Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1861-02-21

THE FRANKLIN HARVEST CLUB Some time since
dozen of the most intelligent energetic and practical
farmers of Franklin County and its immediate sur
roundings, formed themselves into sort Of exempore
association for the purpose of professional improve
ment and social intercourse. During the when
out door labor is not particularly profitable the
ber of this club with their specially invited friends
meet weekly, at the houses Of the members in rota-
ton examine each Others stock to discuss specially
assigned subjects pertaining to agricultural economy
and to enjoy themselves generally. In this way i'm
provements in the various departments Of husbandry
are Observed the results of large experiences
pared thirst for improvement is stimulated and the
stock of means for such improvement is materially
increased.
Last Saturday the regular meeting Of the club was
held by appointment at the honse of Dea. s. W.
BuiIum in Winchester, n. II. Dea Buf'um is a far
mer of experience and skill, and one of those who
never remain satisfied with the things that are behind
around bue Is constantly pressing onward for new
achievements, for greater improvements His beauti-
full farm reclaimed from the brush and the bog, md
stocked with excellent breeds of cattle, sheep and
swine, all fed and housed in commodous quarters, is
standing testimony to his progressive spirit He has
thirty head Of stock, large proportion of
grades, onehaf 10 een-sixteenths. Their merit has
received appropriate notice at numerous fairs long
list Of diplomas and premiums testify. HIS sheep
MI OF the long-wooed varieties, chiefly Cotswods
full bloods and crosses with the Lecestershircs. Among
others we noticed two fat ewes which weighed $3.50
and 1874 pounds respectively and yeariing buck that
weighed 239 lbs. The value of this sort Of stock to
farmers in This vicinity Is every year becoming bet
ter understood, and its profit in lambs and mutton
better appreciated. Mr.. Buffum has also seven or
eight young colts yard of superior swine, and large
flock of desirable poultry. Underneath his barn we
saw the secret of his success in two very large piles
of the richest manure, and longer wondered ut
his excellent crops and more than excellent stock.
All the turner's sent agreed we believe, that his
barns and their contents took the lead of those Of the
other members.
The post prnndal exercise was a consideration of
the subject selected by the Club at previous meeting
and announced by The Chairman, "The Application of
Manures." The discussion was somewhat discuTsiye
and evolved many valuable hints. We have not space
for even synopsis of the statements made. It was
generally agreed that whatever depth land is powed
The manure should be applied near the surface al
'hongh some difference was allowable between wet
ana airy lands For grass the system Of top dressing
was believed the best all lands suitable for that
purpose one OF those present had found It for his
advantage to turn over his exhausted moving lands
apply manure and about the last of July or first of
August sow to tumlps and seed. He would get good
crop of turnps that year and the next full crop of
grass. Manure generally should be spread, but for