Jasper County Democrat, Volume 21, Number 4, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 13 April 1918 — THE NEIGHBORHOOD CORNER [ARTICLE]

THE NEIGHBORHOOD CORNER

Department of Farm Welfare Conducted by County Agent Stewart Learning.

Look Out for Mites in Henhouses “Now is the time to look out for mites in the henhouses and chicken coops,’’ say the members of the Jasper County Poultry committee. “Many people do not notice the mites, and the chicks are badly annoyed before they realize what is the matter. Spray the roosts with any good coal tar disinfectant. Kerosene is a little too severe and may spoil any eggs for hatching. For head lice use lard on the beads of the little chicks. Lice and mites keep the chickens from getting a proper start and render them more subject to diseases which follow.” The Farm Orchard Within the next few weeks the Opportunity to clean up, prune and give winter spray to the orchards will be gone. It is not much more trouble to grow good fruit than poor, and there is . a great difference in value. The winter spray consists of one part lime sulphur Solution to eight or nine of water. This should be followed after the petals have fallen by a spray of one gallon lime sulphur solution and one pound of arsenate of lead to 40 gallons of water. By repeating this spray about July 20, perfect fruit is almost assured. 5-Acre Corn Club Popular Several live young farmers of the County have joined the State FiveAcre Corn Growing, the object being to grow the greatest amount of coin on five acres of ground at the least cost. This work has been carried on in other parts of the state for years but as fair as known this is the first time that men have entered from this county. All members who obtain 100 bushels or more per acre will be awarded medals. These fellows want to get

more men in the same game. All who are interested would do well to send in their names before May 1. Farmers’ Clubs The regular meeting of the West Carpenter Farmers’ club will be held at the Welch school house Friday evening, March 19. Among other numbers "The Farmers’ Garden” will be discussed. Officers for the year will be elected. A good attendance is desired. On account of unfavorable weather last Saturday night the meeting of the North Union Farmers’ club will be held this Saturday eveI ning, April 13. An interesting evening is promised for all. A big rally will be held at the Kniman school house next Thursday 'evening, April 18. Patriotic, agricultural and educational speakers have been secured who will talk upon the important problems of the day. A. P. Rice and Guy Dooi ley comprising the committee in I charge state that they expect to make the evening’s program a big event of the season. All are invited to attend. Don’t /Forget the Cattle Feeders’ Meeting Cattle feeders will miss a. good trip if they are unable to make the drive to Lafayette April 13 to attend the Indiana Cattle Feeders’ spring meeting. The party will leave Rensselaer at 7 o’clock a. m., in charge of Charles P. Moody, and return the same evening. The cattle feeding tests have developed some interesting facts this season and every feeder should arrange to attend. ..... . 1 ■■ - -■ ' :■ Alfalfa More Popular There has been more interest in alfalfa growing in the county this spring than in years. This is doubtless due to a recognition of the value of the crop. Drainage, limestone, and acid phosphate will place most Of our soils in a suitable condition to grow this plant. Seeding in April with barley as a nurse crop seems to be the popular method. Why Not Sweet Clover? A little sweet clover seed scattered on the wheat fields now and harrowed in will give plenty of fall pasture, and help keep up soil fertility. clover seed is comparatively cheap this spring and is decidedly cheaper than fertilizers. Sweet clover, however, has a high lime requirement.

Follow the Plow with the Harrow A very good practice which is coming into general use is that of harrowing the land the same day that it is plowed, making it easier to obtain a fine seed bed and preventing an undue evaporation of moisture. A good seed bed is essential in the production of a large yield of corn/ and it is not too early to plan for a “bumper.” Don’t Forget the) Individual Ear Test The mere fact that a farmer has purchased a goodly supply of seed corn at a fancy price is no proof that his seed problem is settled. No matter how good the seed looks, it is absolutely necessary to give it the individual ear test this year as even the best looking corn has in some instances given disappointing results. In another month it will be too late to look after this matter. If there is a farmer in Jasper county who has not tested his seed corn, he can afford to give this his attention, whether he grew the corn himself, bought it from a neighbor or had it shipped in. It is a poor time to take chances, especially when the odds are so heavily against the untried seed. The best is not showing up any too good. f Demonstration April 17, 1918 On Aprii 17, at 2 p. m., a demonstration on quick and yeast bread will be given at the residence of Frank Tillett, near Francesville. Everyone is invited. The food administration has now asked that the housewife do without wheat in any iforlm until after harvest. Purdue, in 'her laboratories, is working on wheatless yeast bread recipes. They will soon be available to all the women in Jasper county. Make use of them. Do your bit for Uncle Sam by saving wheat for the boys "over there.” This is your chance to do a bit of national service. Of course, we all honor the women who leave their homes to nurse and care for the wounded: but, no woman need think for a minute that because she can’t wear a nurse’s uniform, ghe can’t be of patriotic service to her country. The woman in her home by observing these. food conservation laws and training herself in household thrift can make of the kitchen apron a uniform of national significance. Enlist as a Kitchen Soldier! Demonstrations in Hanging Grove Township Tuesday, April 16, a demontration on the use of substitute flours will be given at the home of Mrs. Robert McDonald near McCoysburg. Thursday, April 18, the same detaonstration will be given at the home of Mrs. S. B. Snedeker of near McCoysburg. Everyone welcome.