Evening Republican, Volume 20, Number 189, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 8 August 1916 — Page 2

EVERY DEPARTMENT OF FARM MUST BEWELL ORGANIZED FOR SUCCESS

New Yorker Works Out Profitable Solution of Farm Problems in His Region—Started Enterprise Without Previous Experience to Aid Him—Always Weighed Advice Carefully and Measured It on Basis of His Own Conditions.

(By O. H. ALFORD. State Demonstration Agent, Maryland.) The purpose of this article is to emphasise the following facts: It is not enough to raise good crops or to secure large animal production; these must be economically secured. This is only accomplished when capital and labor are so adjusted to existing conditions that maximum yields are obtained at the lowest cost. To farm successfully every department must be well organized and must be coordinated with the others. Labor must be fully employed, capital must be well utilized, both quantity and quality of products must be secured, and the products must be well marketed. All these things come as the result of close attention to and a detailed knowlege of the business. The reasons and at the same time the justification for recounting the experiences and the methods of any individual farmer, however successful he may be, lies in the fact that a definite illustration brings out the underlying principles most clearly and effectively. To most practical men the concrete appeals more strongly than the abstract. Especially is this true in the teaching of better farm management, because it is a comparatively new method of attacking farm problems which is not yet clearly defined. It is because Mr. L. J. English of Binghamton, N. Y., has worked out a profitable solution of farm problems in his region that his success is worthy of telling and of reading. Had No Experience. Mr. English purchased the farm in 1897. He had no previous farm experience to aid him In starting the enterprise. His new possession consisted of 162 adres of land, “more or less,” with good buildings and all the stock,

machinery and other equipment then on the farm. The stock consisted of three horses, 50 cows, 12 head of cattle and a few chickens. The ordinary equipment was left on the place, together with some hay, grain and roughage. About 90 acres of the farm lie ill the broad, level valley, the remainder being on a slope too steep for cultivation, and on the top of a hill nearly 500 feet above the valley. About 30 acres of quite level and easily tillable land are on the hilltop, but it is difficult of access. For this entire property $16,000 was paid—sß,000 in cash and SB,OOO as a mortgage. The land and buildings were valued at $12,000 and the stock and other movable equipment at $4,000. The former owner had been in possession of the farm for 67 years. It had been profitable 30 or 40 years before, and had been recognized as a farm of considerable fertility. In the years immediately preceding its purchase by Mr. English, it had not paid expenses, to say nothing of the interest on the investment, and the

Youngsters Like These Soon Grow Into Profitable Cows.

neighborhood generally J prophesied that the former owner would get the farm back on the mortgage in a few years. It was even said that there was a deliberate purpose in selling to one who had so little farm experience. Had Little Capital. As can readily be imagined, Mr. English found himself in a rather dif■fioult position when he took possession of the farm- He was practically without farming experience and had very little working capital. He had a

Cows Make the Farm More Profitable.

rugged constitution, however, and had been brought up on hard work, so that he was not afraid of it. To the college and the agricultural press, and especially to the personal help and interest of one college professor, he ascribes all the success he has ever made. These forces stirred him to study his business and to use in every way possible the agencies at hand which would help him and which would aid him in obtaining a better knowledge of the principles of farming. He had observed that rapid progress was being made in every line of Industry but agriculture, and ho took a new interest in everything pertaining to better farming. Yet he never made the mistake of taking advice wholesale. It was always weighed carefully and measured in the light of his own conditions.

When Mr. English took stock of his resources he found that his Income was practically confined to one source —dairying. Some cows were making a good profit; others were causing a daily loss. The fertility of the soil was maintained by the use of manure alone, and this went to produce feed crops for the cattle. Very little hay was sold. There was no systematic plan of crop production or rotation or definite method of soil improvement. System Had Faults. Such a system had several faults, the correction Of which was early recognized as essential to success. Unprofitable cows were destroying the profit of the better ones. The limitation of the income to practically one source put uponthat factor the entire burden of the farm expenses. Labor was poorly distributed and was of necessity frequently employed on unproductive enterprises in order to hold it

for the dairy work, and this was unsatisfactory both to employer and men. No definite system of crop production was in use to provide the right proportion of each crop with the proper distribution of labor. The maintenance of fertility was expensive. All these things it was determined to remedy.

