture grasses ; so that we can add these five kinds, and the four last ones more frequently than the first five grasses, so as to make about from 12 to 15 pounds per acre of the seeds. Some of the above are early, others are late grasses, and fill the pasture towards the fall, others shoot up constantly after pastured, which keep up a full and continued pasturage; hence the propriety of using a full variety of seeds in the mixture. By using the ingredients mentioned above before a full course of the improved green manuring can be attained to, the farmer will realize much benefit and a handsome profit in rearing his stock. The greater care he uses in selecting the plants and grasses best adapted to the soil, the more successful he will be to enrich his meadows and pasturages. It is much easier to sow a mixture of grass and plant seeds, than to sow one kind alone, as clover, &c. ; and after the application of the green manuring, its growth will be more vigorous, and can lie longer, which circumstance adds much to the productiveness and cheapness of the fodder, and gives it a decided advantage over the clover pasture. SECTION CXXIV. On the Pasture Mixtures afteb, the introduction of the Improved Green Manuring. We might suppose that a pasture mixture would last and produce well, much longer than a mixture which is moiced, because the latter grows much higher and is mowed off, and, therefore leaves or renders the soil more exhausted and bare, but this is not the case, for although pasture grounds may seem as though they had the advantage of the urine and dung of the stock while feeding upon them, the con- stant tramping of sheep and cows beats the ground so hard that the dung is mostly wasted, and the ground becomes so hard that roots do not penetrate as deep as the mow mixtures. Therefore, without strong fermentation in the soil, in which the pasture mixture is sown, we must expect it soon to die away, except where the Improved Green Manuring has been introduced, and, for this reason, the mixed pastures do not last much longer than the single — not much over three years. But the stronger and more frequently the soil has been grown through, by the process of green manu- ring, and two or three years of sod clover and pasture mixtures, the longer it will last, as the soil by the process above named will become more ferment- ing. There is another advantage connected with this, the mixture may be sown more densely, and it will root more deeply and consequently produce more. By this natural process, in the improvement of the soil, there will be more strength in it, and it will be applicable to denser seeding, and therefore, more profitable. Concerning the best mixtures, after the introduction of the improved Green Manuring, there cannot be a much better selection made for sheep than that of Section 121, and for cows that of Sec. 123. For the grass seeds are much cheaper, and, there- fore, more easily obtained as they are also in greater THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. Ill abundance when cultivated, than the plant seeds of the improved Fodder and Pasture cultivation, for as these are larger grained, they do not yield so many seeds. The grasses are better adapted to the health of animals, and are more general, and can be had almost everywhere with very little trouble or expense. If, now, the better pasture mixtures meet with better soil, it is generally the case that the pastures on highlands will be so productive as to furnish a very abundant crop, so as to allow cows the first run and sheep the main pasture; in part, because the first crop is often too rank for sheep, and in this way we are like to secure the good of all and have it well pastured off. For cattle will mostly eat away the ranker plants, thus render the pasture more whole- some for sheep, and pastured more closely. From what has been stated, it is evident that we must realize an increase in the value of sheep and cows, in this way, to a considerable amount, and have, as it were, the increase of profit on good pasture and good stock, gratis. But we must bear in mind, that this is to be realized after a thorough course of green manuring of the soil, which tends to promote its strength and render it more vigorous and productive for pasture, year after year. SECTION CXXV. Of Pasture Mixtures designed to last for several years, or Artificial Pastures. "We will at present consider the advantages which pasture cultivation has over the present mode of keeping up pasture year by year. 1st. The green manuring system tends to strengthen the soil ; 2d. The mixture of the plants continues to improve, and become better and better ; 3d. By these means the plant masses become better and more dense. In places where you have bad pasture, just try it once, and sow it with the mentioned wild grasses and herbs, and it will yield a three-fold produce ; and in one year longer you will find your stock so well supplied with pasture that you will be glad to let it lie two or three years. But as soon as we can culti- vate these pasture mixtures, after a thorough green manuring, they will be sure to last for two or three years and produce well. But the pasture mixtures should be sowed more densely than the mow mix- tures, for sowing either on winter or summer grain is liable to choke a great many fine seeds, and cause the pasture to be too thin. We should, therefore, bear in mind, and sow the large grainy seeds first, and the small grained seeds afterwards on the top, and only in the winter ; and if we over-manure this young pasture in the winter, on frost, the consequence ig, that the pasture will be much more nourishing for stock, and the pasture itself will increase so much in strength as to last four years But where a pasture returns in turn with a regular changing of sod ma- nuring, and mow mixture, and crops continually cultivated by green manuring mixtures, the pasture will last over five and six years. The instructions showing how the farmer may promote his interest and profits by his pasture culti- vation, are now ended, but we have to give the description of the grasses and plants, by which the two and three years of the pasture cultivation can be brought to a larger produce of the surface. Description of the Grasses a?id Plants of the Improved Fodder and Pasture cultivation. The following families are the most serviceable and preferable grasses of the meadows and pastures : 1. The Fox-tail family, to which belong the Meadow Fox-tail, Timothy, Ribbon Grass, Comb Grass, ; used too freely in the mixture, but it is suited to poor soils for a mowing and pasture grass, and contains 500,000 grains per pound. The Common Meadow Oats Grass, ( Avena Praten- sis. U) — This grass resembles the former very much, and is often found growing with it, on sandy soils and in bushy pastures; blossoms in May and June, and grows from three to four feet high. It is an lasting grass, like all Oat grasses, and only matures in the third or fourth year; hence it can be used but as a meadow grass for inferior soils. It contains per pound, 500,000 grains. 