Jasper County Democrat, Volume 10, Number 23, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 7 September 1907 — HINTS FOR FARMERS [ARTICLE]

HINTS FOR FARMERS

Hairy Vetch a Soil Fertilizer. An Alabama bulletin shows that the hairy vetch on an acre, vines, roots and seed, contains 202 pounds of nitrogen. This is a very high percentage and makes this crop extremely valuable tor putting uitrogen into the soil, and more than half of it comes from the air. Stock not familiar witfik vetch will have to learn to eat 1t; then they prefer it to other legumes. But the point about it that most commends it is its value as a fertilizer and the fact that It may be sown both fall and spring and make good crops. In fall, after a summer crop Is off, It may be sown and make a good crop to plow under In the spring. It is claimed to be preferable to most of the leguminous crops for use in the north. When sown in spring it also makes a good growth and can be plowed under and very soon rots. Owing to its fertilizing properties it is also a valuable cover crop for orchards. Some of the largest orchard owners recommend it as among the best plants for orchards.—Cor. Farm Progress. Care of Bheep In the Fall. In hot, dry falls sheep suffer very much. If the drought makes the pasture short, the necessity of grazing in the hot sun long enough to get a full feed causes the sheep to suffer from the heat. Every p&sture should be provided with plenty of shade and a supply of cool, fresh water. Sheep seem to drink very little, but what they do drink ought to be as good as possible. A thick clump of trees, under which there is undergrowth, is the best thing to have for shade. In such a place sheep will speud the hot pfirt of the day and be comparatively free from flies. A shed built to kee{) out light is a very attractive place to sleep. They are very sensitive to flies, and when they can get into a cool, dark place they are free from them.

Crop Bound Fowls. In the Rural New Yorker a contributor gives his method of treating a crop bound fowl as follows, said to be never failing if applied in time: “Take toilet soap the size of a large pea, dip in water and put in the chicken’s mouth. Immediately give about four teaspoonfuls of wAter. Carefully knead the crop until softened. In an hour or two give a tablespoouful of castor oil; or linseed oil (raw) will answer. Kuead again. Shut the chicken up and leave water for it, keeping all kinds of food from It. Next day, If the crop is becoming empty, feed some soft feed with a little grease in it. In a few days It will be well. For young chickens use about half the amount”

Sheep Notes.

A flock of sheep will keep the wood pasture pretty well cleaned up, but they cannot live on weeds and brush. It Is a great waste of time and money to allow sheep to become too old for mutton or wool. Get rid of them In time. There is scarcely a flock in the country bat that dipping will make better and far more comfortable. The sheep killing dog should be placed ou the same footing as one afflicted with hydrophobia. Nobody asks any questions regarding what should be done with a rabid animal, yet a sheep thief does ten times more damage than a mad dog.