Rensselaer Republican, Volume 23, Number 30, Rensselaer, Jasper County, 26 March 1891 — FARM NOTES. [ARTICLE]

FARM NOTES.

February is the time to provide or arrange for those three essential factors in farrOig. “Get the best,” should be the motto in regard to all j seeds. Much depends upon tbe purity l and genuineness as to variety of the seeds planted, in most crops, and hence great care should be-exercised in the selection and purchase of what may be | wanted. The wise course “is to Select | carefully from the lists ol trustworthy root only important to obtain superior seed, in the season, but a change of variety is often advisable. These matters will not be neglected by wide awake progressive soil-tillers A good fertilizer will be necessary to make even the be3t of seeds produce abundantly in most localities, and now Is the time for those who need other! than barnyard manure to arrange for some good commercial fertilizer—or, what will be cheaper, purchase the materials and mix them according to some reliable formula. Note, also,* that this is a favorable seasorfto haul, plaster, muck, etc , and no one whose soil needs such aids to fertility should neglect the matter. No danger of injuring tho soil by making it too rich. It is the rich, fertile farm that tends to enrich the owner or manager. Intelligent cultivators need not be told that improved tools and implements are indispensable to the proper utilization of good seeds and fertilizers. Nor need they be reminded that February is the best inotfth for repair, ing and painting all kinds of farm machinery, If you would make progress in the right direction, give these things ! prompt attention. Now, also, is the | time to decido and arrange for such new tools and machines as may be required to successfully carry on the operations of the coming season. FLOWERS AND PLANTS. Farmers who are so fortunate as to possess flower gardens and lawns will not be overworked in caring for them this month. -To prevent injury is the j chief care until the opening of spring. \ Keep snow from damaging or destroying evergreens by shaking the trees after each storm, thus preventing the snow from accumulating and freezing ;in the branches. The paths and roads ! should be cleared after each snowfall by the prompt use of shovels and snow plows. THE CROP OF FIREWOOD. Firewood is another important crop. Though it is accessible at all seasons 'and may be secured at any time, winter j jis the most favorable for harvesting | wood fuel, especially when there is ! good sledding for hauling it home or to market. Farmers who have wood lots should cut and haul an ample sup- i ply before spring opens, and then see 1 ; that it is properly prepared for use ! when wanted. An article that is es- ! sehtial to provide warmth nearly two- ; thirds of the year, and a necessity for j cooking during the whole (for but i few farmers use coal where wood grows), ought to receive the attention of every husbandman who would practice true economy and manifest proper regard for the comfort and coni, venience of his family. It is taken for granted that no ruralist who reads this journal would subject his wife, daughter or female help to the indignity of preparing firewood out doors in all sorts of weather (as do some socalled farmers), and hence we offer no admonition touching a matter worthy of universal condemnation. Speaking of wood-lot work, this is a good time to cut and haul timber; also to secure good oak, hickory, ash and elm sticks for wagon poles, stanchions, plow beams, beetles and maules, hay-poles, and many other purposes. It pays to have these Well seasoned and ready for use whenever wanted. THE MAPLE SUGAR CROP. This crop is now largely secured in February, whereas it was 'formerly harvested in springy a result of changes in the climatology of the country. Therefore, possessors of fruitful sugar orchards should prepare to begin operations as soon as the sap-running season opens. First put the camp in order and provide a good supply of dry fuel. Where many trees are tapped it pays to have all the modern improvements, which are quite different from those formerly in vogue, as readers who remember the frolicsome fun and hard work of the long ago sugar camp or “bush” can attest. But to produce good maple sugar and syrup careful attention and labor are still 1 necessary. Cleanliness is the first aoI quisite in the various manipulations of sugar making. All the utensil used ought to be of such materials as can be readily cleansed, and sap should never be allowed to become sour before being made into syrup. The buckets, storing casks or troughs, and boiling apparatus—indeed, every article used in the process of sugar making should be kept scrupulously dean and convenient for use. With everything in order before hand the labor of securing the best products of maple—the most delicious of all our sweets, honey not excepted—may be rendered most pleasant and possible; albeit skill and promptness iu manipulation are also requisite to marked success. People will pay the highest price when assured they are getting a pure specimen of the sweetest of all saccharines.