Introduction to Irish farming

Introduction

TO

IRISH FARMING.

INTRODUCTION

IRISH FARMING.

THOMAS BALDWIN, M.R.I.A.,

SUPERINTENDENT OF THE AGRICULTURAL DEPARTMENT OF NATIONAL EDUCATION IN IRELAND, AND AUTHOR OF VARIOUS TREATISES ON AGRICULTURE.

BOSTON COLLEGE LIBHARY CHESTNUT HILL, MAb6.

MACMILLAN AND CO.

CfiESraUT HILL, JdA^^r

[T/ie Right of Tra7tslation and Reproduction is reseiTed.']

LONDON CI,AV, SONS, AND TAYLOR, PRINTERS, BREAD STREET HILL.

581^4

TO THE MOST HONOURABLE

THE MARQUIS OF HARTINGTON.

You have treated my views on one or two important subjects with considerate attention; and evinced an earnest desire to use your high position for promoting the prosperity of Ireland. You are heir to a great estate in Ireland, the management of which affords a noble example of wisdom, goodness, and enterprise. In appreciation of all this I dedicate to your Lordship this little Volume.

THE AUTHOR.

Preface

In 1867, a new Text Book on Agriculture, written to order by the Author, was pubUshed by the Commissioners of National Education.

In 1870, a smaller volume, addressed chiefly to small farmers, was published at the suggestion of Earl Spencer, K.G., then Lord Lieutenant of Ireland.

In 187 1, two smaller volumes appeared.

The sale of these several books has already exceeded sixty thousand copies.

Encouraged by this success, and by calls for new editions of two of these volumes, the Author has been induced to reconsider the whole subject, and to produce in their place the present work, in which he has eiideavoured to expound in simple

X PREFACE.

language the outlines of improved modes of farming suited to the circumstances of Ireland.

He knows, from observations made in all parts of Ireland, that if the suggestions and directions contained in this volume were acted upon, the annual wealth of the country would be increased by several millions sterling.

Agricultural Department,

Board of National Education, Dublin. March \gth, 1874.

Chapter I. Page

Manures i

I. HOW LAND BECOMES EXHAUSTED I

II. FARM-YARD MANURE 5

III. LIQUID MANURE . 9

TV. ARTIFICIAL MANURES lO

V. LIME 13

CHAPTER n.

The Crops to Grow, and How to Grow them . . i6

I. the potato 17

II. carrots and PARSNIPS 18

III. TURNIPS AND MANGOLD WURTZEL I9

IV. CABBAGE AND RAPE 23

V. GRAIN CROPS 25

VI. BEANS AND PEAS 28

VII. FORAGE AND HERBAGE CROPS 29

VIII. CLOVERS 32

IX. THE GRASSES 33

X. HAYMAKING 38

XI. ON FLAX 42 xii CONTENTS.

Chapter III. Page

Live Stock 44

i. on the food of animals 44

ii. the several kinds of cattle suited to

irish farmers . 5i

iil on the rearing of calves 54

iv. the feeding of milch cows 58

v. on dairy management .63

vi. on the fattening of cattle ..... 77

vii. the farm horse . . .' 8 1

viii. on sheep 84

ix. on swine 87

x. on poultry 95