Vermont farmer. [volume] (Newport, Orleans County, Vt.) 1870-1877, 1873-02-28

crop plowed in is the best preparation for a
grain crop, especially wheat.
DR.. Cutting What is your opinion Of the
value Of muck.
Prof Collier: Mucks differ. Some of
them are very valuable Those muck beds
which receive the wash Of adjoining land
would be likely to be most valuable, espec-
tally If the muck lay upon clay, which would
prevent teaching.
WEDNESDAY MORNING.
The first paper this morning was by
Hon. A. n. HsIbert,
Of Essex, upon Hightoay. We hope soon to
publish this valuable paper in full. After
the reading of the paper discussion arose
upon the subject.
MIR. Jameson spoke of the Importance OF
attention to roads in tho winter time, when
farmers do so much riding and teaming The
strength Of chain is no more than that of it's
weakest link, and so Of road the load that
can be drawn over it is only that which can
be drawn over its worst portion Fences in
many places where the snow drifts badly
could be constructed to obviate this difficult
ty. Thinks tight fence best for such pro.
lection. Pitch holes, or cahoos," in winter
roads, are dangerous nuisance, worse than
water-bars in summer, and they ought to be
prevented and the road kept level This
can be done with common field roller, 10
or IL feet long, drawn over the road after
every snow storm.
Mr. Halbert thought favorably of the use
of rollers. They are used with great success
in Windsor county. They should be of
greater diameter than common farm rollers.
Mr.. Jameson spoke of the narrowness of
so many Vermont roads, and the consequent
difficulty of passing.
MIR. O. W. King thought the water-bars
objected to by Mr.. Halbert were necessary,
and might be constructed so as to obviate
most objections. He thought the principal
trouble arose from surveyors not attending to
their business in time, as they are obliged to
do by statute. He thought the importance
Of STONE sluIces, instead of wooden ones, could
not be overestimated, Agreed with Mr..
Jameson that a high, tight, board fence was
the best to prevent drifting. Spruce shrub.
berry along the road is also great protec-
ton from drifts.
MIR. j. NJ. Lucas had tried the spruce
boughs recommended by Mr.. Halbert, in
building road over wet place, and found
they did not answer where there was heavy
teaming. Thought water-bars unnecessary
if the road was rightly made. 1t is cheaper
to draw good gravel three miles il necessary,
to make n road, than to take unfit material
near at hand. A high stone wall prevents a
drift in the road
Mr. Linus Bakesly had used snow pillow
shaped like an A harrow, for clearing win-
ter roads; it is an excellent implement
Hon. n. W. French thought if our roads
were made wider, say four rods, there would
be much less trouble. from drifts. Also APP
, proved of tight feuce for the purpose.
Agreed with the essayist in approving of a
money tax and road commissioners, in place
Of labor tax and the surveyor system.
Hon. j. g. Crawford agreed that our
f roads are too narrow. Our roads are eramp.
ed down to mere lanes, requiring turn-outs
like railroads. TO avoid drifts it is best to
have portable fences, to be removed in the
winter. If tight fence is used, it should be
on the windward side, with reference to the
) prevailing wind. On the other side it would
, do damage. Thought some of the claims for
damages from water-bars arose out of pre-.
5 No one ought to drive fast in the place
1 where water-bars are required. Thought q
E roller might be used to roll down snow, sc
r rugged that the cattle would walk behind tn,
t roller.
Mr.. King thought that wouldn't work
e another gentleman thought it would take al
: ALFRED smart man to steer the roller.
MIR. Jameson
e then read his paper upon Cor Stables.
y MIR Halbert did not favor manure cellar
under COW stables. Thought them injurious
= to the health Of stock, as well as dangerou
b. by causing rotten floors. Two farmers il
: Williston, brothers, have tested this question
i one of them building with and the othe
: without cellar, aud the stock Of the latte
y always come out in the best condition. 9th
It erwise they are treated alike. Though
If stanchions safest, bnt chains easiest |
e chains are used the cows should have stalls
e Cows should always occupy the same place
II in the stable.
y Mr.. Wright thought stables should be con
Is venient of entry for the cows, and feared
n depressed gutter in the stable, as likely :
J. cause accidents. Not enough attention
al given to making COW stables warm A colo
l. cid fashioned stable will require one-thir
y more feed to keep the cows in equal cond
is ton
SO Mr. Crawford thought well OF swingin
sr stanchiOu, allowing some forward play. Sue
ID a one was recently figured in the Netc Eng
OIL land Farmer.
WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON.
re- MIR. Jameson
III read paper upon Butter Making, in tn
l. place of Hon. JAS. W. Weeks, of Lancaster
III who was expected to speak upon the subjec
l.. but was prevented by serious illness, iroI
20 attending the meeting.