Daily Ohio statesman. [volume] (Columbus, Ohio) 1855-1870, 1865-01-07
IFrom The American Agricuturist, January, ,1sG5.l
Notes and Suggestions for Jan-
IirI',y.

urry.
A new year has come--may it be happy
one to all our readers, and may all the good
plans made for the future be carried out.
Our vignette is suggestive Of the farmers
most valuable winter"roH-thc crop of ideas.
Books are multiplying. and so are readers.
Cultivators of the soil are every year real
izlng the advantages of gathering from
books the views of scientific men, and a
knowledge of the practices of other farmers,
that they may, by comparing them with
their own, improve their theories and their
systems of farming. In this most interest
ing period of our country's history, no
farmer can afford to neglect agricultural
reading. The exigencies of the time make
new crops profitable they introduce new
nations, open new markets, and give us new
views upon agricultural as well as upon
political and humanitarian subjects.
Farm AccouRts.-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 definite
money value. hut il may ond Shes'ld Do uune,
and after little practice we may soon get
in the way of placinga just value on the
labor of men and animals, our own time,
etc. One of the most important things is a
lUNCuJOll VI CNCIl bnliS bIlb llds
value-of investments and stock in trade; of
debts and dues; of live stock and imple-
ments of manures in the ground and in
the compost heap, ETC., etc. Were farmer
only to take good inventory once year,
and keep ne other accounts, it would be an
invaluable aid to him In regulating his fu-
ture management.
AgriculttTdl Reading.-Look over our book
list. Encourage the formation of an agri-
cultural library in your neighborhood,
where many books and periodicals may be
kept for consultation.
Bmlding.-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.
Celldrs.-Open the windows and give
change of air on warm, dry days; rem owe
any decaying vegetables. Protect against
frost and yermin.
Cattle.-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 accountlet them fall of
in flesh Oxen low in flesh are more liable
to meet with accidents than others, and il a
poor lousy steer breaks a leg, nobody 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 kent
in growing order.
Cows.-Milk to within about six weeks of
calying: Young cows certainly to that time |
If possibie. to encourage habit of holding |
ont we'll. In lev weather be very careful Of |
cows with calf
Farmers Clubs.-Hold frequent meetings. |
Discuss the farming of your own neigh
borhood, and how it may be improved. |
Find ont who has got the best seeds of vari-
ous kinds. and secure the advantage for the |
club. Make observations on the care of |
stock. and see whose are wintered the best,
and most conveniently.
Fencing iStuG.-Haul in that cut in the fall |
and work it out. Poor fences make bad |
neiehbors.
Frost.-Defcnd water pipes and pumps
from frost. Horse dung packed round them
In barrels or boxes is very good, If not allow
ed to reach the water.
Shell corn only as fast as wanted for use or
sale. Give rats attention and phosphorus
Harness and Carriage Tops.-Keep clean,
.,xk al fhat.