Evening Republican, Volume 21, Number 177, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 6 August 1918 — Page 3

Helping the Neat and Milk Supply

<«pecial Information Service, United States Department of Agriculture.) SILOS ARE BIG FOOD CONTAINERS

The Pictures Show Four Kinds of Silos, and the Construction of One.

CANNED CORN IS FAVORED BY COW

Succulent Feed Provided for Live Stock When Pasture Is Not Available. SILAGE REDUCES FEED BILL No Other Food Will Combine So Well With Dry Hay and a Little Grain to Produce the Maximum Economical Results. . Can for the cow—in a silo! Fruits and green vegetables are canned to supply succujent and palatable foods for the family during the winter. Succulence is just as essential to the cow as to a human being. The abundant milk flow obtained_from .Tune pasture to a large extent is due to the succulence of the grass. Silage provides succulent feed during winter when pasture is not available. Silage is palatable, and ho other feed will combine so well with dry hay and a little grain to produce maximum economical results.

Use of Silo Growing. Dairy farmers especially have appreciated the value of silage as a milk producer. But silage is a good and cheap feed for beef cattle, and also for sheep and horses. Its value for beef cattle Is Illustrated by the fact that the bureau qf animal industry of the United Stated" department of agriculture, in co-operation with state authorities and county agents, at present Is conducting a campaign to Increase the number of silos on beef cattle farms. With more* silos more beef cattle can be produced economically and fed during the winter. The campaign is being given special attention in the Southern states, particularly in territory recently freed from cattletick quarantine, where the production of beef cattle Is on the increase. Saving Corn Crops. Silage is regarded as an excellent way of preserving a mature corn crop or of saving one which for any reason must be harvested before maturity. About 40 per cent of the total food material in the corn plant is in the stalks and'leaves. When the farmer harvests only the ears he loses nearly one-half of the crop. On the other hand, when the crop is put into the silo the loss is very small. When drought, frost or insects attack a field of corn before it is ripe, the entire crop may be lost unless the farmer has a silo ready in which to preserve It. No feed crops can be so successfully harvested under widely varying conditions as those that go into the slid. Only in case of drought or frost is It necessary to rush the filling of the silo. Rain or dew on forage does not Injure the silage. Now Is Time for Silos. The sflo at all times, and particularly how. offers to the farmer one of the best means of reducing his feed bills. The present great emergency

makes conservation of grain a necessity, and grain can be saved by feeding silage. / These questions are before farmer who keeps cattle: Have you a silo? If you have not your herd is not most economically fed. Why not build a silo and fill it before frost comes? If you have one, is it big enough to supply all the silage your cattle can eat before the next crop is harvested? If not, build another! You can buy one ready to erect or you can build one yourself. Call on the extension department of your state agricultural college for assistance you may need, or write to the United States Department of Agriculture, Washington, D. C„ for billn of material with full specifications for silos of different dimensions. This government help costs farmers nothing.

DO WHAT THE ROMANS DO.

It is not always necessary to live in Rome to do as the Romans do—or did. , History tells of Roman farm'ers who carefully chopped fine their Various green, succulent feeds and packed them in pits for use during the winter season. The practice seems to have been common, and the feed’kept well. From those early times It has been good practice to store various green crops in pits or air-tight containers for feeding to stock. The silo is the p'resentday result, and a \ farmer who raises live stock, be. they cattle, sheep or hogs, cannot afford to be without one. The advantages of the silo are numerous, but some of the more important are: (jlreen, succulent feed is available throughout the year. A silo stores more feed for less cost than any other farm building. i The feed Is handy for use.

Treating Heated Horses.

Do not bleed horses that have fallen from sunstroke or heat exhaustion. Apply ice or very cold water to the head and spine. Give half an ounce of carbonate of ammonia in one pint of water as soon as the animal is able to swallow freely. Repeat the dose in one hour if the pulse has not become slower. Showering the horse with cold water frojn a hpse is good treatment and should be repeated until the body temperature is reduced to 103 degrees Fahrenheit. It helps in some cases to rub the legs briskly with wisps of hay or straw. After the horse has again become able to eat readily, specialists' of the United States department of agriculture advise that the following dose of tonic be given In his feed for a few days eiiich morning and evening: Sulphate of Iron, one dram; gentian, three drams; red cinchona bark, two drams, mixed in the feed.

Needs and Habits of Bheep.

The needs and habits of sheep differ widely from those of horses, cattle and swine, but present no problems that will not be met by Interested study and observation supported by satisfactory returns.

THE EVENING REPUBLICAN, RENSSELAER, IND.