5. The Gold Oat Grass, (Avena Lavescens. u) — This grass is found on dry meadows and pastures, it has a yellowish color and shines in the sun. It grow3 from one to two feet high, and blossoms in June ; the leaves are broad and somewhat rough; it has more nutriment than the Common Meadow Oat Gi'ass. Sheep are very fond of it. It is, therefore, only a pasture grass of inferior soils, but important for all kinds of stock. It has per pound, 600,000 Remakks. — These three Oat Grasses are well suited for the beginning on inferior soils, but, when applied in the mixture, they are valuable only when the soil is made more productive by green manuring. Other grasses can be used to a greater profit. 6. Common Hair Grass, (Aira Flexuosa. u ) — This grass blossoms in June and grows lh feet high, and is found on dry pastures. It has thread-shaped leaves and forms bristle-like bunches like the bristle grass. This grass is liked by all kinds of stock, whilst the Bristle Grass is rejected by all animals. The Com- mon Hair Grass is an important and excellent pas- ture grass. 7. Early Hair Grass, (Aira Canescens. u) — Sheep are very fond of this grass ; it forms small bristly sod piles, and in such mixtures that are always pastured 116 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK, off bare ; it is an excellent grass, and contains per pound 4,000,000 grains. Tufted Hair Grass, (Aira Arundinacea. U) — This grass is found growing along waters, from three to four feet high, but on fields from two to three feet ; blossoms in May and June ; it forms many stems and leaves, and is an excellent, sweet, nourishing and wholesome grass for cows. The cultivation of this seed is very important, for on soils not too dry it is of superior quality- for cattle, as a mow and pasture grass. It contains per pound, 6,000,000 grains. 9. Sweet Scented Vernal Grass, ( Anthoxanthum Odoratum. u) — It is also called Melilote Grass, for its perfume is like that of the Melilote Clover, but stronger ; is found on good meadow pastures, blos- soms in May and grows from 1 to 1 J feet high. The virtues of this grass are that it is very early in growth, and after being cut off it shoots up rapidly, and has a strong and continuous late growth for fall pasture. It is an enduring or lasting grass, and animals are fond of it, but it must not be put too strong in the mixture, for it is too aromatic (bitter.) It has per pound, 800,000 grains. SECTION CXXIX. The Bent Grass Family. Red Top or Herd Grass, (Agrostis Vulgaris, y ) — This grass is found on all wild pastures as well on sandy as on clay soils ; it is the earliest of the Bent Grasses, and produces, if we mix it with the Sheep Fescue, Red Fescue, Meadow, Spear Grass, and the Sweet Scented Vernal Grass, a very early pasture. It grows from two to three feet high, and blossoms in June ; after cutting it grows well and fills the pas- tures in fall, is a wholesome and nourishing grass, and on good soils, good for mowing. Dog's Herd Grass, (Agrostis Canina. if) — This grass possesses, like the former, excellent qualities for hay and pasture. 3. Bough Thin Grass, (Agrostis Scabrum. U) — Pos- sesses very similar qualities to the former, but grows higher and is more nourishing. While Bent Grass, or Fiarin Grass, (Agrostis Alba. U ) — This valuable grass has among other preferences of the Bent Grasses that from St. John's Day till fall it grows from six to twelve inches high, with leaves and branches, which improve much the pasture in the after part of summer and fall. It grows on all kinds of soils, but still more luxuriantly blossoms in July, is an excellent pasture grass on all kinds of soil and for all kinds of animals, and on good soils an excellent mowing grass for hay. It has per pound, 5,000,000 grains. SECTION CXXX. The Wheat Grass and Barley Grass Family. 1. Awned Wheat Grass, (Triticum Caninum. U) — Found in woods and along banks, grows from two to three feet high, and blossoms in June ; it is an early grass, very productive and nourishing, on inferior soils, a mowing grass, but it must be cut before it blossoms, for its awn or beard is offensive to animals. It forms a light after grass ; it has per pound 100,000 grains. 2. TJie Meadow Barley Grass, (Hordeum Pratense. u ) — Is found on meadows and pastures ; sheep are very fond of it ; it is a long-enduring, early and nourish- ing grass ; blossoms in July and grows from two to three feet high ; is only used as a pasture grass on account of its sharp awns or beard. It has per pound, 100,000 grains. 3. Fhiladelphia Lime Grass, or Canada Lime Grass, (Elymus Philadelphicus. U)— This grass grows from three to five feet high, and on clay soils, where other good grasses do not grow well, still higher ; it blos- soms in July, is of a gray green color, and has large, broad, reed-like and somewhat rough leaves. It is a very early and extraordinary productive and nourish- ing grass ; it is not well suited for pasture, but excel- THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 117 lent for hay, and on wet clay soils will yield three or four times as much as clover. It has 100,000 grains per pound. 4. Common Darnel, or Rye Grass, (Lolium Perenne. u ) — It is also called English Rye Grass, since it has been cultivated in England for many years for the improvement of pastures. In this country, however, the Common Darnel is best suited to green manu- ring. B.] — The most preferable herbs of Meadows and Pastures. SECTION CXXXI. The lasting kinds of Clover. 1. The Red Clover, (Trifolium Pratense Sativum, if 5 ) — It is believed that this clover is a variety of the lasting Red Clover, found often in good pastures, which is evident, as Common Red Clover grows wild in good meadows and fields, so that the former is likely the original kind of rotation crop clover. But the proper lasting Meadow Clover is quite different to the common red or rotation crop clover. The common red or rotation crop clover grows higher, has more stems, is less hairy, has larger pointed leaves, roundish leaf onsets, the heads are stemmed, often paired. It also blossoms as early as May. Its roots are spindly and divided into threads, shaped in the soil. It does not change by cultivation, will last only from two to three years in the rotation crop, but in soils which are kept in fermentation by the green manuring, it will last five years ; per pound 200,000 grains. 2. The genuine or original Meadow Clover, (Trifolium Pratense. u) — This clover grows wild in good mea- dows and pastures. The roots are fibrous, stems hollow and somewhat inclined to the ground, the leaves are roundish, the- leaf onsets of a longish shape, and the heads often like a double form. It blossoms from July till October. This clover although not frequently found in meadows and pastures is of a high value, very important for the first beginning of a meadow designed to remain for a series of years and for pasture, and ought to be cultivated by every farmer in separate lots, to have the seed at hand. 16 This important clover is an exceedingly fine mowing and pasture grass, it has rosy red seeds, and 200,000 grains to the pound. 8. * The Bastard, Clover, (Trifolium Jlyhridurn. Uj — This clover appears a hermaphrodite of the red and white clover, although it is a peculiar kind, apart from the other species, it grows in good mead The roots are white and turnip-like, the sterns lying in the beginning of their growth, the lower part of the head is of rosy red and the upper of white color. It blossoms in July and August. This clover is also a mowing and pasture plant; per pound 200,000 grains. 