Jasper County Democrat, Volume 8, Number 42, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 20 January 1906 — HINTS FOR FARMERS [ARTICLE]

HINTS FOR FARMERS

Cow Itatle Ventilation. Not one cow stable In a thousand in the oldest dairy districts is properly ventilated. Is It any wonder that cows become diseased, that tuberculosis and n host of other diseases take bold of the cows In these close, foul stables? One would think the dairy farmers would take hold of this matter for the sake of their own property—the cows. But a talk with them will reveal that 99 per cent take no stock In the idea that pure air is necessary to keep a cow healthy and make her more profitable. Now, we all need warm, clean stables, with pure air. Most every man knows that cows must be kept warm if they are going to give their best profit. Accordingly the farmer will shut the cows up at night in a close stable In order to keep In the heat, and by morning it is enough to knock a man down when the stable door Is opened. No better breeding place for tuberculosis could be found than such a stable If there is one diseased animal.—Hoard’s Dairyman. At Cxlviag Time. A good feed after calving Is made by pouring hot water over three pounds of oats or bran and letting It set for half an hour before feeding. A mild dose of epsom salts just after calving will act as a laxative. A pail of warm water, especially during a cold period, will be appreciated. Keep the cow warm and away from the cool drafts of air. At the beginning of the milking period the cow should be fed lightly, gradually Increasing the grain ration until the full flow of milk has been obtained. It is well to feed liberally, but never overfeed. Common sense and lots of it must be used. Remember that whatever adds to the comfort of the dairy cow adds to the yield in the milk pail. Care of the Stock. This should take precedence over the other kinds of work, says American Agriculturist The aulmals are now in their winter quarters and wholly dependent on the owner or caretaker. Their present condition and future usefulness will largely correspond with the carefulness and good Judgment exercised In their favor during the coming few months. The farmer who spends the necessary time and labor in this work may reasonably expect to receive a corresponding reward now and later on. Comfortable stables, judicious feeding and kindly treatment are things that will pay right along. Breaking a Colt. A very good way to halter break a colt is alongside a horse, says American Agriculturist. The rider then acts both as a leader and a driver. Some tie the colt to the harness of the work horse or trotter. This is a good way, as it not only teaches it to lead, but also its place. Put on the harness very gently and let the colt got used to it. Then drive it, using two short lines. When old enough to endure light work, give it lessons with the wagon, plow, harrow or any other two horse implement, always beside a trained horse to act as teacher.

Feedlnr the Sows. If you desire prolific sows you must give a variety of feed and but little corn some weeks before breeding. If possible have them on grass. The general condition of the sow’s system at the time of breeding has much to do with the size of her Utter. Healthy, vigorous condition, with a very small amount of heating food and as much exercise as possible at the time of breeding, aids materially in giving a numerous farrow. Ferdlna Colts. Oats lead the list of feeding stuffs, but shorts and bran and barley, peas and some corn may be profitably used where economy is important, says American Agriculturist. Steamed crushed oats or barley thickened with brau will prove very nourishing and appetizing where colts are suffering from teething. A limited quantity of cooked roots mixed with ground grain and bran given at night in winter time daily or two or three times a week will show in a more thrifty general appearance. Butchering the Hoar. In sticking the bog care should be taken to run the knife straight in so as to sever one of the jugular veins. If the point is allowed to project sidewise it is apt to penetrate the shoulder and leave a blood clot there which destroys its value largely. One does not need a long knife for this purpose, as there is no necessity of penetrating into the vital organs. Simply sever the jugular veins. + The Stable Doer. On some farms the doorways of horsff stables are old style and too narrqw for a large horße easily and safely to pasa through. It is noticeable that some horses will rush through a doorway very quickly. They probably have been hurt sometimes or received a knock that is not forgotten. Better put in a wider stable door and show the horse he Is not going to be hurt. The Farm Home. If you have a farm, go to work and make a home out of it. Do not be digging for dollars all the time, but put in a good part of the time in making your home as It should be. Make the house convenient for the wife and have a home which you are not ashamed to call your own. A Handy Wagoi. Every farmer ought to have a lowdown platform wagon arranged so that crated aides can be put on, for the removal of animals, dead or alive. In this way live calves can be transported comfortably, not being jostled about as Is the case In boxes.—Farm Journal.