Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1859-02-17
Calendar of Operations for Feb. 1859.

apparent efforts made in securing successful
results: thus, though the farmer has now
neither fields to plow nor harveStS to gather,
he can do much this month that will tell
before the year is ended. In addition to the
various employments Indicated the thrifty cul-
tivator will thoroughly mature his plans for
the campaign before hm--studying not ,nly
his own past experience, but that of others, and
thus, with the aid Of his journal ard his books,
he will be prepared to do the right thing, in
the right way and at the right time This will
leave him no time to lounge away and worse
than waste at the tavern or grocery.
BuUDINGs.-If any are to he erected this
Spring, fell and hew the timber now. unless it
has been on hand seasoning the past year, which
is preferable Replace the nails which the
frost or high winds may have started, aud bat
ten up cracks through which cold and snow
enter the stables.
CATTLE-Attend carefully TO feeding now.
Remember well cjate,rd is half summercd"
Give roots, carrots if you have them, with hay
Do not let the straw cutter rust for want of
use Make feeding racks for the yard. Cows
about to calve should be well fed and secure
ly housed in roomy stalls
CELLARS Look out for frost examine and
sort fruit and vegetables if decaying send rats
and mice on long journey and bottle cider
for Summer use.
DRAINs.-Examine frequently during thaws,
and keep open. Much grain is lost by neglect
ing drain furrowS in Winter.
FENCING.-COntinue to prepare materials -
Work out posts and rails under cover on
stormy days. Put old fences in order and build
new as soon as frost will allow.
Flax and Hemp-Fimish dressing.
GRMN.-Thresh out any remaining on hand
and guard bins from rats and mice Keep an
eye to the market reports, and improve good
opportunity for selling.
GRAIN FIELDs.--Keep all stock from grazing
on those not covered with snow
FL LP.-Engage for coming season, before
choice hands are employed.
HORSES AND Mules Keep them sharp shod.
Give roots with their feed as directed lat month.
Cut feed is most economical. Let them be well
banketed when not in uSe and have plenty Of
of bedding at night, also litter under them
to absorb moisture when standing.
HoGs.-Feed literally with warm, cooked
food, with which mix charcoal and salt occa-
sionally especially for breeding sowS. Keep
pens we'll Uttered with leaves or short straw,
to increase the stock of manure
Ice HoUsEs.-Secure a good supply of ice
if not already done, aud see that the house is
in good condition for preserving
MANURES.-FoIlow up the manufacturing
The deeper the muck saturated with manure
droppngs and ammonia, the higher the corn in
the crib next Fall Il may be cartcd to the
fields for use, during the latter part of the
month if so, cover the heaps with soil or
muck to absorb escaping ammonia Better
leave it under cover if practicable, till wanted
to spread.
Maple Sugar may be made in some localities
in the latter part of the month Examine ap,
paratus, put in order and provide what is ceces-
Sary.
POTAToEs--Let seed be carefully selected
Keep different varieties from mixing At the
south, plant as early as the ground will answer,
for northern market.
ROADs.-Notice where drifts obstruct, and
shelter with trees as soon as ground will an,
swer.
SHEEP-Give grain and cut roots with hay
Shelter from storms, and keep separate from
horses and cattle Salt regularly, and supply
with plenty of water.
TloLs.-Look to steel or iron and prevent
rust by oiliug with lard having Il little resin
melted into it. Put all in thorough repair, and
ORCHARD A d NURsERY.-Taere is usually
very little to do in these during the present
month Occasionally an early Spring will ad-
init of planting during the latter part of Feb
ruary. Nurserymen having southern orders to
6ll, in their anxiety to get them off at an early
date should guard especially against the danger
of freezing on the way If the trees or shrubs
chance to be frozen, upack carefully, and bury
the roots at once in earth or sand, leaving them
until all the frost is out
Everything should be in readiness, especial
ly with the nurSeryman, for the first working
weather, as early planting is most desirable.
Unless old orchard trees have been well
scraped as heretofore directed, attend to them
now while there is leisure
Grating may he done at tie SOuth, and
even in this latitude during The latter part of
this month, if the weather IS open Make no
attempts while the linus are lruzrn March is
the better month for grating.
PRuNING-Many old orchardiSts still prefer
this season for pruning. Our advice is if you
,cM prune in the Spring, do it now rather than
wait until March or April Select mild wealth
er for the operation, when frost is ont of the
limbs We greatly prefer Summer and Autu-
mn for the pruning even though they are more
busy seasons. Hay must be attended to when
it is ready, if good article is wanted and not
when it suits your convenience, and if pruning
is properly done, you must do this also at the
right time even if there is press of business
We have in mind several orchards which were
nearly ruined by heavy Spring pruning
SCIoNs-Cut at any time during this month
when not frozen. Use every precaution against
errors in varieties. Select well known or lab
elled bearing trees to cut from, as much as pos
sibIe.
Snow banks as they melt away in the Spring
often do much damage to low branching stan
nI.l nall L