4. * Mountain Clover, (Trifolium Alpestre. u) — This clover grows on dryer pastures than the former, and is better suited for mixed pastures, viz : for cow and sheep pastures, it is an early kind and blossoms from May till August ; the root is dark brown, thread- shaped and woody ; grows oblique and very branchy in the soil; the heads are of purple red color. This clover yields a somewhat harder hay than the meadow clover, but in the mixture with the grasses it is soft, and will last for five or six years, hence it deserves a careful cultivation in the seed bed. It is an excel- lent mowing and pasture plant, and has yellowish seeds of 300,000 per pound. * The Middle Clover, (Trifolium Medium, U ; — This clover grows on dry soils, and belongs, therefore, to the sheep pasture. It is easily known by its stems bending to and fro ; blossoms in June and July : grows on dry pastures one to two feet high ; the roots creep in the soil and are of a grayish brown ; the heads are rosy red and scenting. This clover shoots up after being cut during the whole summer, and its draught is good. It deserves also a careful cultivation in the seed bed for cultivation, is an excellent pasture and mowing plaut, has yellow seeds of 400,000 grains per pound. *The Yellow -Whik Clover, (Trifolium Ochroleu- cum. U) — This clover grows also on dry grounds, one foot high, and blossoms in July and August. 118 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK The heads are of a pale yellow, by which it is easily known ; it is hardy, lasting, productive, and an ex- cellent pasture clover, but its hay somewhat hard. It is a valuable addition to the pastures and deserves to be carefully cultivated for the mixtures. It has light brownish seeds of 300,000 grains per pound. * The long-headed Clover, (Trifolium Rubens. U ) — We find this clover on dry pastures, in bushes, &c. It blossoms in June and July, and grows from one to two feet high ; the heads are of a fine purple red color, and from an inch to an-inch and a half long; the root grows deep in the ground. It is a good pasture clover, and if mowed makes good hay. It has greenish seeds of 300,000 grains per pound. 8. * The Pamionian or felt-like Clover, (Trifolium Pan- nonicum. if ) — This clover grows in the Southern States, on meadows, from two to three feet high, and resembles the meadow clover, but is white felt-like, has brown stems and whitish heads, in the mixture it is an excellent mowing and pasture grass plant, with whitish seeds of 500,000 grains per pound. 9. * The Hill Clover, (Trifolium Montanum. u)— This clover grows on dry hills, borders, wood pastures, &c. It grows from twelve to eighteen inches high, blossoms from May till August, blossoms snow white, is a good pasture, and in the mixture a good mowing clover, and has 500,000 grains per pound. 10. The White Clover, (Trifolium Repens. u) — Every farmer knows this plant, and that, by itself, it makes a sparse or thin pasturage ; but all farmers do not know that as sheep pasture (alone) it is the cause of many diseases among sheep, not on account of any poisonous property it possesses, but from the rich- ness of the plant; it is too stimulating for sheep when it constitutes the whole feed; used in the mixture, however its stimulating effects are counter- acted by other grasses, and it thus constitutes a wholesome and profitable pasturage. It has per pound 600,000 grains. Remarks. — These ten kinds of clover are the most important mowing and pasture plants in the mix- tures. It requires, on a common farm, for their cultivation, only a small quantity of seed, and a small quantity of land, for we dare not add too much clover to the mixtures, as the different kinds of clover and vetches contain too much gum, which is opposed to the harmony of nature and agriculture. But these kinds of clover, added to the grass mixtures, make a far more productive and healthy hay and pasturage, which will support and raise animals of a finer stock and condition than single pastures possibly can do ; and for the reasons mentioned every good farmer will keep on hand those different kinds of clover seeds. section cxxxn. The Meadow Vetches, (Vicia.) — These herbs are not less gummy than the mentioned kinds of clover, as experience and the examination of chemists have sufficiently proved; hence we dare not put too much of them in the mixtures as hay and pastures for cows and sheep, that are not kept for fattening; but for raising stock, the grass plants, which are richer in particles of starch and sugar, should by far predomi- nate ; for on the hay and pastures which contain the most particles of starch and sugar, the largest, healthiest and finest animals are raised. 1. * The Pea-like Vetch, (Vicia Piciformis. if) — This fodder vetch is one of the largest; it grows from five to seven feet, is found in wood pastures, blos- soms in June and July; the root woody and lasting for many years, the stems are furnished with edges and a great number of leaves, the flowers are small and of a yellowish white color ; the ripe hulls are of a light brown. AVhere we cannot plant them for seed cultivation on the outside of gardens, fences, or along bushes, we must keep some plants on garden beds and support them by dry bushes, so that they can grow up. This vetch is a very nourishing and early fodder plant, and yields well in hay mixtures ; it is also a good pasture plant. It has from 3,000 to 5,000 grains per pound. 2. * The Forest Vetch, (Vicia Sylvatiea. U)—\Ve find this vetch in woods and hedges: it blossoms in June THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. I 1 9 and July, with a pale blue; the ripe hulls are dark brown, the root is branchy with many heads, and lasting long ; the stem is very branchy and climbs four to five feet high, bushy, full of leaves, yields well as a mowing plant and for pasture. It has per pound 30,000 grains. 3. * The Bush Vetch, (Vicia Dumetorum. U) — Wc find this vetch in bushes and hedges, blossoms in June and July, flowers large and purple colored ; it climbs from three to four feet high, and distinguishes itself by its leaves, which are standing single ; the ripe hulls are of a greenish yellow. All kinds of stock are fond of it ; it does excellently well in the mowing and pasture mixtures; per pound 10,000 grains. 4. The Hedge Vetch, (Vicia Sepia, u ) — This kind of vetch grows along hedges, in meadows, gardens and woods; blossoms early in May; the root is thin; yellowish and lasting ; the stem grows upward and is one to two feet long; the flowers are of reddish violet, seldom white color; the seeds globular and ash colored, dotted; the hulls spring open. This vetch shoots up early in the spring into greens, thrives well during the whole summer after being cut or eaten off, and remains green even in the winter. All animals are fond of it ; it is a good mowing and pasture plant, and has per pound from 10,000 to 12,000 grains. 