Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 79, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 11 April 1918 — THE NEIGHBORHOOD CORNER [ARTICLE]

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CORNER

A DEPARTMENT OF FARM WELFARE CONDUCTED RY CO. AGENT LEANING. Look Out For Mites in Henhouse “Now is the time to look out for mites in the hen house and chicken coops,” says the members of the Jasper county poultry committee. “Many people do not notice (he mites and the chicks are badly aimoydd before they realize what is the matter. Spray the roosts with any good coaltar disinfectant. Iftrosene is a little too severe and may spoil any eggs for hatching. For head Hce use lard on the heads of the little chicks. Lice and mites keep the chickens from getting a proper start and render them more subject to diseases which follow.

The Farm Orchard. Within the next few weeks the opportunity to clean up, prune and give winter spray to the orchards will be gone.' It is not much more trouble to grow good fruit than poor and there is a great difference in value. The winter spray consists of part lime sulphur solition to 8 or 9 or water. This should be followed after the petals have fallen'by a spray of one gallon of lime sulphur solution and one pound' of arsenate of lead to 40 gallons of water. By repeating this spray about July 20th perfect fruit is almost assured. Five Acre Corn Club Popular. Several live young farmers of the county have joined the* state five acre corn growing, the object *to grow the greatest amount of corn on five acres of ground at the least work. This work has been carried on in other parts of the state for years, but as far as known this is the first time that men have entered from this county. % AU members who obtain 100 bushels or more per acre will be awarded medals. These fellows want to get more men in the same game. All who are interested would do well to send in their names before May Ist.

Farmers’ Clubs. The reguly meeting of the West Carpenter Farmers’ club will be held at the Welsh school house Friday evening, MaAh 19th. Among other numbers “The Farmers’ Garden,” will be discussed. Officers for the year will be elected. A good attendance is desired. On account of unfavorable weather last Saturday night the meeting of the North Union Farmers’ club will be held next Saturday evening, April 13th. An interesting evening is promised for all. A big rally will be held at the Kniman school house next Thursday evening, April 18th. Patriotic, agricultural and educational speakers have been secured who will talk upon the important problems ’of the day. A. P. Rice and Guy Dooley comprising the committee in charge state that they expect to make the evenings’ program a big event of the season. All are invited to attend. Don’t Forget The Cattle Feeders’ Meeting. Cattle feeders will miss a good trip if they are unable to make the drive to Lafayette April 13th, to attend the Indiana Cattle Feeders’ spring meeting. The party wiill leave Rensselaer at 7 o’clock in charge of Chas. Moody and return the same evening. The cattle feeding tests have developed some interesting facts this season and every feeder should arrange to attend. Alfalfa More Popular.

There has been more interest in alfalfa growing in the county this spring than in years. . This is doubtless due to a recognition of the value of the crop. Drainage, limestone, and acid phosphate wifi place most of our soils in a suitable condition to grow this ’ plant. Seeding in April with barley as a nurse crop seems to be the popular method. Why Not Swoet Clover? A little svfreet clover seed scattered on the wheat fields now and harrowed in Will give plenty of fall pasture and help keep up soil fertility. Sweet clover seed is- comparatively cheap this spring and is decidedly cheaper than fertilizers. Sweet clover, however, has a high lime requirement. Follow The Plow. With Tho Harrow. A very good, practice which is coming into general use is that of harrowing land the same day that it is plowed, making it easier to obtain a fine seed bed and preventing an undue evaporation of moisture. A good seed bed is essential in the production of a large yield of corn and it is not too early to plan for a “bumper.” •

Don't Forget The Individual Ear Test. The mere fact that a farmer has purchased a goodly supply of seed corn at a fancy price is .no proof that his seed problem is settled. No matter bow good the seed looks, it is absolutely necessary to give it the individual ear test this year as even the best looking corn has in some instances given disappointing results. In another month it will be too late to look after this matter. If there is a farmer in Jasper county who has not tested his seed corn, he can afford to give this his attention, whether he grew the corn himself, bought it from a neighbor or had it shipped in. It is a poor time to take chances, especially when the odds are so heavily against the untried seed. The best is not showing up any too good. Demonstration April 17. On April 17th at 2:00 p. m. a demonstration on quick and yeast war bread will be given at the residence of Frank Tillett, near Francesville. Everyone is invited. The food administration has now asked that the housewives do witb- | out wheat in any form until after • harvest. Purdue in her labaratories, is * working on wheatless yeast bread

recipes. They will soon be available to all the women in Jasper county. Make use of them. Do your bit for Uncle Sam by saving wheat for the boys “over there.” This is your chance to do a bit of national service. Of course, we all honor the women who leave their homes to nurse and care for the wounded; but, no woman need think for a minute that because she can’t wear a nurse's uniform, she can’t be of patriotic service to her country. The woman in her home by observing these food conservation laws and training herself in household thrift can make of the kitchen apron a uniform of national'significance. Enlist as a kitchen soldier. Demonstration in Hanging Grove Township. Tuesday, April 16, a demonstration on the use of substitute flours will be given at the' home of Mrs. Robert McDonald, of near McCoysburg. Thursday, April 18, the same demonstration .will be given at the home of Mrs. S. B. Snedeker, of near McCoysburg. Everyone, welcome.