FREE IN CRITICISM

Marginal Notes Upon Books Are Sometimes Severe. Readers’ Estimates of the Works In a Circulating Library Apt to Bo Irritating to. Author, If He,Saw Them. Not only la the battered condition of certain works of fiction in circulating libraries a sure proof of their popularity, but one may even gather details from the marginal notes made by feminine readers-. It is not sufficient for the commentative pencil to underscore -admired passages, observes a writer in the New Orleans Times-Pica-yune ; adjectives of praise also are freely if not always discriminatingly bestowed. On the closing page of some favorite novel may often be read: “Fine!” “Splendid!” “Lovely 1” v or—highest commendation of all—“ Grand f One notemaker undertook the large order, “I would read every single word she writes,” and another avowed, with more justice than she knew, “You don’t often find a book like this.” On the other hand, these unprofessional critics can be terribly severe. A novel which takes them out of their depth is denounced as “A great big bore,” or, with rude terseness, “Rot!” or even, in one case of evident exasperation, “You think you know it all.” A vigorous commentator on one of Mary Cholmondeley’s novels did not wait for-thedast, but on the first-page warned away possible readers with the'word, “Punk,” and three exclamation joints. The sprawling, unformed hand pursued the author with inveterate scorn throughout the book, manifesting that strange sense of superiority which frequently characterizes ignorance.

.A verse of French poetry evoked the impatient query, “Why not write Greek?” while above another was scribbled, “Aw, piffle! We are not all French, you know.” Observe that no intellectual curiosity was kindled in that thick brain to know what the French words meant, nor any realization awakened that we enrich ourselves by knowledge of another language. The author’s humorous touches were clearly taken as serious by this outraged reader who, after one passage, wrote mockingly, “My hero!” When a masculine character says something “hoarsely” it is asked with biting sarcasm, “Did he have a cold?” The hero conducts the heroine through a dark room, “knocking her carefully against pieces of furniture,’.’ as usually happens when one person tries to pilot another through obscurity, but this merciless critic demands, “Wasn’t he chivalrous?” Of a tastelessly arranged room the author said, “The furniture was not of the kind that expresses only one idea, and that a bad one,” which calls forth the comment. “Like this book.” The sun is not permitted to shine “bravely" without the jeer, “The sun ought to have a medal.” Finally the cup of the author’s iniquities, so far as the captious reader is concerned, quite overflows, and on the last page we find the verdict, “Thia book is the buggiest ever.”

Gunner’s Mate Wins Praise.

Frederick Peterson Yost, chief gunner's mate, United States navy, has received a letter commending him for the excellent work of the armed guard of which he was in charge on a cargo ship attacked by a submarine. The promptness with which the submarine was picked up and fired upon and the accuracy of aim proved the efficiency of the gun crew. Yost enlisted in thenavy at Philadelphia, Pa., October 3, 1907, and gave as his next of kin his father, Albert John Yost, Centerville, R. L Here is a characteristic report from this gunner: “Night and fog when a sub was sighted, port bow. Ship started to swing when enemy crossed port bow, giving the appearance of craft from 200 to 300 feet. Showed one gun astern. We fired three shots, one striking conning tower and exploding, while the third shot, fired as the sub got broad off the ship’s beam, hit abaft conning tower. Crew of sub taken by surprise, as there were no return .shots. We fired still another shot while sub was going under, striking near conning tower. Firing was heard following this attack from a distance, it being learned later that another ship had been attacked and sunk.’’

Rather Risky Proceeding.

The government’s efforts to cure the mule of the braying habit reminds the Liberty Tribune that the same problem was up during the Civil war. Then, says the Tribune, a Colonel Garland of the Confederate army, afterward attorney general of the United States, assorted that the mule could be made brayless by tying a brick to its tail, as it was impossible for a mule to bray unless it raised its tail and released the clutch on its vocal cord. But wouldn’t it be far less dangerous to operate on p mule than so to attach a brick?—Kansas City Times.

Spinach Puff.

With all the other things which the reserve man power of the nation has to worry about at this very peak and crisis, why should the household editor devise an alleged comestible known as spinach puff and spread the plans and specifications just where the noble womankind of the nation will be sure to see them and pounce eagerly upon them?—Ohio State Journal.