5. Carolina Vetch, (Vicia Caroliniana. U) — Grows on borders of woods and along fences, blossoms in May and June, stem two to four feet long, climbing, flowers small, white or pale blue ; it is very full of leaves and is excellent in the mowing and pasture mixtures; animals are fond of it; it has per pound 30,000 grains. 6. Tufted Vetch, (Vicia Cracea. U ) — Grows along the borders of fields, woods and meadows, blossoms in June and July, pale purple, stem two to three feet high. This vetch is also much liked by cattle, and also in the clover and pasture mixtures very yielding. It has per pound, 30,000 grains. 7. * The fine leaved Vetch, (Vicia Tenuifolia. U ) — This vetch grows on sandy pastures and dry lulls, blos- soms in May and Juno, the root is creeping and lasting; stem from one to two feel high, is bent to and fro, knotty and copious in leave--, flowers pale blue; per pound, 30,000 grain-. * The Hedysar-like Vetch, (Vicia Onobrychioide-. u — Is sometimes found in meadows and fields, and blossoms in May and Juno, dark blue, grows from one to two feet high. It is only a pasture plant; per pound, 50,000 grains. 9. *The Lathyrus Vetch, (Vicia Lathyroide-. U) — Grows on sunny dry grass hills and sandy pastures, blossoms in April and May, and is one of the smallest vetches; the root woody, thin, yellowish and lasting; the stem grows from six to nine inches. The upper leaves are oblong, the lower heart-shaped, the flowers pale blue ; sheep are very fond of it ; is only a pasture plant ; per pound 100,000 grains. S E C T I O N C XX X 1 1 1. 31eadoiv Peas. 1. The large Meadow Peas. — The principal of the largest and most lasting meadow peas, we have noticed in the Green Manuring of Topseeds. But these we also use as two and three years fodder mix- tures in the rotation crops ; we can mix them with the following stiff erect herbs, and the strongest mowing grasses, which will prevent them from lying down. 1 ft). Knotty Meadow Pea, (Lathyrus Tuberosus.i 1 " Everlasting Pea, (L. Latifolius.) 1 " Two and four-leafed Pea, (Lathyrus Hetero- phyllus.) 1 " Wood Meadow Pea, (L. Sylvestris.) 1 " Goat's Rue, (Galega Officinalis.) 1 " White Stone Clover, (Melilotus Vulgaris.) 1 " Lucerne. 7 lbs. Fodder Plants. 1 ft). Philadelphia Lime Grass, ( Elymus Philadel- phicus.) 1 " Erect Brorne Grass, (Bromus Ereetus.) 1 " Large Brome Grass, (Bromus Giganteus.) 120 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 1 Eb. Tall Eescue Grass, (Festuca Elatior.) 1 " French Rye Grass, (Avena Elatior.) 1 " Orchard Grass, (Dactylis Glomerata.) 1 " Ribbon Grass, (Phalaris Arundinacea.) 7 lbs. Fodder Grases. This mixture will stand so dense that it cannot lie down, through the help of stone clover and the grasses. It will give three heavy crops in a season for three or four years. 2. The Yelloiv Meadow Pea, (Lathyrus Pratensis.y) — We find this on all good meadows; it has an abund- ance of small leaves, stands erect, grows very bushy from two to three feet high in the mixture, and blossoms in June and July, blossoms yellow. It is very lasting, does well in the clover and vetch mix- tures, and is profitable as a mowing and pasture plant ; it has per pound 12,000 grains. The Marsh Vetchling, (Lathyrus Palustris. u) — In growth it is climbing; grows from two to three feet high in low grounds, wet meadows and thickets ; blossoms in June and July, blossoms blue and pur- ple. It possesses the qualities of the former, but is better suited to pastui'e than mowing ; it contains 20,000 grains per pound. 4. The Shell Clover or Clover Pea, (Lotus Arvenis. u) — Grows on dry pastures and is well known by its constant yellow flowers ; after it blossoms sheep will not feed on it, but will take it in the hay. It dis- tinguishes itself from the following shell clover by its wrinkled stems ; is only a pasture plant on strong vigorous pastures where it cannot come to blossom. "We need not cultivate it, it is easily collected; per pound 10,000 grains. 5. The large Shell Clover, (Lotus Major. U) — Grows higher than the former, has smooth round and hollow stems, grows from one to two feet high and yields better than the former. It is also bitter, and useful in the mixtures of the clovers, vetches and grasses, but we must not take too much of it, on account of its large produce, it is a rare plant and must be cultivated, per pound 100,000 grains. 6. The Wild Lupine, (Lupinus Perennis.) — Cows are very fond of this herb, it grows on sandy hills about one foot high, in the mixture still higher, blossoms in May and June of a purplish blue color ; per pound 5,000 grains. SECTION CXXXIV. Lucerne, Hedysarum, Goat's Rue, Stone Clover. 1. The Blue Lucerne, (Medicago Sativa. U ) — The peculiarity of this fodder plant consists in leaving many vacant places. We seldom find a soil in which it will produce, alone, a good crop ; it is much better, therefore, to be cultivated in the mixtures, so that the open spaces may be filled by other grasses and plants. As it is an early and valuable fodder plant, it will, by this mode of treatment, produce well and last longer. Must be cultivated in the garden for seed — has 200,000 grains per pound. The Yellow Lucerne, (Medicago Foliata. U ) — This plant is for poor clay what the former is for rich — a good mowing plant; but if it is allowed to stand too long, it becomes hard and woody, when we do not cultivate it in the mixture. It is also a good pasture plant, and should be cultivated on every farm. It grows as early as the former, and blossoms from June till fall; stands erect in the mixture, but inclined when wild; grows from two to five feet high — 300,000 grains per pound. The Hedysarum, (Hedysarum Onobrychis. y) — This highly important, wholesome fodder and pas- ture plant is easily cultivated, and, like the blue and yellow Lucerne, has a beautiful appearance. By simply digging a small piece of upland and planting it in rows, we have a supply for several years, for the fodder and pasture cultivation, by gathering the seeds. The time will soon come when a single plant will not meet the wants of the fodder and pasture cultivation the world over. No small trouble will deter the farmer from using every care to prepare his agricultural mixtures; and as experience and local circumstances afford the facilities requisite, his lands will increase in fruitfulness, and amply repay for all the trouble and labor expended. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 121 The Goat's Rue, (Galcga Officinalis. if) — This is a fodder plant of an excellent character. It cannot be excelled when used in the mixture ; but if used alone, it will not do so well, as it grows not dense enough, nor alone, on all kinds of land; but if we keep a few bushes in the hedge or garden, we can save or gather a sufficiency of seed, and thus form the most pro- ductive and durable mixtures, easily and at little expense. Blossoms from June till August, grows from three to five feet high, and has 100,000 grains per pound. Remakes. — Where a farmer has only a small piece of land or small lots, it would be well to set apart a small portion and plant Goat's Rue and blue Lucerne, (in good soil) Hedysarum and yellow Lucerne (on an inferior soil), for they will, if standing free — in such plant hedges — produce three or four times as much fodder as other grasses sowed broadcast. The seed will be a profitable investment, for the free standing plants are loaded with seeds. A yard wide is sufficient for such a row. It should not be sowed too thick. 