Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1860-01-26
Letters From a Farm No. 9.

lhS upon aStlcuiUuTe,-f arucularly In pro-
pounding questions for the consideration of
farmers, and as there appears to be consid-
cradle Importance attached to them, | hope
they will receive attention.
AS the first question is quite prominent, I
will repeat it, with some remarks: "Should
farmers keep all their stock housed? if not,
what animals should be, and what should
mott" If due regard is had TO the comfort
of stock, and the profit Of the owner, think
that all should be securely sheltered or
housed. 1t is q well-known fact, that cattle
do not require the same amount of food,
when properly housed, that would be neces-
sary to keep them in the same condition in
the open air,-the exact proportion, perhaps,
is not known; some say one-third, some one,
fourth less. Either amount, however, is
quite all item in favor of having good stables,
and this is not all: there is liability to
much waste, in feeding stock out of doors,
at all seasons of the winter. Think of cat
tie running half dozen rods, before the
wind, to catch the fast-disappearing hay, or
treadlng it into the snow and mud, rendering
it unfit to be eaten. This is one of the worst
features in feeding out Of DOORS
Again, stock should not DO allowed to run
at large over the farm during the winter, as
there is nothing to be gained in this practice,
and the saving Of all the manure is quite es-
sential to the interest of the farmer, and
should not be lost sight Of Due regard
should be had for exercise, and if animals
are obliged to 60 some little distance for
water each day. perhaps that is sufficient
[ think it the most profitable to keep them
housed the rest of the time. For this pur-
pose, the stables should be constructed with
a view to the health and comfort of the in
mates, ensuring the right degree of light,
warmth and ventilation.
What farmer is there who, having made
all necessary arrangements for the COM
fort of the charge dependent upon him for
that which supports life through the long
months of winter, does not feel an honest
pride, and pure satisfaction as he sits by
his Preside, quietly enjoying the reward Of
his labor and the goodness of his Heavenly
Father? Few, | ween, will answer to the
contrary; and is not this bessing-for
blessing we will call it-withfn the reach of
every intelligent farmer? The result of
our labor, or the profit to be derived from
stock the coming year, will depend, in a
great measure, on the care and management
Of the same during the present winter,-in-
deed, it will be found to be in the same ratio.
The old saying, that one animal well-kept,
is worth two poorly taken care Of, should be
remembered by every farmer; and this leads
us TO another question: -" Should stock be
fed all they can eat, or be compelled to cat
up every straw ?" My opinion is, that un-
less fodder is of very poor quality, it should
be eaten up clean. If cattle are fed so as
to leave refuse, they will acquire distaste
for their food, waste it, will not have as good
an appetite, and hence will not do as weIl.-
Feed all that lie necessary, but let nothing of
value be wasted, is my opinion; but I hold
no one responsible for my belief, and lively
discussion of these questions might evolve
some light, and be of interest to the farming
community.
"Kernels from Corn Cob.-No. L." is
a very interesting article, and 1 shall look
anxiously for the Forthcoming numbers, 1t
gives very good idea Of the condition of
the farmer, his wants, and how they may be
supplied. Farmers Clubs am pleased to
see brought to notice. This is subject of
considerable Importance, but one with which
farmers in general, have but limited knowl-
edge. Cannot this difficulty be obviated, if
the practical workings Of these Societies can
be given to the public through the Farm
err? " This is the mission of the agricul-
tural periodical it forms the medium
through which thought and opinion may be
interchanged, existing evils pointed out, or
anything that has bearing upon the occu-
patton or interest of the farmer, may receive
attention.
In conclusion, permit me to indulge the
hope that the efforts Of the conductor of the
Farmer will be ably seconded by those he
seeks to benefit, that We may weekly receive
the experience Of Others and be prepared to
do justice and honor to our occupation.
Jan, 1860. FARMER.
EGG PUDD1NG.-I send you recipe,
which you may use if you please-perhaps
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