Jasper County Democrat, Volume 7, Number 48, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 4 March 1905 — HINTS FOR FARMERS [ARTICLE]

HINTS FOR FARMERS

lkc«» Hutaadry. We do not believe a farmer should have only one kind of stock on his farm, but have a few of nearly every kind, so if the market is off on one kind It will be better on some other. The sheep Industry was profitable last year and will be again this year. Although the sheep ure now wearing their winter robes and ure free from ordinary cold, yet they will appreciate a good shelter from the winds and bad weather as much as any other kind of stock, and perhaps no animal will appreciate kind treatment more than a sheep. The person who cannot control a large degree of patience will not make a good sheep master. It is natural for a flock of sheep to follow their shepherd, and this they will do if not kicked about and are otherwise Improperly treated, if kicked away so they are scared when they come near you they cannot be controlled. Be kind. —Cor. Inland Farmer.

To Get a Stand ot Clover. Dr. I. A. Thayer of Lawrence county, Pa., lias given the subject of growing clover more than ordinary consideration and has so far solved it that he is reasonably sure of a good stand every year. He lays down Just four rules as fofckiws: f'irst.—Fill the soil with bumus. Second.—Remove the stagnant water. Third.—Apply lime to the soil where needed. Fourth.—Sow the seed on a good, well prepared seed bed and give it the same chance you do any other good crop. From some years’ practical experience I feel sure that this will bring us success. It is unreasonable to expect a good set of clover when we sow it into a hard, unprepared seed bed already occupied with one, two or three crops.—National Stockman.

Age to Breed Sows.

The age at which to breed young sows depends ou the maturity more than tbe age, says American Agriculturist. A gilt that has been properly handled will weigh 200 pouuds or more at eight months and ought to raise a good litter of pigs if bred then. When a young sow lias only a few pigs or is a poor milker or n careless mother, she should be sent to the meat barrel at once. Hut if she is a good milker and attentive to her young she should be tried again, for the second litter will usually be larger than the first. If her second litter shows increased numbers and the first one developed into good hogs, she might be retained for a breeder until a better sow can be obtained.

The Separator on the Farm. Among tbe advantages of separating tbe milk upon tbe farm I will mention; First, that there is no time milk will separate by the use of a machine more easily or more completely than when fresh and warm, says a Connecticut farmer in Rural New Yorker. Second, we have the skim milk fresh and warm for our calves. Third, there is so little time for germs to multiply that danger from bowel trouble is averted. We have not lost a calf from scours for several years, although all are Jerseys and claimed by some to be delicate. Fourth, our cream is sold, tested and paid for upon the basis of its butter fat. We are paid for Just what we furnish.

Keep the Yoons Stock Growing. The calves, the colts, the pigs, all from the time they were put in winter quarters until spring should suffer no cessation in their growth. The calves or yearlings nnd colts should be kept steadily vigorous and growing; not merely holding their own, but increasing in size and proportion; not necessarily the laying on of fat, but the enlargement of frame and muscle with a healthy vigor. Cement on the Farm. Cement is growing fast in favor and displacing wooden structures of all descriptions. Even on the farm cement floors for stables, pens, walks, cellars, dairy rooms, etc., ure coming to be recognized us essentials where cleanliness and tbe best sanitary conditions are desired. They are far more lasting, cleaner and therefore more desirable than the best wood. A Rolnom Method. To depend upon the use of purchased fertilizers to the neglect of such as can be produced on the farm for the production of each year’s crop is a ruinous method, which, while it may not prove immediately disastrous, is sure to impoverish succeeding generations.—American Cultivator. Diet For Fowls. Wheat, oats and corn, fed alternate ly, is a diet hard to improve on for fowls the year round, says Farm and Ranch. Corn should be fed sparingly during hot weather. A hot mash of soaked oats and wheat bran twice a week is also recommended. r«eiliag Yonngf Pigs. Pigs after weaning should have more or less milk, as it is one of the most economical as well as profitable feeds that can be supplied. Wheat bran fed to the brood sow aids materially In securing n good development of bone and muscle in the offspring. Hen on Goose Eggs. Early in spring give a hen four to six eggs, according to her size. A large Cochin hen can Incubate six or seven eggs in a warm nest. Set eggs on the ground if possible and use some straw in the nest—Cor. American Agriculturist. Tko Colt’s Foot. When tbe colt Is growing, the hoofs should be looked to occasionally to see If they do not require trimming.