Prescott journal. [volume] (Prescott, Wis.) 1861-1871, 1867-03-16
AGRICULTURAL.
FARM, GiRDES AND HOUSEHOLD.

The MICHIGAN STATE AGRICULTURAL
COLLEGE AND FARM We are indebted
to Hon. Sanford Howard, Secretary of
the Michigan State Board OF Agricul-
ture, for portion of his report for the
year 1866. The sheets sent US are val
liable and interesting. Referring to
the Michigan State Agricultural Col
lege, Mr.. Howard says: eve have the
satisfaction of knowing that it stands
before the country, not only as the pio-
neer of its class, but also as having
demonstrated many important truths of
hich other similar institutions are
availing themselves, Indeed, it is a
fact that those agricultural colleges,
which give the greatest promises OF
success, are using the Michigan Agri-
cultural College as model.
The growing popularity of the insti-
tuition is shown by its having received
a greater number of students during
the present, than in any former year
the whole number in attendance, as will
be seen by the report of the faculty,
being one hundred and eight. By the
report alluded to, it will also be seen,
that while the number of students re-
ceived was as great as could be even
tolerably accommodated, the applica-
tons of considerable number were
necessarily refused, for want of rooms. :"
The farm operations, the past year,
nave been, In some respects, less favor
able than might have been expected,
on account of wet weather and cold,
during the latter part of the season.
Wheat was injured by the winter, by
the nudge and by bad weather near the
time of harvesting. Oats yielded well,
but was injured by the weather. Hay was
tolerable crop. Indian corn, though
affected by the cold and wet weather,
was much better than an average fo1
the present year. The root crop turn
ed out well, considering the soil and
season. As to variet ties found most
profitable, Mr.. II. states that, after
several years trial, preference is given
to the golden ball turnip for early
feeding, and the skirving SWede tur-
nip and yellow globe mangel wurt.
Eel for winter and early spring feed
ing.
The labor system of the students is
considered an important auxilirry i'll
imparting instruction. By their labor
in the field, says Mr.. H., students
familiarize themselves with the prin
ciples of farm management, and nat
urally connect them with the subjects
of their studies. They thus learn
the first step toward that important
desdieratum in observation-disclosures
with Practice.
The stock upon the farm consists o.
| the following breeds OF cattle: Short
horns, Devons, Galloways aud Ayr
shires. OF sheep there are MerInos
of the Rich strain OF blood; Silesiar
| Merinos, South Downs, Cotswolds anC
Scotch black-faced, or Highland.
| The report contains details of ex
periments by DR.. Kenzie and DIR. Mills
which are OF much interest, and tt
which we may refer hereafter.
The papers on injurious insects
Principles of Breeding, the Devon
Breed of Cattle, and Fruits along tn,
eastern shore of Lake Michigan, arr
valuable, and from which we hope Il
make copious extracts.
The BEST MODE OF TAPPING SUGAF
TREES. "A correspondent of the Buf
falo Express gives the following sug
gestions in regard to sugar making :
Some time ago L noticed in the Elk
press few remarks headed " Sugges
tons TO maple sugar makers. The
views given are not, In these parts con
sidered the most expedient, as the old
est and most experienced sugar makers
will affirm and as | will now undertake
to prove. The axe is preferred to tn,
bit for tapping on account of its max
ing a more open wound. To be sur,
trees, which have always been tappe,
with bit present a smooth and health,
appearance, but on closer examination
it will be found that they are rottel
within, til top will present a scragg,
appearance, the branches will be en-
cased with moss and the tree will in
few years break over and fall to tn
ground.
1t is argued by some that the mali
reason for using the bit instead of
Indifferent mode is, that so little of tn