Connecticut western news., 1878-05-09
FARM AND GARDEN.
REASONABLE HINTS ABOUT WORK.

with corn it is a question if anything is saved by hurrying it into the ground. The first operation, that of blowing sod ground, we generally postpone until ready to plant, so that the seed may go into fresh mellow soil, and the clover grow as much as possible. With fallow ground this may not apply.
 Manure .for Corn.--Corn is a gross feeder, and fresh manure is acceptable to it. Where the sod has been top dressed early in the spring, and the ma nure turned under with the vigorous growth of herbage, no better preparation can be made for this crop. Then after narrowing, D light dressing of some &C., tive artificial fertilizer, guano, blood manure, fish scrap or either of the special corn manures may be given broad cast, or in the hill. When the sod has not been previously fertilized, the ma- nure, if coarse, may be spread upon it and plowed under, or, if fine, may be narrowed in. When no stable manure can be had, liberal dressing of arti- ticial manure, of so.Me kind, should be used for the corn crop.
 Hoao to Use Fertilizers. Many chem ical fertilizers are highly concentrated, and should not be brought into close contact with the seed. We are using several tons of these fertilizers the pres ent season, and applying them in the following way: About two-thirds is sown broadcast on the narrowed soil, and one stroke of the harrow is then given to mix soil and fertilizer together. The seed is then drilled, or planted, and the other third is then scattered evenly upon the surface. In this way a very thorough mixture is secured. After many experiments last season, we have fixed on 500 to 600 pounds per acre, where no other manure is used, and 200 to 300 when the soil does not need a full dose. It is not wise to half feed the soil, any moro than to half feed on animal. To deter birds from pulling the seed, and cut-worms from nipping the sprouts, 1t has been found effective to roll the seed in pine-tar, and then in plaster. The scent of the tar will remain long time, and will be disagreeable to the vermin. The tar can be most easily applied by mixing it with hot water and then stir ring in the corn.
 Iop-dressieg FaU Grain.-Grain- fields that look unthrifty and yellow after the drying winds of the spring, will be benefited by a top-dressing of active fertilizer; this will help the clover and young grass.
 Plaster is often very useful upon young cloverfelds frequently doubling the hay crop. Thus applied, it will serve to produce a good crop to be plowed in upon distant fields where manure can not be easily handled One bushel (8O pounds up to four, six, or eight bushels even, may be used to the acre as early as practicable this month.
 Early Potatoes, that have not yet been planted, should be got in without delay. With this crop earliness is great ad- vantage where beetles abound.
 Pure Paris Green is the best remedy for the beetle. Last season we mixed 1t with plaster, which is much cheaper | than flour, does not scatter so much when the wind is blowing, and adheres to the leaves equally we'll. As it is best to be prepared for the beetle, supply of the Paris green should be procured in readiness for his arrival.
 Horses.-Now, with hard work, teams require good care. Horses will come from the field in much better condition If they are protected from worry by the flies. The best protection is a thin sheet made to fit the neck, with holes for the ears, and to buckle under the throat, and to cover the back, hanging loosely at the sides to give access of air beneath. It should be held by crup- per band beneath the tail. Too much corn fed now, IS apt to produce irritation of the skin, and make the animals rest less. Cleanliness will be found great comfort to them.
 Sheep and Lanobs. The most profit from sheep is to raise lamb that will sell for more than the mother is worth This can be easily done by caring well for the earliest lambs. A lamb, 90 days old, and we'll fattened, will often sell for ten dollars in the cities, and half that in country villages. A half bred Cotswold lamb, fed now with little mixed oat- meal and bran, and suckled by native eve, will make an excellent market lamb. Lambs now being fed should be protected from cold storms, and the ewes should have some extra feed.
 Sheep Washing.- wash the wool on the sheep's back is not a profitable prac- tice. The wool is not half washed, and the difference in price will not pay for the loss of weight, to say nothing of the trouble and risk for both men and flock. If the sheep are kept reasonably clean, and the wool free from rubbish, it will be found better than having to wash them to get rid of unnecessary filth.
 Coa0s and Calvcs.-C Caution should be exercised ill turning cattle on to the fresh grass. Young stock are especially subject to disease from overlooking with succulent e1bage. Black leg, black-quarter, or carbuncular erysipelas, frequent at this season, is so caused. Where there is danger, seton in the dewlap has been found effective to pre- vent it. To change the feed gradually, however, is the best preservative of the health. Incoming COWS that have been we'll fed should be watched to prevent