Bradford reporter. [volume] (Towanda, Pa.) 1844-1884, 1865-02-02
Aqritnltmral.
NOTES AND SUGGESTIONS.

ideas. Books are multiplying, and so are
readers. Cultivators of the soil are every
year realizing the advantages of gathering
from books the views of scientific men, and
a knowledge of the practices of other far
mers, that they may, by comparing them
with their own, improve their theories and
their systems of farming In this most in
tcresting period Of our country's history, no
farmer can afford To neglect agricultural
reading The exigencies of the time m Ike
new crops profitable they introduce new
notions, open new markets, and give us
new views upon agricultural as we'll as up
on political and humanitarian subjects
Farm Acc0tJ,tS-No farmer is true to his
own interests who does not keep Just as ac-
curate accounts of his business, as the best
business man" 1t is not so easy to keep
accounts, as where every thing has def
mite money value, but it may and should be
done and after little practice we may
soon get in the way of placing just value
on the labor Of men and animals, our own
time, etc One of the most important things
is a correct inventory of every thing that
has value--of investments and stock in
trade Of debts and dues of live stock
and implements of manure in the ground
and in the compost heap, etc, etc. Were
afarmer only to take a good inventory once
4 year, and keep no other accounts, it would
be an invaluable aid to him in regulating
his future management.
BuHdjRg--Keep every thing neat and
tidy, within and about the buildings tools,
chains etc, left out may be covered up in
the snow, and easily lost Repairing and
painting implements are always in order if
the weather favors.
CaIaS.-Open the windows and give
change Of air on warm, dry days remove
any dccaying vegetables. Protect against
frost and vermin.
CdiHe.--Oxen ought to be shod, and kept
sharp, whether the ground is slippery or not
Feed in accordance with the labor deman-
ded of them, but on no account let them
fall off in flesh. Oxen low in flesh are more
liable to meet with accident than others,
and if poor lousy steer breaks leg, no.
body wants the beef, and it is not fit to eat :;
not so with one in good condition. Young
cattle ought not to be pampered, but well
fed, and kept in growing order.
CocS-Milk to within about six weeks
of Calving young COWS certainly to that
time, if possible, to encourage a habit Of
nOlUlnE out well III ICY weather Dt very
careful of cows with calf.
Farmers CIubS-Hold frequent meetings
Discuss the farming Of your own neighbor-
hood, and how it may be improved. Find
out who has got the best seeds Of various
kinds, and secure the advantage for the
club. Make observations on the care of
stock, and see whose are winterpd the best,
and most conveniently.
Fencing Stuf-IIaul in that cut in the
fall, and work it ont Poor fences make
had ncighborS.
Frod.-Dcfcnd water pipes and pumps
from frost Horse dung packed round them
in barrels OF boxes is very good if not al
lowed to reach the water
Gy0i".--Grind all feed ont, except for
sheep Shell corn only as fast as wanted
for use or sale Give rats attention. and
phosphorus paste
Harness 0nd CajTiage I6p2-k ecp clean
and after they have been wet, oil them
thoroughly.
HorSe&.-Be very 'watchful Of breeding
mares in icy weather. Keep horses used
on the road well caIkcd
ic" The earlier ice is secured. the bet
ter. If we'll put in, i'll the codest weather,
il is good job. ont of the way. I Sc clear
good ice only
.NanUT~-Usc all diligence To increase
the manure and compost heaps Gather the
ding in the yard, and compost it with muck
Absorhcnts in the stables should take mp
all the urine, and keep the air pure and
wholesome
HGrhei'-lIoId no produce after a good
price is offered. Grain shrinks heats, or is
destroyed by vermin very often, and bccvcs
and sheep, after they are fit for market, are
seldom kept with profit more than a few
weeks at most.
Po"ltjy.~-Feed scraps of meat or poun-
ded bones frequently Give warm light
quarters, and dry ashes TO dust themselves
with, fresh water (but warm, daily and
keep the water and feed vessels Scrupu-
lousy clean. Thus avoid disease among
poultry, and get plenty of eggs.
Roods and PathS-If every one does his
full share (and Il little more), towards
breaking roads, and making paths about the
ncighborhood. general comfort will be en-
HANGED
Roof&-Feed with care, so a. TO have
some always on hand for animals with
young. and for change of diet if an ami
NAL gets off its feed
Seed-Look out III advance for good
fresh seeds Of all kinds. Try all that are
the least doubtful, in pots or boxes of earth,
carefully attended, and neither too wet nor
too dry. Never keep seeds i'll air-tight or
very close vessels.
Sheep should not be confined in close sta
bIes g: but except during storms, should
have the range of large stock yard, or lot
Feed in well constructed racks, and feed
ing troughs. Turnips and beets, fed free
ly, are very fattening and more economical
generally than corn. Whatever grain is
fed, should he given regularly even a very
small quantity is well, if it can be fed so
that each sheep shall get its share. Salt
ought to be kept constantly where the sheep
can get at ii. If, however, it has not been,
they must be gradually accustomed to it,
The notion that sheep do not need water in
winter, is a mistake 1t is much better for
them to have access to wafer which does
not freeze
S,rine.--'rhc quantity of manure which a
few hogs will make, if plenty of muck and
litter he thrown from time to time III to their
pen, and the whole be kept under cover, is
very great. Hogs except for breeding are
of no value to Eastern farmers. with few
exceptions, if they be not employed TO work