The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1877-03-24
FARM AND GARDEN.



already broken ground and are putting
In the seed. So near are we now to
active operations that plans for the year
should be completed, and actual steps
taken for their fulfllmpnt. If our cap.
ital will allow Of more acres being titled
and we have the desire and capacity to
enlarge our operations, now is the time
to decide whether we will do so or not.
Farming pays a good percentage on the
money and labor expended: but when
only small capital IS used, a small
area cultivated, OF but little stock kept,
the total income will necessarily be
small. So if we wish to increase our
income, it will be necessary for the
many to increase the means by which
the small one is obtained. This, how
ever, will not always be in enlarged
fields, or more stock, but frequently by
the adoption of more systematic meth
ods and more correct practices than
those now followed
Fertilizers. AS a rule we believe it
would be to the advantage of farmers
TO increase their tillage operations; with
the reliable fertilizers now to be had
with which to supply the lack of suf-
may be safely done in very many cases.
Whether the farmer will make good the
deficiencies of certain ingredients IN
his own soil or of his homemade ma
nures, by the use Of special purchased
ingre 'iants, notably as Of potash salts;
or whether he will purchase complete
manures ready manufactured, the easi-
est way; or whether he will purchase
the Ingredients and make the fertilizer
himself, will depend on his under,
standing Of principles involved, the
labor and time at his disposal. and
other circumstances. Whatever be the
course adopted, if fertilizers are to be
used at all, they should be obtained
before the busy season comes on. The
prospect is now Cat the time of writing)
of an early spring, aud preparations
for the seasons work should be hast
ened accordingly.
The stock are beginning to feel the
effects OF being stabbed since November
and every care should be taken to ease
them over this portion of the season.
Every sunny day should see them en-
jOying the fresh air out doors. Who of
the human family but feels renewed
N'boiib1 auu NikOi - udiI-hdl III
the open air Of bright sunny weather
after being shut up in the house? Very
few. So with the creatures of the barn.
Care Will pay, too, in better health and
better returns, in feeding; now, if ever,
variety Of food is appreciated; and
fresh food, like turnips. nangOlds, etc, +,
are of special value at this season, CIV
ing tone to the system, and providing
necessary laxatives.
Spring Chickens are an item of so
much profit to those raising them, and
the supply never equalling the demand,
its surprising that more do not under
take the growing of them. Trouble Z?
Yet, but who can reasonably expect
gain without trouble and eXpense?oep-
Rrate quarters, moderately warm; pro-
lection from lice, rats ami other veTmin
Cleanliness a variety OF food. scalded
Indian meal, small grains, finely
chopped vegetables, a little animal food
with occasionally some coDdIment like
Cayenne pepper, chopped onions, etc.,
and clean water, are about the only es-
sentials these carefully observed and
success may be calculated upon. This
month Is the time to set the eggs for
hdbtlihS bhb thO ibh 10 NAANll
care OF during incubation, success need
not be expected. Many succeed Ia the
use Of artificial incubators.
The deep SHOWS prevalent over wide
areas have prevented many farmers
IIOm getting out their years supply OF
fire wood. This work should be hur-
RED now, and the wood worked up tor
the stove before the spring opens, or it
will be bother for the whole season
These deep SHOWS, however, argue well
for the coming agricultural year, in an
early spring, good start for the win
ter grains and the grass fields, and a
ldrntS OF water aud little frost in the
sUll.
The family diet, as well as that OF
the cattle should be looked to at this
teasOn. Succulent vegetable food, al
Ter much pork and beef, is necessary
during the spring months, to insure the
health of the family. The bodily sys-
tenn becomes clOgged and tuGdid, and
the health in consequence impaired.
A general feeling of dullness aud lack
Of energy possesses rs at this season If
the diet is not as it should be. AT this
season fruits and vegetables should be
prominent articles of food now. The
family health, however may be njur.
ed by these same vegetables in another
way, I. g., il they are allowed to decay
In the cellar beneath the living rooms,
as they are quite apt to do unless pre-.
cautions are taken to keep the cellar
free from all such unwelcome causes of
disease.
In general, many of the hints offered
for the previous winter months are ap.
l,llcable now especially As to the maui
ing ont OF mauGIe.--1he stone walls
may be looked 10 as soon as the ground
becomes haIe.-The outlets OF under.
drains should be attended to frequently
lest they become ubslTucted. In some
OF the cOldest sections we know OF I'M
deTdrains discharging water during the
continuance OF the colo weather, the
Lreat depth of snow preventing the
freezing OF the ground, thus permitting
OI free pTeculauOn.-Th fact OF the
FTound not being frozen also permits ni
the opening of muck deposits, when
the material Is desired fOr cOnpOsts, or
Jor spreading upon Over-dry or gravel
ly soils deficient Ia Olgaule natter