The first step to be taken was the improvement of the dairy. The performance of each cow was studied and the unprofitable ones disposed of. The next important step was to increase the sources of Income by growing such other crops as the labor necessary for the dairy could handle without extra expense, or, in other words, to diversify the farming. The third, but by no means the least important step, was to be the development of a rotation that would improve the soil, furnish the maximum feed for the stock and provide a cash crop. These were taken up and carried out as rapidly as possible. A herd of 50 fairly good cows was purchased with the farm, and at the start dairy products were about the only source of income. Gradually this has been changed, and at present, even though the dairy is an important part of the farm, attention is given to several lines. A purebred sire was included in the farm purchase. It has been the policy at all times to keep a purebred sire of good quality in the herd. The heifer calves from the best producing cows were grown and tested out for dairy production, the best being kept and the others discarded. In this way the quality and the producing power of the cows have been constantly increased. The herd today is uniform and able to produce results. Several cows have produced 60 pounds or more of milk a day and have maintained this record for continuous periods of from four to six months. Limiting Factors. Mr. English found that with this method the cows were the limiting factors in the profit. No matter* how large the crop or what it was worth in the market, its value was measured entirely by what the cow could make out of it. If the price of the milk was low, so was the price of the crop. If the cow was a poor one, the price of the crop was still lower. there was much time on this firm

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

when the labor was not fully and profitably employed. The distribution of labor was so poor that the men could not be given steady employment by the year, and some difficulty was experienced in getting satisfactory labor. So this farmer wanted to add to hts income without cutting down the Income from milk, and by this means to secure a better distribution of labor. Sugar beets were first tried, as a factory was then In operation at Binghamton. It was found that an average of from 10 to 20 tons of beets could be raised per acre, which brought |5 per ton. An average income of at least ?75 per acre could thus be obtained, besides saving as many tops as there were beets sold. These were of considerable value as a succulent feed for the cows. Potatoes Were Next. i- Thp next crop tried was potatoes, and it proved to be so good a money-

Man’s Greatest Benefactor—the Cow, She Pays Debts and Saves Home.

maker that it is now an annual crop. Irish Cobbler was the variety grown, and with good culture 300 to 350 bushels per acre were produced annually. As many as 5,000 bushels of potatoes are often grown on this farm in one season. The growing of these crops led to some direct sales in the city, and until the last year or two a small but profitable direct market-garden business was carried on. Potatoes and apples are still sold direct in the city. . ...... =

The large cash sales from these crops as compared with grain and hay, early taught Mr. English the lesson which so many farmers are now learning to their advantage, namely, that it is cheaper to buy grain than to raise it when the land upon which grain is grown will yield much more—-often double —the cash value of the grain in other crops. It is a simple economic proposition to decide which is cheapest—home-grown or purchased grain. Mr. English figured that he could raise enough sweet corn, potatoes, onions, or other similar crops to buy the grain which would have grown upon his land and still have a good margin left for profit. Mr. English is an ardent advocate of the use of clover, both as a forage plant and as a soil improver. It is the key to success in his system of farming. His average crop of clover is about three tons per acre, and several times he has cut five tons per acre in two cuttings. Not only does It yield practically as well as alfalfa under his conditions, but it is regarded as equally valuable as a feed for cattle. For such he insists that the clover must be cut earlier than is the custom. He aims to cut it before much bloom appears. Despite the lower analysis of clover in digestible protein, his practical experience shows that it is as good a milk producer as alfalfa.

In addition to the grain ration mentioned, the cows on the farm receive a good feed of silage and all the clover hay they can consume. Noteworthy Farming. This faqjllity of adapting his farming to the conditions of the season and the markets is one of the things which makes the farming of Mr. English so noteworthy. In this rotation as now practiced, commercial fertilizer is used on potatoes only. From 500 to 600 pounds of a fertilizer containing 4 per cent of nitrogen, 6 per cent of phosphoric acid, and 10 per cent potash is almost always used, being applied with a potato planter. Tests have shown that fertilizers with corn were unprofitable under the conditions of this farm, but that manure gave very satisfactory results. Of all the land to be seeded to clover, 400 to 600 pounds of hydrated lime (this form is used because it is easiest to apply, though its first cost is higher than other forms) is applled once in three years. In all these applications no fixed rule is invariably followed, but the needs of the crops and the season are always considered. A definite system followed as closely as good judgment will permit is the very best kind of farming. The results of 15 years’ work along these lines has been the development of one of the most successful systems of farm management in the whole region.

Every cow in the dairy is now a profitable one. All the “boarders” have been dropped. Without materially increasing the expenses of the farm, the income has been practically doubled by supplemented receipt? from the dairy and by cash crops for the city markets, especially potatoes. While the Income fromdhe dairy has been increased, the expenses have been reduced by growing a larger part of the rations on the farm. Succulent feeds and feeds high In protein have made this possible, especially corn ft* silage and clover hay.

NEW MILITARY CAPE

Seeking something unusual in wraps, a designer evolved the military cape shown in the sketch, employing in the original design natural color pongee with facing and collar of French blue faille silk. A simple embroidery is worked In blue, yellow and green thread. Obviously a cape of this type is not for conservative street wear, but it offers an excellent suggestion for a summer evening wrap, while It is practical for wear over a bathing suit to protect the wearer’s arms and shoulders from the sun’s nays while lounging on the beach. The cape is circular, 42 inches long, and at the center back Is slashed to a depth of 18 inches. The collar is adjustable, and may be worn as shown or drawn high about the throat. If desired a hood may be attached also and the garment made practical for motoring wear.