5. The White Melilote or Sweet Clover, (Melilotus Leu- can tha. if ) — In the mixture with other fodder plants and with the above mowing grasses, this plant ren- ders the two and three years fodder cultivation much more certain and from four to five times more pro- ductive. Such fodder mixtures in hay and pasture will be eaten by milk cows and other stock with a greater relish ; but for hay, it must be cut before it blossoms, for it grows faster afterwards ; and in pay- ing attention, it can be mowed three or four times in a season, producing strong, heavy swaths. The sweet clover thus used proves profitable, but he who rejects this mode, and sows it by itself, will lose his reward and miss his aim. 6. The kinds of the Yellow Melilote or Sweet Clovers : — 1. Melilotus Officinalis. 5 ; 2. Melilotus Dendata. 5 ; 3. Melilotus Kochiana. 5 . The nature of these three kinds is already given in the green manuring. "We will only add that they are of the greatest importance for two and three year fodder mixtures, if we mow them before they come to blossom. They will produce, in the rnixtu! swath of from three to four cuttings in a season, and from four to five times the amount of hay they would if sowed alone, whilst the hay and pasture is greatly relished by horses and cow.-;. Remarks. — As these kinds of Melilotes or Sweet Clovers are so highly important, as well in green manuring as in fodder and pasture cultivation, I will state a simple mode of raising the seeds. We give each of these kinds a separate place, along hedges, or among the shrubbery of the garden or else- where ; we have then no further trouble but to strip off the seeds when ripe. SECTION CXXXV. By-Plants of the Meadows and Pastures. We find the following plants pleasant to cattle and other stock, and as they are convenient to be had and easily collected, we can add those which we find necessary, observing those eaten by the stock — and increasing such in the mixtures — and also lessening the quantity of those not eaten, but allowed to shoot into seed. 1. Sheep Burnet, (Poterium Sanguisorba. if ) — We find the Sheep Burnet nearly everywhere on sandy woodlands. It is very lasting and should be kept for sheep pasture on every farm. It is much liked by sheep, and stands the drought well; has per lb. 300,000 grains. 2. The small-leafed Plantain, (Plantago. ) — This is mentioned for the topseed of green manuring, and is an excellent pasture plant for the mixtures of two and three years; per lb. 300,000 grains. Parsnip, (Pastinaca Sativa. if) — This is also men- tioned in the topseed mixtures for green manuring, and is a good pasture plant; but in mixtures intended for a continuation of several years, we must use less of it than in the mixtures of two and three years of the rotation crop, — for instead of the Parsnip there are given above, better grasses and herbs; per lb. 150,000 grains. 4. Pimpinell, (Anise,) (Pimpinella,) — These are also 122 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. mentioned for the green manuring of the topseed. The two kinds, viz., (Saxifraga and Magna. U) are excellent for*sheep pastures; per lb. 300,000 grains. The Fodder Mallows, (Malva.)— Both kinds men- tioned for the Green Manuring of the Topseed, the Malva Rotundifolia and M. Sylvestris, u are a pleasant pasture for sheep and cattle, and the high Mallow, (M. Sylvestris,) is also good to mow. Seeds per pound 100,000 grains. 6. The common Succory, or Cichory, (Cichorium Inti- bus. y ) — It must be remembered and observed as a general rule, that of those plants which sheep and cat- tle do not touch in the mixture, there should be sowed less in proportion to the other seeds. A small contribution of the Succory is very useful, for sheep and cows will not allow them to grow up, although the leaves have a bitter taste ; but if there is too much of it sowed in the mixture, they will let it stand; seeds per pound 300,000 grains. 7. The common Yarrow, (Achillea Millefolium, u) — This is an important pasture plant, but it must be used very sparingly, and only for sheep pasture in the mixture ; sheep are very fond of it, and it comes very early; seed per lb. 1,000, 000 grains. APPENDIX. Experience shows that plauts which belong to different families, will always prosper better in the mixture than if cultivated alone. We observe for instance the red Clover is protected against the influ- ence of the weather by grasses. The grasses can endure more cold and wet weather than the clover; and the clover is more insensible to drought and heat. The mixture, however, may fail, but is not by far as liable to do so as a single seed of red clover, since the latter may die out entirely the first year, owing to severe cold or other noxious influences; and if there is no grass in the mixture, we are compelled to plow the field over and sow it anew. Eor the seed mixtures, we will lay down the fol- lowing rules particularly to be observed. 1. "We dare sow only such plants in the mixture as will grow and harmonize with each other at the same time. 2. We must select the plants according to the pur- pose we have in view ; that they develop themselves at the same time, or appear early or late. If the plants belong to the pasture, it will be well to select those which develop themselves early and late, as the pasture then affords the animals abundant nour- ishment in every season. But, if on the contrary, we use the plants for stable fodder, it is best to sow such plants together as develop themselves at the same time, or else the earlier plants will choke entirely the late ones. 3. It is of great importance to take the correct pro- portion of the plants sowed together ; for if we sow vigorous or bushy plants in a large quantity with a few weaker and more slowly growing plants, the former will, of course, suppress the latter, so that they cannot thrive. 4. We must always sow such plants together, as will mutually improve in value, of fodder. A.] — Seed mixtures, serving for Cattle, for stable fodder. 1. Mustard and Vetches must be sowed so as to produce about one mustard plant to three vetch plants. This mixture may be sowed like either mustard alone, or vetches, at almost any time from April to June or July, and will generally turn out very cer- tain, but we dare not allow the mustard to stand long enough to become too hard in the stems. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 123 2. Mustard and Spurry should be sowed in the proportion of nineteen seeds of spurry to one of mustard. This mixture produces lower as well as upper fodder. 3. Mustard and Buckwheat, the number of grains to equal parts. 4. Millet and Buckwheat, in the proportion of four grains of buckwheat to one of millet. 5. Spurry and Buckwheat, in the proportion of one part buckwheat to eleven of spurry, especially adapted to light sandy soils. 6. A mixture of Vetches, Beans, Peas, Barley and Oats, in the proportion of three Vetches, to one Pea, one Bean, two Barley, and one grain of Oats. To this mixture we may also add some rye and buckwheat. 