Vermont watchman and State journal. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1836-1883, 1875-02-24


Mr. Alexis r. Smith, Of New Haven, said
he had top-dressed early in spring with good
results
Mr. Douglas remarked that there was a
principle at the bottom Of these different re-
suits. which, if understood would explain
them. Any mode Of topdressing that will get
the richness Of the manure into the ground
Just at the time when the grass roots are ready
to make use Of it, is right. Usually the best
time is right after haying, since then the
grass is starting again into growth, and it is
also time when we may expect rains that
will wash the manure into the soil.
Some one asking Professor Collier for his
opinion as to the comparative value Of
liquid and solid excrement, the Professor
said there was too much "opinion " and too
little facts, at these meetings. The fact in
reference to this question, was that the rela-
tive value Of the two kinds Of manure varied
with the feed aud other circumstances. but
on the whole, the liquid was not inferior in
value to the solid. lie had no doubt that if
it had been advertised that every farmer
who would attend this meeting, should re-
ccive five dollar bill at the door, this great
hall would have been filled to Overlooking.
notwithstanding the bad weather. But any
farmer who was not aware of the facts
shown here in relation 10 the value Of muck
as an absorbent Of liquid manure, and the
powerful effects of this compost as top
dressing for meadows, would have been ben
Gifted much more than five dollars worth
Mr.. Ballard Of Gaysyille, gave an interest
ing account of his success in restoring
worn out land, and said it was mainly
due to saving and applying the liquid ma
nure. leused rotted sods from the roadside
as an absorbent in his stables.
Mr.. +. z. Allen of st. Johnsbury then
read paper on allow to make Farming
Honorable and Pleasant" It was q well
considered paper, and well received. Follow
ing the paper, the discussion of the question
of agricultural education was renewed by
Messrs Douglas, Drew and Smith, Mr.
Drew remarked that if education would
spoil a man for farmer, as some contended,
no man ought to be a farmer. But proper
education will not do it. lie was giving his
boys as good an education as he could get
for them, and it only seemed to increase
their interest in farming and their love for
the farm
Following this discussion, Mr. G. G. Prin-
gle Of Charlotte, read an elaborate paper
upon the CAPITALIZATION of Cereals" in
which he detailed his experiments in cross
ing various kinds of grain, and exhibited the
results. lie anticipated and, indeed, thought
he had already secured very important i'm
| proyements in wheat and other grain, by
crossing them in such a way as to combine
the various good qualities of different va
rieties in single sort The specimens ex-
bibted, both of heads and grain, seemed to
bear out this statement, and it is to be
! hoped that some of these improved varieties
may soon be produced in sufficient quanti-
ties to admit of a thorough test of their quail
tiles. Mr.. Pringle's paper was listened to
with great interest, and his specimens in
spected with much satisfaction, by many
farmers present. After this paper, the meet
ing adjourned until afternoon.
FRIDAY AFTERNOON.
The first part of the afternoon was given
to an address by Mr.. Douglas, upon " Butter
making" This attracted a very much larger
attendance than at any previous session, the
large town hall being almost filled, and many
ladies being among the audience. 1t seems
pity that so much effort and intrigue should
have been put forth to throw Mr.. Douglas
out of the Board, only to find that his pres
ence, if not absolutely essential to success,
proves to be, at least the most attractive
feature at all the meetings. Mr.. Douglas
shows, by his.willingness to spend his time
and labor in this way, at great detriment TO
| his private business not only how unselfishly
he is devoted to the agricultural prosperity
of his native state, but how high above all
| feeling Of resentment he is towards those
who have intrigued, as they hoped, to his in-
/ jury. As we shall soon give to our readers
Mr.. Douglas admirable paper in full, we re-
| frain to give an abstract Of it now. 1t was
followed 10y yolleys of questions upon all
points Of butter making, all of which, with
infinite patience and good humor, Mr..
Douglas answered, to the great satisfaction
of his audience,
Following Mr.. Douglas came an elegantly
written essay, by |. W. Sanborn, Esq, of
Lyndonville, upon .Esthetic Culture" after
which the meeting adjourned.