Jasper County Democrat, Volume 9, Number 44, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 2 February 1907 — FARM AND GARDEN [ARTICLE+ILLUSTRATION]

FARM AND GARDEN

FEED LOTS. Brick P«ved Varda With Shelter Give Satlafactlon. Muddy feed lots are an unprofitable as .well as disagreeable feature in cattle "feeding, especially when no provision is made for shelter. In a sum-

mary of replies to a circular of inquiry regarding the methods followed by practical feeders compiled by H. W. Mumford and L. D. Hall of the Illinois experiment station the question ot muddy feed lots was considered. Notwithstanding the fact that the disadvantages of mud and dirt were recognized, only thirty-six of the 500 and more cattle feeders who furnished Information on this point reported definite provisions against such conditions. Of these ten have the surface of feed lots paved or otherwise artificially covered and fifteen use rock, gravel, cinders, bricks, planks, corncobs or sawdust alone and in combination In various parts of the lot—for Instance, about the feed troughs, water tanks, sheds or gates. Ten of the correspondents state that they have made the lots dry enough for feeding purposes by a tile drain, while two report that the yards have been graded and the mud and manure removed by means of dirt scrapers. Several of those who use coal cinders for filling the muddy portion of the lot state that care must be taken to keep them covered with straw, cornstalks.or other bedding material In order to avoid injury to the feet. The first cut shows a brick paved feed lot, with Convenient shelter, water and feeding arrangements, designed to accommodate about fifty cattle, which has given satisfaction. The pavement is 24 by 80 feet and is made of brick laid flat on six inches of gravel packed until solid. The curbing consists of curbstones eighteen inches wide and three inches thick set edgewise. Feed bunks were placed in the shed. The shelter consists of a building 20 by 20 feet, with two wings, both 20 by 30 feet. The upper floor of the middle position is used for storing dry corn fodder, which can be conveniently cut and fed through an open shaft to the feeding bunk below. The second cut is a feed bunk, with platforms for use in a muddy lot, whlcty is inexpensive and has proved satisfactory. Platforms of the sample described were 1G by 6 feet and were

[There are three advantages in the floors. The feeder always has a dry place to walk when puttlhg in feed; the cattle are out of the mud and not in a strained or cramped position while feeding; by having the floors six feet wide all wasted feed and droppings fall upon the floor, and the hogs get all before it is lost in the mud.] made of two inch bridge plank cut six feet long. The feed bunks were made in the usual way-, two feet six inches high, three feet wide and sixteen feet long. Winter Protection For Orchards. One of the most important points in preparing bearing apple trees for winter, in my opinion, is to remove all rubbish that may afford shelter for mice or other vermin, says a writer in American Agriculturist. Be sure there are no declivities at the immediate base of the tree. A slight mounding Is good. At all events leave no hollows that will hold water to freeze at times of sudden falls in temperature, thereby greatly damaging trees. If mice or rabbits are feared, protect with wire netting. Cut with shears into proper sizes, roll around an old broomstick or any round object to give it a circular shape, the stick removed, and the wire will spring around the trunk and hold itself in place. See that all drains are In good order. Economic Position of Farmers. A matter of great Importance in Its bearing upon the increased value of farm lands Is the new economic inde pendence of farmers, fundamentally growing out of their Improved financial condition. Farmers now occupy a strong economic position, founded upon the tendency of the consumption of some Important products to increase faster than population does and upon the tendency of the desires for these products to increase faster than the production does, so that with respect to these products consumption Is close upon the heels of production. Pvnnlnx Trees. Deciduous trees may be pruned at any time after freezing weather sets In, when the sap will all have run'out of the branches. Landscape gardeners, as a rule, leave the pruning of trees and shrubs until February. Care should be taken to coVer all large wounds with gas tar or linseed oil paint to prevent decay.—Country Gentleman.

BRICK PAVED FEED LOT.

FEED BANKS FOR MUDDY LOTS.