7. Mixture of Clover, Grasses and Herbs. The mixtures designed for stable feeding must be com- posed somewhat differently from pasture ; be compiled and selected to suit the condition of the different soils, as one kind of soil will be better adapted to nourishing one kind of grass and herbs than another. The principal rule to be observed is, not to sow the mixture of the clover grasses too thinly, so that they stand densely and close in the beginning. For dry, loamy, sandy soils, the following plants will form a good mixture for mowing the first and second years, and the third year for pasture. Lucerne, 2 lbs. per acre. Bed Clover, ...2 " Perennial Bed Clover, 3 " White Clover, 2 " The small Hop Trifoil, 1 Burnet, 2| " Caraway, 3 " Plantain, § " English or Italian Bye-grass, 4 " Timothy Crass, 2 " Meadow Fescue Grass, 1 " Panic Grass, 2 " Oats Grass, 1 " Orchard Grass, 2 " Comb Grass, 1 " Sum of. 29 lbs. Or for the same kind of soil designed for mowing1 one or two years, and then for pasture from one to two y< Red Clover, 3 lbs. per acre. Perennial Red Clover, 2 " White Clover, 2 " SmallHop Trifoil, 1 Caraway, 2 " Burnet, 2 " English Bye-Grass, (> " Meadow Foxtail Grass, 1 Orchard G rase, 3 " Meadow Panic Grass, 2 Short Hai.ry Oats Grass, 2 Meadow Fescue Grass, 2 " 28 lbs. For good Clay Soils, one to two years mowing. Bed Clover, 4 lbs. per acre. Perennial Bed Clover, 2 " Large Hop Trifoil, 2 White Clover, 1 " Caraway, 3 " Burnet, 2 " Italian Bye-Grass, 6 " Meadow Foxtail Grass, 1 " Orchard Grass, 2 " Timothy Grass, 2 " Meadow Fescue Grass, 1 " Meadow Panic Grass, 1 " 27 lbs. For good Limestone Land, two to four years Mowing. Perennial Bed Clover, 2 lbs per acre. White Clover, 3 " Shell Clover, 2 Caraway, 3 " Burnet...... 2 Orchard Grass, 2 Timothy Grass, 2 " Meadow Panic Grass, 2 " Meadow Fescue Grass, 2 " English Bye-Grass, 2 " Meadow Foxtail Grass, 2 " 24 lbs. 124 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. B. — Seed Mixture for Cattle Pasture. It is undoubtedly the interest of the farmer to ap- propriate land for cattle pasture, which is so poor as not to insure or warrant a good swath of sowed plants ; but he should alwaj^s endeavor to sow for grass pasture such fields as have received a good manur- ing of masses of plants and herbs, for under such circumstances only can the growth of the pasture justify the use of the land. If the soil is very poor, several plants must be entirely excluded, (the red clover, for instance,) or sowed but in little quantities. On the contrary, we take the Yarrow, White Glover, and other grasses growing best on dry soils. The Fescue Grasses, Soft Brome Grass, Timothy, Oats Grass, and English Eye- Grass; but if the soil is rich, and we design mowing the seed mixture the first year, and pasturing the years following, we sow the Red, and Hop Trifoil in abundance, and also such grasses which spread themselves in roots and stalks, especially the English Rye-Grass, Orchard Grass, Comb Grass, Panic Grasses, etc. "We dare not omit in the mixture the herbs, as Burnet, Plantain, Yar- roio, etc., for the improvement of pasture. Cattle are not so fond of aromatic herbs as sheep, but in all cases dense mixtures are always more important for pastures than for hay making, or for green fodder in the stable. For light soil the following mixture is best suited. Grass Mixture for Light Soil. Red Clover, lib. per acre. Perennial Red Clover, 1 " White Clover, 3 " Small Hop Trifoil, 1 " Plantain, 1 " Yarrow, 1 " Burnet, 1 " Caraway, 3 " Soft Brome Grass, 2 " Meadow Fescue Grass, 2 " Oats Grass, 2 " English Rye-Grass, 5 " Timothy Grass, 2 " Comb Grass, 1J " Quaking Grass, 1-| " 28 lbs. For Rich Soil. Red Clover, 2 lbs. per acre. White Clover, 3 " Perennial Red Clover, 2 " Small Hop Trifoil, 1 Plantain, J " Caraway, 2 J " Yarrow, J " Burnet, 1 " Timothy Grass, 2 " Orchard Grass, 2 " Meadow Foxtail Grass, 3 " Comb Grass, J " Quaking Grass, J " Meadow Panic Grass, 1 " Meadow Fescue Grass, 1 " English Rye Grass, 4 " Dandelion, J " 27 lbs. For Moor or Bog Land. White Clover, 2 lbs. per acre. Perennial Red Clover, 2 " Caraway, 3 " Burnet, 2 " Panic Grasses, 3 " Orchard Grass, 2 " Meadow Foxtail Grass, 2 " Meadow Fescue Grass, 2 " Comb Grass, 1 " Sweet-scented Vernal Grass, 1 " Woolly Honey Grass, 1 " Timothy Grass, 1 " English Rye Grass, 2 " White Bent, or Farm Grass, 1 " 25 lbs. Seed Mixture for Sheep Pasture. This seed mixture is not difficult to form in regard to quantity of soil, for sheep like to graze on grasses and herbs. The following selections for the different soils are most suitable. For dry poor Sandy Soils. Large Clover, 3 lbs. per acre. Hard Fescue Grass 6 " THE FARMER'S PJU) MOTION BOO£ 125 Red or creeping Fescue Grass,... 6 lbs. per acre. Sheep Fescue Grass, 2 Soft Bromus Grass, 3 Burnet, 2 Pimpiuelle, (Anise,) \ " Yarrow, 2 Soft Honey Grass, 2 " 26J lbs. For loamy Sandy Soils. Perennial Bed Clover, 2 lbs. per acre. White Clover, 2 " Small Hop Trifoil, 2 Caraway, 3 Yarrow, 1 Pimpiuelle, (Anise,) 1 " Burnet, 2 " Plantain, 1 Hard Fescue Grass, 3 " English Rye Grass, 5 " Creeping Panic Grass, 2 " Timothy Grass, . 1 " Wheat Grass, 2 2T lbs. For Limestone and Clay Soils. Red Clover, 1 lb. per acre. Perennial Red Clover, 2 White Clover, 2 " Small Yellow Hop Trifoil, 2 Caraway, 2 " Yarrow, 1 " Plantain, \ " Burnet, 2 " Pimpinella, \ " English Rye Grass, 4 " Creeping Panic Grass, 2 " Hard Fescue Grass, 2 " Quaking Grass, 1 " Comb Grass, 2 Awned Wheat Grass, 1 " Timothy Grass, 2 27 lbs. We have now given a selection of the mixtures for grasses, clovers, and herbs, by the use of which, the farmer may become prosperous, and lay a lasting 17 foundation for gaining a respectable competence. In his first attempts he will do well to take lauds which gives a ready growth to the seeds, until he is confi- dent his seed is perfect, and he has acquired some practice in curing the seeds and applying them. The longer it stands in grasses, by a suitable attendance, the better he will understand their nature. The principal care which the seed mixtures of this kind require, is the top manuring with compost, contain- ing animal and vegetable matter, and also mixed minerals, which we apply as top manuring in the fall and winter. We find that manuring the* at this time, the sowed plants grow better and are more nourishing. It is not impossible, by well selected over ma- nuring, to make these pastures as nutritious as the marsh pastures along rivers and sea coasts, which are found so nutritious in supporting and fattening cat- tle, since they have the same herbs and gr; which by the chemical qualities of the soil partake of those nutritious elements. On chemical exami- nation they are found to contain much salt, azotic gas, potash, soda, lime, phosphorus and sulphur, which are required by animals in their growth and fattening process. Animal matter is a good ingredient mixed with vegetable substances, lime, marl, &c, and makes an excellent compost, and is of an incalculable benefit for enriching and fattening pastures, and will do much good in aiding the farmer, until he can have time to raise his soil by the invaluable process of Green Manuring. We have, at our command, many things which though apparently small, when collected, are helping considerably— as bone dust, plaster, salt, potash or wood ashes, lime, soda, marl, mould and stable man- ure, all of which, when rightly applied, have good effects, under the influence of a proper moisture. If undue dryness occurs, over-manuring with stable manure, salt, &c, will rather tend to injure than to do good; but when applied with the green manuring of the grasses, herbs, &c., which keeps up a moisture in the soil, it will always produce good effects, even under the influence of very dry seasons. For this we can raise a compost of young vegetables, such as Polk, Sunflowers. Elder, Jamestown Weed, Mullein, Shumach, Artichokes, fcc, to which apply slacked lime three parts, and one part plaster, which soon decompose and make an excellent will manure : 126 THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. when it is perfectly rotten apply it to the land. Another matter which increases vegetation is good harrowing so as to pulverize and render the surface mellow, followed by a good rolling with a heavy roller. 