Alexandria Gazette

COMMUNICATED.

In a recent number of the Gazette, I notice a communication from Mr. John Marshall, in which he concurs with Mr. Noland, in recommending a free use of Guano as the most practicable means of getting rid of the ravages of the joint worm. "Mr. M. adds, that in the joint worm infected region it is more than useless to sow any kind of Wheat without Guano. The gentleman, surely, would have us believe that Guano is the sine qua non to the profitable production of Wheat."

No one, I imagine, can be found at this advanced period of the use of Guano, to doubt its astonishing and valuable effects on vegetation of all kinds. Powerful and valuable as it is, I do not think, there is any considerable number of farmers concurring in the opinions above quoted, as it is a fact known to hundreds, in the County of Culpeper, that a free use of Guano will not insure against the depredations of the joint worm or fly, or save it from rust, if seeded late; indeed, "the crops of wheat on some land, the present season, are so bad, notwithstanding Guano was freely used, (while those on fallow, early seeded, without Guano, yielded well.) the opinion prevails, that early seeding, regardless of variety, has more to do with the successful raising of Wheat, than a free use of Guano."

Consequently, they greatly prefer early seeding without Guano, to late or corn land seeding with it.

In conclusion, I would respectfully suggest to those who are likely to be induced to purchase Guano at the unreasonable rates, at which it is at present held, under the belief that an antidote has at last been discovered for the joint worm, not to lay the flattering unction to their souls, for most assuredly will they be disappointed.

A FARMER.

Culpeper County, July 8, 1854.