CHINESE HAD BRIGHT IDEA

Attempted Reproduction of Machine* However, Didn't Win Any Approval From Aviator. ;

After -completing his service in the United States army (hfe enlisted In 1907), Raoul Lufbevry roamed oyer' Japan and China and India. During his travels he ran across an airplane exhibition flight, in Saigon. Marc Pourpe, the famous French trick flyer, was barnstorming in the far East. He gave Lufbery employment as mechanic, and thus occupied in a new and fascinating pursuit, Lufbery continued his airplane education for three years under Pourpe. The experience lasted until the beginning of the great war. While performing In China the two aviators were struck with the unusual warmth of their welcome and the repeated Invitations they received to prolong their stay. They were overwhelmed with gifts as well as with praise, and received many marks of royal .favor. Their hosts examined the strange bird again and again, received the unintelllgtble explanations of its miraculous flight, made measurements and drawings, and excitedly discussed the problem with one another, while the two foreigners examined the new gifts that had been lavished upon them. Finally the secret of this prolonged hospitality was out. Pourpe and Lufbery were conducted in state to a neighboring city, where the Chinese experts had all this time been constructing their first airplane. It was far more marvelous to the airmen than was the original. , Upon approaching the inclosure, the aviators saw the admiring populace roll back,, disclosing to view a gorgeous spectacle—the first Chinese airplane. Stepping nearer to study the magnificent creation they heard the subdued roar of the engine above the riotous clamor of foreign tongues. Politely examining the framework and multicolored fabric, they found the spars, struts and flooring to be constructed of light bamboo. The beautiful fabric was of the lightest tissue paper. The roar of the engine continued. Placing an ear against the engine hood, Pourpe tried to fathom this mystery. The propeller stood motionless, a splendid production of highly polished teak wood and mahogany, but undeniably indifferent to the healthy manifestations of engine power within. Several coolies anchored the impatient machine to earth by holding desperately to its framework with all their might The crowd was pressed back and the airman cordially invited to climb into the seat. He demurred politely, and inquired, with gestures, as to the character of the motor and the fuel. And could he examine the spark plugs? The engine hood was reluctantly removed. A huge swarm of angry bees was buzzing madly within the glass cage, in the intensity of their fury the noise of Pourpe’s own powerful motor. The Chinese had estimated conscientiously the amount of weight that could be carried by one bee and after carefully weighing the new airplane their mathematical experts had inclosed enough bees to carry the whole weight, adding a few extra bees to give a small margin of extra horse power for emergencies. But Pourpe was dissatisfied with the soundness of these arithmetical eaclulations and declined to fly, much to the disappointment of his new friends. —Laurence La Tourette Driggs in Century.

England Breeds Rabbits for Food.

Rabbit breeding in England has been undertaken by the government in an effort to relieve the shortage of meat due to the war. The National Utility Rabbit association, it was announced recently, has established a central breeding station and stud exchange in Vauxhall, London. The first club started in London under auspices of the association is at the Royal mews, Buckingham palace. The primary object is to build up as quickly as possible a large supply of the best pedigreed stock, which will be sent, to provincial breeding centers. These in turn will supply breeding stock to smaller stations. Each of the larger provincial centers will have 100 breeding does, while the smaller stations will keep on hand about 20 each. It is the tope of officials that all allotment societies, food production organizations, women’s institutes and. many factories, munition works, school and summer camps will form rabbit clubs to be affiliated with the national association.

Study of Rats Valuable.

After 11 years of experimenting with rats, Dr. E. V. McCollum, head of the chemistry department of the school of hygiene and public health of Johns Hopkins university, has reached the conclusion that the food requirements of all animals, including man, are the same. He declares that the extensive consumption of dairy products is necessary to produce a vigorous race and prolong life. During the years that Doctor McCollum has been studying this question, especially interesting now, when food is playing such an important part in the affairs of the world, he has been housing about 1,500 white and hybrid rats in his laboratory.

Fortunate Man.

Pessimist. Jones—How it Is, Smith, that you look so hale and happy and well? Optimist Smith—Every time I sit down to worry I fail asleep.—Pearson's.

Our Part in Feeding the Nation

(Special Information Service, United States Department of Agriculture.) ’ WINTER WORK TO HELP A FARMER r **• • • -

The County Agent In This Picture Traveled 20 Miles on Snowshoes to Explain Tested Farming Methods.

COUNTY AGENT IS QUITE BUSY MAN

Field Workers Entitled to Much Credit for Present Expansion of Agriculture. DON’T UNGER IN LIMELIGHT Often Give Unusual Service In Peculiar Way—Put Enthusiasm and Interest Into Work Essential in Bringing Results. In the present great expansion and development of American agriculture officials of the United States department of agriculture are confident that a large share of credit must be given to the county agricultural agent—the “missionary of better farming” who works co-operatively for the federal government and the states and carries to the farmer the knowledge developed by the specialists and scientists. The work of the county agent, like every other line of work, is largely routine and it is never spectacular. But there Is ample evidence that the county agents as a whole put Into their work the enthusiasm and the interest always essential in bringing results. And occasionally, too, may be found instances of unusual work done in an unusual way. Working on Snowshoes.' The picture with this article shows a county agent who traveled 20 miles on snowshoes to help a farmer. He knew that the farmer wanted an analysis made of his business so that he could know what crops would bring him the largest return. The coiinty agent chose the wintry weather because he knew it would prevent the farmer from doing outside work. So he put on his snowshoes and made the journey over the snowdrifts and rough country of El Paso county, Colorado.