To make this cape four yards of material 36 Inches wide are required, together with two yards of contrasting color for facing and collar. Many owners of quaint old shawls are this season converting them into capes, using the fringe or border as a trimming. A handsome shawl so converted may still be retained as an heirloom, wraps of the cape type having if .not a continuous at least a frequently recurring vogue. I."*. ‘ Great variety is in evidence In the array of dressy silk wraps developed for afternoon and evening wear this season. Some have flowing dolman sleeves, and an equal number have no

Military Cape of Faille Silk and Pongee.

sleeves whatever. Occasionally a wide circular cape without even armholes is shown, made of pastel or high-col-ored silk. Again, slits framed in self ruchings serve as armholes. Selffringed ruches, wide puffs or narrow quillings of silk are favorite trimmings for wraps of the type described. A wide flare and the absence of any suggestion of a waistline are features of the summer evening wraps developed. The afternoon wrap of satin or silk, semifitted, and trimmed with bands of ostrich or marabou, is popular. The selection of satin at this time is wise, as it is to be the leader in silks for fall wear ,and textile houses are now showing many brocaded, checked and striped satins in self color, with faille, gros de londres or taffeta bars or stripes.

IS REALLY PRETTY PRESENT

Few Gifts Will Be More Highly Appreciated Than a Glass Box Made by the Donor. Anything made of glass always has a peculiar fascination, and such boxes as these are really easy to make and form most handsome presents. The box described here looks beautiful on the dressing table and can be used as a jewel box or can be put on

Pretty Crystal Box.

a table in the drawing-room to display delicate curios or other small trinkets, as the contents can always be seen, yet are protected from dust and fear of accident. Ordinary clear glass will be required, and this .will doubtless be found about the house In the shape of a picture glass. The glazier for a dime or two will cut the required sizes out, and if asked will round off the corner edges and smooth down any shlirp points. The sizes required for such a box as illustrated are as follows: Two pieces 8 inches by 5 inches <for top •nd bottom of the box), two pieces 8

inches by 8 Inches (for front and back), two pieces 5 inches by 3 Inches (for sides). To put the glass together, ribbon will be required, about 4 yards, from 1% to 2 inches in width. Just fold the ribbon lengthwise, then iron It; sew one folded end together and slip a piece of glass between the fold; stretch the ribbon tightly along the glass, cut off the end of the piece; turn the edges of ends in and oversew; it should grip the glass quite tightly. Frame each edge of the glass in the same way with a ribbon border. When the pieces have all been framed the box is put together by oversewing the ribbon edges together; use silk or thread to sew with that Is the same color as the ribbon. For a little latch, buttonhole a tiny ring with the silk and sew in the center of the top lid edge. At the bottom of the box lay a piece of colored satin or silk the color of the ribbon used, and the pretty box is complete.

’KERCHIEF TO BE CONSIDERED

Has a Place All Its Own Among the Accessories of Dress in Fashions of Today. That little square of cambric Is almost losing its identity with its importance as a dress accessory. Now instead of being a very handy object when a cold in the head is insistent, or when summer heat brings the perspiration to the fevered brow, the handkerchief is used to express the latest fad or to give a touch of color to a somber frock. You may have striped sports handkerchiefs in colors to match the striped skirt or blouse. They should peep from the pocket of the plain part of the sports costume. Often they are of silk and encircle-the sports hat or swathe the neck of the sports blouse.

Handkerchiefs are no longer square, either. They are round, or show rounded corners cut to follow the outline of the embroidered motif. Net handkerchiefs, of no earthly use, but of much dainty beauty, come in all shapes and sizes. They are usually finished with net footing. Yes, and you may have a tasseled handkerchief. It matches your tasseled veil, too, by the way..

USE FOR OLD WAISTBAND

Discarded Article May Be Made of Service in This Way, and Will Last Some Time. A good use to which an old leather band and buckle may be put is illustrated by the accompanying sketch, in the way of using a portion of it in suspending a purse or small bag from the waist.

The bag shown in the sketch is a simple and useful little article to make for this purpose, but there are many small bags and bag-purses already in existence that could be used in the way shown. The band will most probably have to be shortened a little, and it can easily be cut down to any required length. It is sewn onto the top of the bag in the position shown in diagram A. The pointed end is then passed under the waist-belt and fastened into the buckle, with the result to be seen in the larger sketch. Diagram B shows the bag hanging in position upon the left-hand side of the

Use for Old Waistband.

skirt, where the contents will be easily accessible. The bag shown can be made of silk chosen possibly of a color to match the belt, and it is lined with sateen and bound at the edges with narrow ribbon. It can either be made to fasten with snap fasteners or small buttons and buttonholes.

