Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1866-11-07
agricultural.
Work Tor the Month.

We gave few hints ID our last number in
regard 70 operations the farm and need
say little more the subject But a word n
relation to roots. II IL good plan to get
them 10, clean and dry, and to put them on
wooden racks in the cellar so that the air may
have free access to them. We take 1t tor
granted of course, that every farmer has more
or less root crops, turnips, swedes and man
Colds tor winter use in connection with the
swaI- hay and coarse fodder. He can't afford
to do without them, and when il is considered
wha: an enormous amount of fodder can be
raised IN the shape Of roots, no argu nent IL
required TO induce cultivation of liberal
supply for this purpose. The superintendent
of Public Institutions at Deer Island in Boston
harbor has raised this year, seven;y.six tons
of maDgOds IN al acre, accurately measured,
the crops actually weighed Just think OF It,
The groun was 80 closely packed that it was
difficult TO find place to stand among them.
If you can raise roots you need fear want
of hay, because they take the place OF II 10
some extent, that is, an animal Literally led on
roots, will require less hay TO keep II In con-
dition.
But what We began to aIude to, is the time
and mode of feeding them out Just az this
season most farmers have supply of pump
kins that may be fed out every day 70 the
whole herd, and the easiest way to do 1t is 10
them up with the axe or beetle, which will
scatter the seeds which it is better not to feed
to the stock When the supply of pumpkins
is exhausted, begin first the English or
round turnps, and with the swedes later
in the season, saw ug the mangolds till the last.
Mangolds will keep till spring if properly
stored.
There will also be more or less small pots-
toes, which will serve good purpose for the
pigs and do well with a little meal, to put the
fat upon them 1t is best to crowd all fatten-
ing stock ahead rapidly possible,
and TO do this must humor the appetite
far as in our power by variety of food. The
more We can put on to them now, before ex-
treme cold weather sets in, the better.
We spoke last week of the Importance of
scraping up all the manure in the yard and
hauling it out a top dressing. A good
top dressing serves as protection for the roots
of grass in winter, while OF new seeded lands
it is fine surface for the reception Of clover
seed early in spring We would therefore
use all the manure could scrape up in the
yard and about the premises, with full conf
dence that it will be worth as much again
grass now as it would be if it were kept over
TILL spring
Hay IL so high that ii must be economical
in feeding out, and afraid some farmers
will attempt TO by feeding little short
and On poor hay and stalks, forgetting that
poor feeding Of cattle is the worst sort of econ
omy- But something may be done with the
help of roots and with taking more pains
about the careful shelter OF stock. clean
warm barn and plenty of litter will require less
food 10 keep the cattle in condition. When
the weather becomes very cold and clustering,
little water from which the chill has been
taken off, given to than in the stall will help a
good deal
AS to blowing uneven land. We think il
promotes the drainage to plow up aud down
the slope, though the side hill pow crosswise
may avoid the dead furrow. Ii the lend is
springy and wet, the dead burrows help the
drainage.
Whatever spare time you can command
may be proftably spent in getting things about
the farm in a snug condition for winter 1t Is
source of great satisfaction the cold
weather approaches, TO feel that you are vel
prepared tor it, and that all is ready. Won
It add something TO the enjoyment of your
thanksgiving. Imam.