Democratic Sentinel, Volume 1, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 January 1878 — AGRICUL TURAL AND DOMESTIC. [ARTICLE]

AGRICUL TURAL AND DOMESTIC.

Around the Fmrm. Pruning of currants, gooseberries, grape vines, omitted in the fall, may be done now on mild days. Cake of the orchard, whether young or old, will require good fences and gates to keep out intruders of all kinds. A stray ox or horse may cause serious damage in a young orchard. Roots are better pulped than cut for sheep. There are very cheap machines that can cut roots into fine shreds or pulp, whioh will soon save their cost in the improved condition of the animals thus fed. M avttbb may be carted to the orchard an 3 spread over the whole surface. The time of manuring is not of so much importance as to get it on at any rate. It is a mistake to pnt a little manure close around the trunks of trees. Covering of strawberries and tender raspberries should be done, if not already completed. In covering strawberries do not get the materials too thick over the plants. An inch or so is better than more. —American Agriculturist. Calves and yearlings may be mode to increase in size and weight considerably, and make a large quantity of fine manure, by keeping them in a roomy shed, bedding them deeply with cut straw or leaves, and feeding them well. With plenty of bedding the shed need not be cleaned out until next spring. No question is more frequently asked than: “When shall I prune?” If the cutting is such as may be done with a knife, it makes but little difference when it is done, but if on old and neglected trees, where large wounds are to be made, it is better to do it when the severe cold weather is over, but before vegetation starts. In the climate of New York, late in February and early in March. Cows in milk may be made greatly more profitable by feeding wheat middlings freely; it will pay to feed as high as four quarts of com meal, and three of wheat middlings, to some cows producing butter; the butter is increased in quantity and improved in quality and color. The kind of cow, however, is important, as some will fatten upon this feed, while others will only increase in milk and cream. Sheep and lambs should be kept and fed separately, else the stronger will crowd and rob the weaker; when in separate pens each thrives better, as the food can be properly apportioned. It is convenient to make as many ieeding stalls around the feed racks as there are sheep, each large enough for one sheep only, then a weak one will have a secure place from whioh it cannot be dislodged. Of course the feed should be evenly placed in the rack. If no accounts have been kept, a beginning of a better system should be made now. At the close of the year make an inventory of every article, and value them, and alsQ put down the debts owing and due. This will show how one stands at the close of the vear. By keeping strict account of one’s business, it is not only known what goes out and what comes in, but by noting every expenditure and income, we can readily find where we gain or lose; foolish or unwise spendings are thought over a second time, and this naturally leads to avoiding them in the future. Fruit in cellars is likely to suffer from heat rather than cold. In the slow operation of ripening, heat and carbonic acid are thrown off. Whenever the temperature approaches 40 degrees, the outer air, if cooler, should be let in to reduce it. In the house-cellar, the accumulation of carbonic acid would be injurions to the health of the family, and it is highly important that this oe removed by Ventilation. In fruit-cellars apart from the houße, this is not necessary, as the presence of this gas, so injurious to animal life, tends to preserve the fruit, as it excludes the atmospheric air. About the House. To Clean Wall Paper. —Wall paper may be somewhat cleaned by using fine, dry Indian meal—rubbing it on with a soft, dry cloth. - Black Ink. —Bruised galls, two pounds; logwood chips, green copperas, and gum, one pound of each; water, seven gallons. Boil two hours and strain. Product, five gallons. Mica Windows. —Mica windows of stoves should be removed from the stove and washed in warm water and soap, using fine sand paper. But they are inexpensive and can be bought new to fit old stoves. Boiled Cauliflower. —Strip off the leaves and cut off the stalk; lay it head downward, in cold water and salt, to draw out the insects. Boil it in boiling water with some salt and sugar for one hour, or until the stalks are tender.

Hair Invigorator.— Bay rum, one pint; alcohol, one-half pint; castor oil, one-half ounce; carbonate of ammonia, one-quarter ounce; tinctnre of catharides, one-half ounce; mix them well. This mixture will promote the growth of the hair and prevent it from falling out. Cocoanut Cake.— Break two eggs in a coffee-cup ; fill it with good sour cream, one cupful sugar, two cupfuls flour, one teaspoonful soda, two of cream tartar ; stir well; this will make four cakes baked on jelly-tins or any tin; then fix the icing; one-half cupful prepared cocoanut, one-lialf cupful sour cream, onehalf cupful white sugar; spread each cake with this. Advice to Stout People.— Any medicine or ingredient of any kina taken by a stout person to reduce him in flesh, to be successful, would injure his stomach and produce endless troubles, but any person with sufficient will may do this and be benefited: Eat no slops;* live on parched corn, broiled meats, little vegetables, no fruits, but drink water, green tea—no sugar or milk; exercise, plenty of water, and no food, is the safe, healthy cure. Suggestions to Lean People.— One who has but little exercise daily will not keep lean for want of exercise. Leanness is constitutional with many. Excess of eating by those with small abdomens only induces leanness, but by the proper mode of eating the proper food, they may be kept in good condition. Broiled and baked food, with pure water, stands first; soups, stews, condiments, pastries, cheese and spices last. Plenty of sleep, with proper attention to the relaxation of the system, are helps.