1. The best Meadow Plants for Moist, Wet, Moory, Flat Meadows, of which the water cannot be drained. COMMON NAME. BOTANICAL NAMK. Common Manna Grass, Glyceria Fluitans. Water Spear Grass, Poa Aquatica. White Bent Grass, Agrostis Stolonifera. Melic Grass, Melica Nutans. Timothy Grass, Phleum Pratense. Ribbon Grass, Phalaris Arundinacea. Hair Grass, Aira Aquatica. Marsh Trifoil, Menianthes Trifoliata. 2. On moderate Moist Soils of which the water can be drained off. Meadow Fox-tail Grass, Alopecurus Pratensis. Vernal Spear Grass, Poa Trivialis. Meadow Spear Grass, Poa Pratensis. Meadow Fescue Grass, Festuca Pratensis. Lying Fescue Grass, Festuca Decumbens. High Oats Grass, Avena Elatior. Tufted Hair Grass, Aira Caespitosa. Large Brome Grass, Bromus Giganteus. Sweet Scented Vernal Grass, Anthoxanthuin Odoratum White Bent Grass, Agrostis Stolonifera. Velvet Grass or White Timothy,. Hoi cus Lanatus. Orchard Grass, Dactylis Glomerata. Italian Rye Grass, Solium Perenne Italicum . The Horned Shell Flower, Lotus Corniculatus. Marsh Trifoil, Menianthes Trifoliata Red Clover, Trifolium Pratense. White Clover, Trifolium Repense. Meadow Shell Clover, Lotus Siliquosus. 3. On Moist and, Dry Meadows. Meadow Oats Grass, Avena Pratensis. Gold Oats Grass, Avena Flavescens. High Oats Grass, Avena Elatior. Sheep Fescue Grass, Festuca Ovina. Red Fescue Grass, Festuca Rubra. Sweet Scented Vernal Grass, Anthoxanthum Odoratum Velvet Grass, Holcus Lanatus. Soft Velvet Grass, Holcus Mollis. Fringed Melic Grass, Melico Ciliata. Bulbous Spear Grass, Poa Bulbosa. Common Hair Grass, Aira Flexuosa. Black Medic, Medicago Lupulina. Mountain Clover, Trifolium Montanum. Great Burnet, Pimpinella Magna. Burnet Saxifrage, Pimpinella Saxifrage. Meadow Vetchling, Lathyrus Pratensis. Tufted Vetch, ....Vicia Cracca. Yarrow, Achillea Millefolium. 4. Best Grasses for raising Cattle. Meadow Fox-tail Grass, Alopecurus Pratensis. High Oat Grass, Avena Elatior. Meadow Fescue Grass, Festuca Pratensis. Vernal Spear Grass, Poa Trivialis. Water Spear Grass, Poa Aquatica. Melic Grass, Melica Nutans. Hair Grass, Aira Aquatica. Sweet Scented Vernal Grass, Anthoxanthum Odoratum Brome Grass, Bromus Giganteus. Velvet Grass, Holcus Lanatus. Scented Velvet Grass, Holcus Odoratus. Soft Velvet Grass, Holcus Mollis. Italian Rye Grass, Lolium Perenne Italicum . Red Clover, Trifolium Pratense. The Horned Shell Clover, Lotus Corniculatus. Meadow Shell Clover, Lotus Siliquosus. Meadow Vetchling, Lathyrus Pratensis. Tufted Vetch, Vicia Cracca. 5. Best Grasses for raising Horses. Timothy Grass, Phleum Pratense. Manna Grass, Glyceria Fluitans. Darnel or Rye Grass, Lolium Perenne. Fringed Melic Grass, Melica Ciliata. Orchard Grass, Dactylis Glomerata . Black Medic, Medicago Lupulina. Ribbon Grass, Phalaris Arundinacea. 6. Grasses best suited for raising Sheep. Gold Oats, Avena Flavescens. Meadow Oats, Avena Pratensis. Lying Fescue Grass, Festuca Decumbens. Red Fescue Grass, Festuca Rubra. Sheep Fescue Grass, Festuca Ovina. THE FARMER'S PROMOTION BOOK. 127 Bulbous Spear Grass, Poa Bulbosa. Tufted Hair Grass, Aira Caespitosa. Common Hair Grass Aira Flexuosa. Mountain Clover, Trifolium Montanum. Marsh Trifoil, Menianthes Trifoliata. Great Burnet, Pimpinella Magna. Burnet Saxifrage, Pimpinella Saxifrage. Tuberous Vetchling, Lathyrus Tuberosus. Lance-leafed Plantain, Plantago Lanceolata. Caraway, Carum Cam. Yarrow Achillea Millefolium. 7. Meadow Plants blossoming early and ripening in May. High Oats Grass, Avena Elatior. Meadow Fox-tail Grass, Alopecurus Pratensis. Sweet Scented Vernal Grass, Anthoxanthum Odoratum Orchard Grass, Dactylis Glomerata. Melic Grass, Melica Nutans. Meadow Spear Grass, Poa Pratensis. Italian Rye Grass, Lolium Perenne Italicum. Bulbous Spear Grass, Poa Bulbosa. Mountain Clover, Trifolium Montanum. Meadow Shell Clover, Lotus Siliquosus. Faliated Medic, Medicago Faliata. Marsh Trifoil, Menianthes Trifoliata. Vernal Spear Grass, Poa Trivialis. 8. Meadoio Plants blossoming and ripening (later) in June. Meadow Oats Avena Pratensis. Gold Oats, Avena Flavescens. Meadow Fescue Grass, Festuca Pratensis. Manna Grass, Glyceria Fluitans. Lying Fescue Grass, Festuca Decumbens. Sheep Fescue Grass, Festuca Ovina. Red Fescue Grass, Festuca Rubra. Velvet Grass, Holcus Lanatus. Scented Velvet Grass, Holcus Odoratus. Fringed Melic Grass, Melico Ciliata. Darnel, Lolium Perenne. Ribbon Grass, Phalaris Arundinacea. Red Clover, Trifolium Pratense. White Clover, Trifolium Repense. Black Medic, Medicago Lupulina. The Horned Shell Clover, Lotus Corniculatus. Meadow Vetchling Lathyrus Pratensis. Tuberous Vetchling, Lathyrus Tuberosus. Lance-leafed Plantain, Plantago Lanceolata. Caraway, Carum Carvi. Yarrow, Achillea Millefolium. 9. Meadow Plants which bfossom and, ripen, in July. Timothy Grass, Phleum Pratense. Fiarin Grass, Agrostis Atolomfera. Soft Velvet Grass, Holcus Mollis. Water Spear Grass, Poa Aqnatiea. Water Hair Grass, Aira Aquatioa. Tufted Hair Grass, Aira Caespitosa. Great Burnet, Pimpinella Magna. Burnet Saxifrage, Pimpinella Saxifrage. Tufted Vetch, Vicia Cracca. 10. Meadow T'lxxnts for Milch Cattle. Meadow Fescue Grass, Festuca Prater: Tall Fescue Grass, Festuca Elatior. Timothy Grass, Phleum Pratense. Meadow Spear Grass, Poa Pratensis. Vernal Spear Grass, Poa Trivialis. Water Hair Grass, Aira Aquatica. Italian Rye Grass Lolium Perenne Italicum. Fiarin Grass, Agrotis Caespitosa. Horned Shell Flower, Lotus Corniculatus. Red Clover, Trifolium Pratense. Caraway,' Carum Carvi. 