The Texas Almanac for 1867 with Statistics, Descriptive and Biographical Sketches, etc., Relating to Texas. Page: 20
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20 TEXAS ALM ANC.
AUGUST.
THE PLANTATION.
IN the average of seasons cotton will open freely now. As soon as the
light hands can gather from 40 to 50 pounds each per day, set them at it.
Complete all arrangements for picking, ginning, etc.; sack and basket-
making, scaffold-building, etc. Make such arrangements for hauling the
seed-cotton to the gin-house as will do away with. the hands carrying their
loaded baskets on their heads. It is an unnecessary addition to their day's
work, and frequently causes accidents. At intervals from the 1st to the 20th
sow turnips; unless on new or very rich land, drill them, that they may be
plowed and hoed once or twice. Sow winter or Egyptian oats and rye. They
may be sown among the cotton, after picking over once. An excellent winter
,pasture is thus made at little cost; if allowed to seed, a fair crop is produced;
if cut when the grain is in the milky state, it makes superior hay; and if,
after being lightly grazed in winter, taking care to keep the stock off when
the ground is wet, the oats make a pretty good growth in the spring, and
are then plowed in, as late as possible before heading, the soil will be very
greatly benefited.
GARDEN CALENDAR.-AuGUsT.
CENTRAL TEXAS, ETC.-This is, perhaps, the most important month of the
year in the kitchen garden. The crop is not only more valuable, both in an
economic and pecuniary view, but the vegetables are of better quality, and
endure longer in perfection. If the soil has not been already put in order,
manured, and dug or plowed, let no time be lost in preparing it. When
rainy or dark weather occurs, set out plants of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower,
kale, savoys, Brussels sprouts, celery, endive, etc., and sow seeds of all of
these. Sow turnips at two or three difi'rent times during the month; also
mustard, both on richly-manured ground, by cow-penning or otherwise, or in
new land. A few Irish potatoes may be planted; they will most commonly
do well. Plant melons and cucumbers for pickles, a few snap-beans, peas,
and broad beans. Sow radishes, lettuce, curled and water cress, parsley,
onions, parsnips, spinach, carrots, leeks, beets, etc.
THE ORCHARD.
Of the proper soils for the several fruits, the apple and pear prefer a.strong
loam, or soil in which clay preponderates, and which contains lime; if not,
then lime in some shape must be applied; and if the soil is naturally sandy,
add clay or stiffish swamp muck. The peach and nectarine thrive best in a
light, warm, rich soil, even though quite sandy; if the soil is naturally very
stiff, a good deal of sand and crushed charcoal must be applied. The apricot
and the plum both love a cool, strong, stiffish soil. Where the soil is sandy,
try them, worked on the peach or almond. For the raspberry provide a deep,
rich, cool, and stiffish soil; for the strawberry, a similar soil, but inclined to
sandy. The fig thrives well in any good garden soil, bearing most abund-
antly, and least likely to be injured by frost, or the fruit by continued
wet weather, if high and not too rich. The orange requires a good, mellow,
garden soil, not wet. The grape-vine must have a rich, deep, mellow soil,
inclined to sandy, and in which there is considerable lime. All of Western
and Central Texas is capable of becoming one vast vineyard; and the day is
not far distant when wine-making will be an important interest in this State,
scarcely second to any other.
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The Glaveston News. The Texas Almanac for 1867 with Statistics, Descriptive and Biographical Sketches, etc., Relating to Texas., book, December 1866; Galveston, Texas. (https://texashistory.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metapth123772/m1/22/: accessed April 27, 2024), University of North Texas Libraries, The Portal to Texas History, https://texashistory.unt.edu; crediting Texas State Historical Association.