Five years ago there was no purebred live stock In William county. North Dakota, which Is well adapted for grazing. The county agent began to advocate live stock raising and now the county has approximately fifteen fine herds of Shorthorn, Angus and Hereford cattle. A demand for purebred cattle is now strong in this county. At two sales last Mafch and June more than .. .two hundred head were sold by Williams county farmers to their neighbors. Supplying Seed Corn. Last spring Indiana farmers found they did not have half enough seed corn for their needs. They put up their plight to an assistant state leader for county agents, with the result that the county agents surveyed the state and got accurate estimates from farmers of the amounts needed. The assistant state -leader spent several weeks in New Jersey, New York and Delayware and personally selected enough corn to meet the Indiana demand. Preferencesjn shipping were given to the seed corn and it was delivered In ample time for planting. In Illinois a county agent was stationed In Chicago with the state council of defense to work <fa the seedcorn situation. He handled 150,000 bushels t>f seed corn and met the Illinois demand. The wort: was financed at first by Chicago bankers and later by the department of agriculture. An Opportunity Developed. In Madison county. Kentucky, the county agent found that the farmers In one portion placed little value' on the soil and Wok little Interest in trying to Improve IL Hp also found that many farmers of this section were growing in an Indifferent way a small acreage of cantaloupes and that the cantaloupes yielded well and were of fine quality. The county agent started In to develop cantaloupe growing and In 1916 Induced about twenty farmers

to plant small areas to Rocky Ford seed. The result—in 1917 farmers of this section sold 20 cars of cantaloupes with gross returns of over $12,000. Receipts per acre ranged from SISQ, to $250. The farmers began to appreciate the value of their land, started sowing winter crops, called upon the county agent concerning silos and began looking about for cattle for their farms. Land that had a slow sale at s2s.an acre jumped in two years to $75 an acre, according to report to the United States department of agriculture. Not least important, through the cantaloupe enterprise the county agent gained the confidence of the farmers of the entire county in his work for better farming.

WHAT FARMER THINKS OF THE COUNTY AGENT.

The states relations service of < the United States department of ] agriculture has on file thou- i sands of letters from farmers 1 telling of help tjjey have received from county agents. The following is quoted from a letter written by W. H. Harvey, a farmer of Long Beach, Cal.: i “Farming is no longer a blundering job. It Is growing into a science. To succeed, organization, method, system and scientific Knowledge are needed. These steps are developed and brought about or made possible by the right kind of a county agent. He is, therefore, a ; trained, skilled man in personal ■ touch with the farmer to help i solve, the thousand and one ‘ farm problems as they come up , and has at his beck and call the ] scientific men of this great i country.”

Cities Need Rat Defenses. The city is the great stronghold of the rat. Its permanent refuge and its last line of defense.. The rodents might be destroyed ip all rural districts and villages/ But if not routed in the cities the whole country would soon be repopulated with rats from these centers of infestation. Old wooden wharves, brick cellars, extensive lumber yards, ancient factories, grain elevators, markets and many other institutions of cities attract and harbor rats. As a rule the older the city the mdre rats are found in it, but even in parts rebuilt after large fires they are still to be found, though less abundant Many large buildings, rat-proof as to walls and. foundations, have become infested with rodents through carelessness or oversight of owners or occupants and the animals are intrenched behind fixtures or merchandise. Fortunately it Is possible to rout the rats from these hiding places. The biological survey of the U. S. department of agriculture recommends that cities require that all buildings to be erected shall be made rat-proof under a rigid system of inspection ; that all existing buildings with rat-proof walls and foundations be made really rat-proof by closing or screening every opening through which rats might enter; that rat-proofing repairs be applied voluntarily to all buildings that need them. Use of dogs, cats and traps also may bring benefit.

Keep the Garden Going. Don’t let the garden loaf after the crops planted in the spring have been gathered. Plant new crops foV fall harvesting and get the maximum benefit from your food plot. t In most sections of the United States nearly all the common garden vegetables can be planted early in August with plenty of time for their maturity before the first killing frost in the autumn. As late garden crops which may follow others the following are suggested: Beets, Brussels sprouts, late cab bage, cauliflower, celery, sweet cont kale, peas, spinach and turnips.