Buchanan County bulletin. [volume] (Independence, Iowa) 1869-1891, 1870-01-21

of husbandry, improved live stock,
of every kind, improved varieties Of
cereal, and roots, improved fruits
and vegetables and improved mach
ines and implements. are nov the
order Of the day. Unless a farmer
makes up his mind to be left "alone
in his glory" he must endeavor to
keep up with the rapid improvement
that is now taking place around
him.
The slaughtering of sheep appears
to be going on all over the country;
in fact, farmers appear to think that
they cannot get rid of them fast
enough. This is not to be wondered
at. inasmuch as many farmers under
took to breed sheep who knew moth
ing about this branch of rural econ.
omy. Every farm is not adapted
fer feeding sheep; some are destitute
of that short sweet heritage which is
suited for this purpose. Pastures
stocked with weeds and coarse grasses
are unfit for sheep. Low, marshy
land is entirely msui,ed to this kind
of stock. No more sheep should be
winte,ed than can be provided with
shelter and suitable provender,
Capacious sheds are necessary, as
perfect ventilation is requisite. The
best quality Of long wooded or fine
wooded sheep generally pay well for
taking proper care of them, but there
is very little to be made at any time
by common, inferior grades. Long
wooded sheep should be fed on roots
or grain, and the best quality OF hay,
during the Winter, Breeding ewes
should be well taken care of at all
times, but especially during the rigors
OF Winter. They should get nutriti-
Gus provender and be protected from
the intrusion of other stock.
HOGS IN JANUARY.
1t is to be hoped that fat hogs have
been slaughtered and sold before
January. We have often advised
farmers to fatten early and sell off
before cold weather max es the process
of fattening difficult. T.ose who had
their hogs ready for market early,
have Jared mach better than those
were not ready to sell in proper time,
for the price of pork has fallen con
siderably, and an additional quantity
Of food is always necessary in cold
weather. When a large number of
fat hogs are kept in the same pen in
very cold weather, they are apt to
"pilc' or gather together in clusters |
or heaps in search of warmth, and
those underneath are sometimes
smothered by the pressure of the
rest. This evil should be guarded
against by keeping only small nun.
Der in each pen, ard by keeping out
the cold by double-walls and close.
fitting doors ventilation will be
necessary. This should be given
by an opening in the roof, az this
will also allow exhausted air to es-
cape. Breeding sows should be
well taken care of at all times, but
in Winter when they can.
not forage FIR themselves.
FARMERS CLUB
Farmers clubs should be establi-
she'd in every school district and in
Every place where an attendance of
rom Ten to twenty farmers can be
obtained. A great deal Of useful in
on agricultural and horti-
cultural subjects may be elected in
such places by choosing interesting
subjects for discussion, comparing
totes on the results Of the past years
crops, ascertaining which are the
pest breeds of cattle, sheep and hogs
the varieties Of the cereals, etc.
The meetings of farmers club is a
good place to exhibit samples Of
choice varieties Of grain. ETC., and
% Ike orders for seed. Merchants
meet weekly in their Board Of Trade
Rooms, and become thoroughly
posted in commercial affairs. 1t ia
ust as necessary that farmers should
De wei! informed on all matters con-
lected with agriculture and horticul-
ure.