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Story
June 28, 1839
Cheraw Gazette And Pee Dee Farmer
Cheraw, Chesterfield County, South Carolina
What is this article about?
In a letter dated March 9, 1839, from Deer Wood, Scott County, young farmer S.Y.K. shares an effective method for destroying briars, learned from experienced farmers: cut them at the dark of the moon in August for two years, burn the cuttings, and use a briar scythe or hemp knife.
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DESTROYING BRIARS.
The following communication, though from a young farmer, is not the less acceptable on that account, and particularly as the mode so well described, of destroying a most troublesome pest, is drawn from the successful practice of older farmers and attested by his own.
Deer. Wood, Scott co., March 9, 1839
To the Editor of the Franklin Farmer:
Dear Sir:--I cannot estimate the good result of your paper among the farmers generally, and especially to young beginners like myself. In the 25th No. of 2d Vol. I see an article from Cato, requesting information of some old and experienced farmers as to the best method of destroying briars. You know, Mr. Editor, I must fall short of that description of personage, but not having seen the subject taken up by an abler hand, I will venture a few remarks subject to your abridgment or modification (if you shall think them worthy) which I, in my endeavors to become a good and practical farmer, have gained from men of experience. I have known large patches of briars (and farms that were almost unbroken patches of briars,) effectually destroyed in the following manner. Cut them down at the dark of the moon in August two years in succession. One year will answer in a pasture well stocked. It would be well to put the land in some kind of grass at this time, as it appears almost an impossibility to kill them so long as the roots are broken and disturbed by a plough. They should be piled with a pitchfork and burned after cutting, as you would find it rather a serious job the next year, cutting among the old ones left on the ground. My own experience does not permit me to say, whether any other time in August would not do as well as the dark of the moon. The short time I have been farming I have adhered entirely to these rules and they are the only effectual ones, I ever have heard of.
The best instrument for cutting them is a briar scythe. One who understands cutting with them will cut off sprouts half as large as a man's wrist. In a fence corner or such place as they may not be got at easily with a scythe, take a hemp knife or hoe; possibly one who cannot use a scythe well might find it advantageous to adopt the hemp knife. I use the latter myself, not being able to handle the former. There is considerable sleight in the use of both instruments. The edges should be turned up so as cut the stubble slanting towards you. It is best not to be too timid of getting a little scratch.
S.Y.K.
The following communication, though from a young farmer, is not the less acceptable on that account, and particularly as the mode so well described, of destroying a most troublesome pest, is drawn from the successful practice of older farmers and attested by his own.
Deer. Wood, Scott co., March 9, 1839
To the Editor of the Franklin Farmer:
Dear Sir:--I cannot estimate the good result of your paper among the farmers generally, and especially to young beginners like myself. In the 25th No. of 2d Vol. I see an article from Cato, requesting information of some old and experienced farmers as to the best method of destroying briars. You know, Mr. Editor, I must fall short of that description of personage, but not having seen the subject taken up by an abler hand, I will venture a few remarks subject to your abridgment or modification (if you shall think them worthy) which I, in my endeavors to become a good and practical farmer, have gained from men of experience. I have known large patches of briars (and farms that were almost unbroken patches of briars,) effectually destroyed in the following manner. Cut them down at the dark of the moon in August two years in succession. One year will answer in a pasture well stocked. It would be well to put the land in some kind of grass at this time, as it appears almost an impossibility to kill them so long as the roots are broken and disturbed by a plough. They should be piled with a pitchfork and burned after cutting, as you would find it rather a serious job the next year, cutting among the old ones left on the ground. My own experience does not permit me to say, whether any other time in August would not do as well as the dark of the moon. The short time I have been farming I have adhered entirely to these rules and they are the only effectual ones, I ever have heard of.
The best instrument for cutting them is a briar scythe. One who understands cutting with them will cut off sprouts half as large as a man's wrist. In a fence corner or such place as they may not be got at easily with a scythe, take a hemp knife or hoe; possibly one who cannot use a scythe well might find it advantageous to adopt the hemp knife. I use the latter myself, not being able to handle the former. There is considerable sleight in the use of both instruments. The edges should be turned up so as cut the stubble slanting towards you. It is best not to be too timid of getting a little scratch.
S.Y.K.
What sub-type of article is it?
Curiosity
What themes does it cover?
Triumph
What keywords are associated?
Destroying Briars
Farming Method
Briar Scythe
Dark Of The Moon
Agricultural Pest
What entities or persons were involved?
S.Y.K.
Cato
Where did it happen?
Deer Wood, Scott Co.
Story Details
Key Persons
S.Y.K.
Cato
Location
Deer Wood, Scott Co.
Event Date
March 9, 1839
Story Details
Young farmer S.Y.K. describes a method to destroy briars: cut at dark of the moon in August for two years, burn cuttings, seed grass, use briar scythe or hemp knife.