Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1873-02-21
Correspondence.
For the VERMONT FARMER.
FARM CHATS, NO. II.

The Weather
Since Dec. 25th has been decidedly winter
ish. On the lowlands aud in frosty locali
ties the mercury went down to 24s to 2S'
below zero on the 26th, and the remaining
days of last year were decidedly chilly. The
new year came in cold, with the mercury al
zero on the highlands, and has held well
down to that point until date, with but few
exceptions On the Sd, 4th, 5th, 9th and
l4th, the mercury went up to about the
freezing point, and on the 10th it touched
400, and we had furious south wind and
drenching rain. The thaw lasted a night
and day, and snow settled considerably.
Since the 10th the thermometer has ranged
from zero to 20e, and on the 2lst and Oath
heavy snow storms. Thus far we have had
a real old style winter.
The Old Year
Is passed, the new year one month gone, and
are we farmers prepared for it 1t is here
with its cares as well as its good cheer.
We should make the most of it now. Now
is the only time we can count on. well
begun is half well done" Some say this is
the farmers leisure, but generally there is
enough to do these short days. With the
stock, pigs and poultry to feed and care for,
the wood pile to look out for, roads to break,
snoup 20 aboyal staarS 10 b.ndy colts 20
break, apples and potatoes to pick over, go
to mill, to market, and other jobs that will
always turn up on the farm, there will be
about enough to do. The long evenings can
be taken up by reading and planning for next
seasons operations. With all this on our
hands the winter months fly swiftly by, and
before we've had our leisure, spring is here
and then we must be up and doing
stock
Of all kinds need the best of care at this
season of the year. "Wel wintered is hall
summered," is an old but true saying. By
poor feeding and poor care we not only lose
the milk or other product at the time, but
have the expense of time and food in bring.
ing up to full condition again next summer
Careful and liberal feeding aud watering Of
the stock is the way to have them look fat
and sleek, and thorough carding of all the
stock daily helps amazingly. Warm but
well ventilated barns, plenty of good, whole
some water, enough to eat at regular hours
with frequent change Of food, instead of ex
posure to the cold, driving winds and storms
poor food and water, and irregularity. 1t i,
poor policy to keep poor stock, No farmer
can afford to do it. The cost of keeping the
poorest is nearly or quite as much as tha
Of the best, while the incGme is far less, t
say nothing of the satisfaction one has il
owning stock that he can feel proud of. A
the start good stock may cost the most, bu
on the other hand the income is greater il
proportion After the first start it costs NJ
more to breed good animal than a scrub
Select none but the best to breed from, anC
don't sell the best calf because it will brinl
a good price, but keep the best to raise up
herd to be proud of.
The Love of Animals
Is essential to success in raising them. Fond
ness for them leads to a more careful STUDY
of their habits, and greater attention to the
wants. No farmer need expect success il
stock raising unless he studies their habits
learns their wants and needs, and make
himself familiar with all the details. Th
study of animals, and that attention to al
their wants and needs, is subject that
fear too many farmers sadly neglect.
BrattleJor0, Jan. 25. Why Nor.