Jasper County Democrat, Volume 20, Number 64, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 10 November 1917 — THE NEIGHBORHOOD CORNER [ARTICLE]

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CORNER

Department of Farm Welfare Conducted by County Agent Stewart Learning.

Lime Gives Results John Guss of Union, township states that he purchased a carload a few years ago for his farm and finds that it is giving excellent results. “Drainage first,” said Mr. Guss, “and then plenty of lime and manure for the improvement of Jasper county soils.” William Fitzgerald reports that he has just unloaded his fourth car of limestone. R. H. Morehouse of Wheatfield writes that 'he has used 200 tons and expects to put on more as rapidly as he can get around to it. Henry Hunsicker, John F. Davis, L. A. Salisbury and W, B. Walter are among those expecting to use lime this winter. More Hogs Badly Needed There are 10 per cent less hogs on the farms of the United States than there were a year ago. There never has been a time when pork and lard have been needed as badly aa the present, and it is possible that the shortage will become more acute as the war progresses. The government is urging the farmers to increase pork production 20 per cent. If this is to be done, more sows must be bred this fall. It is up to the farmer who kept ten brood sows last year to keep twelve this year. Good prices are assured to all who will respond to the call of pork production.

The Soft Corn Problem John Zimmer, well-known and extensive farmer of Newton township, in commenting on the soft corn problem said: “AU our corn will have to be sorted this fall. Years ago we had partitions in our w’agons and threw the solid ears in one end of the wagon and the soft corn in the other. I believe we will have to revive this arrangement this year." Farmers’ Clubs The Kniman Farmers’ club will hold its regular meeting next Thursday evening, November 15. The program is as follows: “The Opening and Advancement

of Jasper"’...... John O’Connor ‘The Use of the Manure Spreader” R. A. Conn Music will be furnished by the Glee club An extension speaker may be present. j The regular meeting of the Newton Farmers' club will be held at the Blue Grass school Tuesday evening, November 20. J. C. Beavers, soil specialist from Purdue, will speak on “Liming and Soil Improvement.” This is a popular subject at this time and a good attendance is expected. Home Canning Safe Recently the government sent out warnings that a propaganda of German origin is being carried out in this country to discourage the use of “cold packed” fruits and vegetables. It has been found that newspaper clippings giving the impression that these products are' poisonous are being sent to the women of this as well as other counties with the request that the clippings be read and sent on to friends.

Government officials wish wide publicity given to the fact that these statements are based upon false conclusions and they give every assurance that cold pack products, canned according to directions. are perfectly safe for consumption. The greatest blow to conservation that might be struck could be dealt by German sympathizers who could give the impression, now that all cellars are full of cold pack products, that these are not only worthless but positively poisonous. Premiums for Club Workers Martin Sauser of the Boys’ and Girls’ club committee has just completed a list of premiums for the winners in the county corn, pig, poultry, bread-making and cakemaking clubs. Each member who finishes will receive some award and those making highest scores will receive special prizes. A committee will meet at the office of Trustee Burdette Porter at Rem-

ington this Saturday to arrange for special prizes for contestants from Carpenter township. Soy Bean Variety Test I. F. Meader of Union township conducted a test of five different varieties of soy beans for the Better Farming association this summer. Owing to the frost of September 9, which killed the plants, only the chestnut ripened enough for seed. Mr. Meader concludes from this season’s experience that the Sable is best for seed, with the H’ollybrook hjs second choice for hay? the Chestnut made the best showing with Hollybrook second. The Ito Sau and No. 36847 came at the foot of the list.

To meet the demand for information relative to soil improvement and the use of agricultural lime, the Better Farming association is arranging for a series of meetings in the different farmers’ clubs which will be addressed by representatives of the soils department at Purdue upon these subjects. Prof. J. C. Beavers has been secured to deliver the first of these series of lectures. Mr. Beavers will address the Kniman Farmers’ club at the regular meeting Thursday evening, November 15, and the Newton Farmers’ club on the evening of November 20. Mr. Beavers has left a good im>pression upon every occasion that he has visited the county and it is expected that he will supply much helpful information upon these very timely subjects.