Frocks Are Quilted.

Quilted for the kiddies are replacing smocked effects, for quilting is now the very last note in fashionable revivals. The quilting is done in tiny hand stitches through two layers of fabric, and is added to the frock in the way of pockets, cuffs, round yoke sections and trimming bands. Linen does not take as kindly to quilting as very fine cotton —all the quilted counterpanes of great-grand-ma’s day were of patchwork made of scraps of cotton or muslin fabric, with usually a quilt lining of unbleached muslin. Frocks for little girls are now made of very fine cream-colored cotton fabric, with quilted trimmings set in with piped edges in color. The effect is novel and very good.

Petticoats With Yokes.

Petticoats are now being made with deep pointed yokes upon which are set net or thin silk foundations ruffled right down to the hem. A few of these petticoats are slightly stiffened, but most of them have merely a heavy cord apound the bottom and a width of hair lace.

PETER’S DENIAL

By REV. L. W. GOSNELL

Superintendent at Men. Moody Bible Imtituteof Chicago

TEXT—And the Lord turned, and looked upon Peter. And Peter remembered the Word of the Lord, how he had said unto him: Before the cock crow, thou ehalt deny me thrice. And Peter went out, and wept bitterly.—Luke 2:51, 62. Peter never forgot his denial. Speaking to the Jews he says, “Ye

Christ in the garden, yet he cowered before the servants in the high priest’s palace. He was not in danger of being killed if he had confessed Christ, but denied him to save himself from being taunted. And all this occurred on the same night in which he had received the bread and wine from the hands of his master, and had submitted to having his feet washed by him! We are only kept from chiding him because we are reminded of our own failures and our denials of Christ.

The Sin of Profanity. Added to the sin of denial was that of profanity, for we are told that he began to curse and to swear, saying he knew not the man. The sin of profanity clings to a man, and the tendency sometimes appears even after conversion. Many have failed at this point, although delivered from other sins. An old writer has pointed out the folly of it in these words: “The devil tempts men through their ambition, their cupidity, or their appetite, until he comes to the profane swearer, whom he clutches without any reward.” There is a melancholy comfort in the fact that Peter seemed to feel they would not suspect him of being a disciple if they should hear him use profane language; the world expects things of Christians. Several elements enter into the story of Peter’s denial. First of all, we notice his self-confidence. “If all shall be offended in thee, I will never be offended.” His failure doubtless revealed to him his weakness, and was used of God in bringing him to a better mind. By such testings we learn our own helplessness and are driven to the strong one for strength, in his epistle, Peter emphasizes the value of meekness and godly fear. “No Business With the Flunkies." Another secret of Peter’s failure is found in the society he kept. He had followed his Lord afar off, and when he came into the palace, sat down with the high priest's servants. As an old Scotch woman said, “he had no business with the flunkies.” It is difficult to maintain a Christian profession even when we must be among the ungodly, but there is great danger when we choose them for our companions.

Again, the element of surprise has to be reckoned with. Peter would have been brave in the garden in open conflict with Christ’s enemies, but he did not expect to be assailed as he sat' by the fire that night. Earnest Christians learn to dread temptations which approach with the stealth of a serpent. The writer recalls the occasion when he first saw a “sensitive plant,” and remembers his surprise when its leaves withered at the approach of his hand. If we are to escape better than Peter did, our souls must be so tender that the very approach of temptation will cause them to shrink in dread and hide themselves in Christ. Yet this man was restored. even after such a failure. There were four steps in his restoration. Steps Back to Christ. First, there was the look of Christ. After the crowing of the cock, we are told the Lord turned and looked upon Peter. What a look of wounded love that must have been 1 Yet we should not forget that the same sad, piercing gaze is turned upon us when we grieve Christ, r Secondly, the Lord sent a special message to Peter on the morning of the resurrection (Mark 16:7). Thirdly, he had a private interview with this apostle on the day he arose (Luke 24:34; I Cor. 15:5). Finally, when he appeared to the seven on the shore Of the Sea of Galilee, he reinstated Peter most fully. The story is told in John 21, and is worthy of careful perusal. Three times the Lord asked him If he loved him, and the apostle had thrice denied, so he was allowed to confess him three times. Poor Peter might have thought he would never again be intrusted with responsibility, but three times the Lord bade him feed his flock. As a climax, this man who had said he would follow Christ to-death, but had failed so shamefully, was tdld he would, after all, have the privilege of dying for his Lord. What comfort here for the backslider! With what new meaning may we sing, “He re* storeth my soul.”

denied the holy one and the just,” and in his second epistle he refers to those who denied the Lord that bought them. At the point where he was supposed to be strongest, he failed. He is noted as the confessor of Christ, yet became his denier. He was the brave man who undertook to defend