The anti-monopolist. [volume] (Saint Paul, Minn.) 1874-1878, 1874-11-26
The Farm.

SELL AS ScIiOUS HucStlOll Will AAA lACA D.
Hitherto they have frequently had the
modification to see their grain pass
from their hands at low prices, which
have been brought about by comblna-
lions of spectators and dealers. These
persons, as soon as they had secured
the grain, have put up prices and cleared
millions Of dollars, which by right
ought to have gone to the ia 'mers
pockets. At the present time the mar
ket has been influenced by false reports
of enormous crops in Europe, and grain
has beer sold for delivery several
months ahead, at prices which
will not pay the cost Of raising
it. The London Mark Lane Express,
speaks OF low stocks at present
with no room for decline, and that ev-
cry exporting country complains bit
terly Of English rates. This means
higher prices, and if grain is not forced
on the markets, we do not see how they
can lie prevented. Fortunately far
mers are becoming better able to act
in their own defense, and having
learned to combine for this purpose.
may set their own price Oh their prod
ucts, and demand the fair value for
their labor. Some commercial papers
pretend that this is an improper thing
to do; that it is next to criminal for
farmers to set a price upon she world s
food. That they should sell at the
earliest moment their grain is ready for
market, and take the current price for
it. But what other producers do this
None All other producers fix their
prices, and hold their products for
them as long as they are
able. And this the farmer has a
right to do. No other man may fix the
price for the farmers labor. To do that
IS his own personal privilege. But to
closely, and protect his privileges, TIE
farmer must keep posted He must
be a reading man. 1t is by reading,
more than by practical experience, that
men become educated and a man S cd
ncation is not finished while he lives.
One 5 own experience is narrow. When
one reads he gathers the accumulated
Of hundreds or thousands.
The farmer therefore must read papers.
his local paper, as Il matter Of course,
should be read, because every farmer
should interest himself in his own local
affairs, and make his weight felt socially
and politically. This is his duty to
himself and to his ncighbors.-Amcri-
can AgricutturiSt.
The first work to be done is to at
tend to the comfort of the farm stock,
neglecting none. proba bly, these have
been neglected in the hurry of harvest
ing and storing crops. They should
now be looked to. Every loose board
upon the stables and sheds should be
tightly nailed, the open cracks should
be battened, openings in the caves
should be closed, windows and roofs
repaired, broken floors made sound.
and some extra feed provided. If fodder
is short, 1T is economy to keep the
stock warm and dry, and feed literally
before severe weather comes. Animals
in good condition will be able to stand
some hardship in the spring, and come
put OCtltl lliuI liioSt liiht arc StliltCtl
now and given ezra care then. 1t is
a difficult matter to bring up poor stock
when spring is coming on.
Horses. Provide blankets for the
horses. \ warm blanket will save feed
and loss of time by sickness. Avoid
a storm. let the horses be rubbed dry
before the blankets are put over them.
Keep the stalls clean, and on no ac-
count allow manure To gather beneath
the horses feet. This Injuries the hoofs,
and often produces cracked heels. Be-
sides, il renders the air foul. and is very
injurious to the ANIMALS eyes. In the
effort to keep the stable warm. proper
should not DC neglected.
The curry comb and brush should not
lie idle; their use invigorates the skin,
and promotes healthtul secrctions.
Cows.--Milking cows will now need
extra feed. On the whole. more value
in milk will be returned from bran than
any other feed--not the light hushs,
but what is known Us bran at country
mills. ~ VI hall well iuAuaEtd.
may be made more profitable than a
summer one. Dry cows should
be kept in good condition. They are
now storing up material for future
profit. The future value of the calf.
too depends upon how the dam is fed
before its birth Bran is excellent
feed for in-calt cows, and it is cheap
now. 1t is we'll not TO waste time in
milking cows that give only quart a
day, but il will be better to dry them
Oft.
Young Stoek.--All young animals
need liberal and kindly treatment. and
watchful care. The farmer eve
should ever be on the alert TO discover
the first sign of disorder. and when
found. il should be remedied at once.
Sheep.--No stock suffer more from
damp close quarters than sheep. They
will winter better ii the open field. than
in q low damp filthy yard. But they
should be spared either of these infiic-
tons. An open she'd that may be
closed in driving storms ought to be
provided. with a roomy yard in which
they may lie in fair weather. Oats
and corn are both dear this season. and
bran. rye or buckwheat. may be given
with equal profit. 4 little variation Of
feed is good for sheep. but the changes
should not be made frequently. or they
will learn 10 look for it aud become dis
satisfied. Frozen grass or any cold
waterv feed is bad for ewes that are TO
lamb early.
Breeding Ewes, 10 lamb III April.
should be put with the ram this month