11. Meadow Plants which possess a particular ability for massing. Meadow Fox-tail Grass, Alopecurus Pratensis. Italian Rye Grass, Lolium Perenne Italicum. Vernal Spear Grass, Poa Trivialis. Meadow Fescue Grass, Festuca Pratensis. Tall Fescue Grass, Festuca Elatior. Large Brome Grass, Bromus Giganteus. Red Clover, Trifolium Pratense. White Clover, Trifolium Repense. Meadow Shell Clover, Lotus Siliquosus. Horned Shell Flower, Lotus Corniculatus. Meadow Vetchling, Lathyrus Pratensis. Tuberous Vetchling, Lathyrus Tuberosus. Tufted Vetch, Vicia Cracca. Lance-leafed Plantain, Plantago Lanceolata. Great Burnet, Pimpinella Magna. Burnet Saxifrage,.... Pimpinella Saxifrage. ERRATA. Page 14, first column, 1st line: when the grass — read: where the grass. Page 14, second column, 18th line: the manured fallows are partly sod fallows — read: the manured fallows and partly sod fallows. Page 16, second column, 19th line: not estimate — read: estimate. Page 17, first column, 9th line from bottom: requires 67 tons — read: requires 77 tons. Page 17, first column, 8th line from bottom: producing 26 tons — read: producing 88 tons. Page 25, first column, 14th line: natural food or grasses — read: natural food and gases. Page 28, second column, Section XV, 1st line: in the use of vege- table manure on winter grain, on the poorest soil — read : in the use of vegetable manure on winter grain we will be successful, even on the poorest soil. Page 29, second column, Section XVIII, 17th and 18th lines: immediately after the oats, etc., are harrowed in, or just before a rain — read: immediately with the oats, etc., and harrowed in, just before a rain. Page 33, first column, 11th line from bottom: other plants which some soils — read: which in some soils. Page 33, second column, Section XXXIII, 6th line: I have set at the head of each — read : I have set at the end of each. Two lines below these : plants and grasses, which the farmer — read : plants and grasses, of which the farmer. Page 41, first column, 17th line: Mild Water Pepper — read: Wild Water Pepper. Page 44, first column, 2d line: read — within six or eight weeks, one foot high. Page 46, first column, 19th line: for common cement — read: com- mencement. Page 65, first column, 16th line from bottom: for Section 51 — read: Section 50. Page 65, first column, 11th line from bottom: for Section 52 — read: Section 51. Page 79, first column, 15th line: suited to the topseed in the fallow mixture — read: suited to the topseed, and in the fallow mixture. Page 79, first column, 4 lines below this : June Hull Plants — read : Summer Hull Plants. Page 81, second column, 12th line from bottom: Fleabones — read: Fleabanes. Page 81, second column, 2d line from bottom: Fleabone — read: Fleabane. Page 82, first column, 1st line — read: Fleabane. Page 91, second column, 5th line: whilst the plough-work and pro- duce of fallows will decrease — read : whilst the plough-work and fal- lows will decrease. Page 99, first column, 16th line: square hand — read: square foot. Page 99, second column, 13th line — read: towards the usual clover seeding, at the rate of from four to five grains on the square hand, on the middle soil, we need about three times more seed for these mow mixtures, viz: on the inferior soil, etc. Page 100, first column, 23d and 24th lines — read: here is the clo- ver the main quantity of the mixtures, and it is sowed at the usual rate of 5 lbs. per acre, namely : Clover, 5 lbs. Lucerne, 1J lbs. etc. Page 100, first column, 7th line below the above — read : on the middle soils will be already mowable ; also the Timothy, Tall Fescue Grass, , , and Spear Grass, if they are sowed with the clover. Page 100, first column, 6th line from bottom — read: the more the soil improves, the more the grasses we can add. Page 102, second column, Section CV — read: Of the mixed fodder cultivation for many years, or the artificial meadow mixtures. Page 108, second column, 6th line — read : but by the new system, 300 grains on the square foot. Page 108, second columi>, 14th line — read: White Clover, 4 grs. or If lbs. '# ft. 600,000 grs. Amixture of Lance-leaved Plantain, Yellow Lucerne, Pimpinella, !. ( Sheep Burnet, mm; . Plah ERRATA. Page 14, first column, 1st line: when the grass — read: where the Page 14, second column, 18th line: the manured fallows are partly sod fallows — read: the manured fallows and partly sod fallows. Page 16, second column, 19th line: not estimate — read: estimate. Page 17, first column, 9th line from bottom: requires 67 tons — read: requires 77 tons. Page 17, first column, 8th line from bottom: producing 26 tons — read: producing 88 tons. Page 25, first column, 14th line: natural food or grasses — read: natural food and gases. Page 28, second column, Section XV, 1st line: in the use of vege- table manure on winter grain, on the poorest soil — read: in the use of vegetable manure on winter grain we will be successful, even on the poorest soil. Page 29, second column, Section XVIII, 17th and 18th lines: immediately after the oats, etc., are harrowed in, or just before a rain — read: immediately with the oats, etc., and harrowed in, just before a rain. Page 33, first column, 11th line from bottom: other plants which some soils — read: which in some soils. Page 33, second column, Section XXXIII, 6th line: I have set at the head of each — read : I have set at the end of each. Two lines below these : plants and grasses, which the farmer — read : plants and grasses, of which the farmer. Page 41, first column, 17th line: Mild Water Pepper — read: Wild Water Pepper. Page 44, first column, 2d line : read — within six or eight weeks, one foot high. Page 46, first column, 19th line: for common cement — read: com- mencement. Page 65, first column, 16th line from bottom: for Section 51 — read: Section 50. Page 65, first column, 11th line from bottom: for Section 52 — read: Section 51. Page 79, first column, 15th line: suited to the topseed in the fallow mixture — read: suited to the topseed, and in the fallow mixture. Page 79, first column, 4 lines below this : June Hull Plants — read : Summer Hull Plants. Page 81, second column, 12th line from bottom: Fleabones — read: Fleabanes. Page 81, second column, 2d line from bottom: Fleabone — read: Fleabane. Page 82, first column, 1st line — read: Fleabane. Page 91, second column, 5th line: whilst the plough-work and pro- duce of fallows will decrease — read: whilst the plough-work and fal- lows will decrease. Page 99, first column, 16th line: square hand — read: square foot. Page 99, second column, 13th line — read: towards the usual clover seeding, at the rate of from four to five grains on the square hand, on the middle soil, we need about three times more seed for these mow mixtures, viz: on the inferior soil, etc. Page 100, first column, 23d and 24th lines — read: here is the clo- ver the main quantity of the mixtures, and it is sowed at the usual rate of 5 lbs. per acre, namely : Clover, 5 lbs. Lucerne, li lbs. etc. Page 100, first column, 7th line below the above — read : on the middle soils will be already mowable ; also the Timothy, Tall Fescue Grass, , , and Spear Grass, if they are sowed with the clover. Page 100, first column, 6th line from bottom — read: the more the soil improves, the more the grasses we can add. Page 102, second column, Section CV — read: Of the mixed fodder cultivation for many years, or the artificial meadow mixtures. Page 108, second column, 6th line — read : but by the new system, 300 grains on the square foot. Page 108, second columi>, 14th line — read: White Clover, 4grs. or If lbs. f lb. 600,000 grs. A mixture of Lance-leaved Plantain, \ Yellow Lucerne, I „. . „ } 2 grs. 2A lbs. >irt ."-, :^fe4 -- r-^.V; 3:1 Sfc* iwii' Tar1 j*** il §a%J| l i m r% ) 1 a r IB ^4i £1 & 1,1 *;>h \i #s .y- 31 -£ T w Til'- PLANTS OK Till: FALLOW MAMItl.Mi. PhilHl i RE -CULTIVATION. i PlateTH 1 1 1 THE GRASSES AM) HERBS OF THE FODDER-AND PASTURE -CULTIVATION MiilHII. I ■