Watertown republican. [volume] (Watertown, Wis.) 1860-1906, 1878-02-06
THE FARM.

choose those with smooth, healthy-lOOk-
ing bark, which have entirely shed their
leaves. Trees on which the leaves re-
main after frost sets in, and stick to the
branches, may be regarded as not
healthy, and in some way lacking
stamina.
HORSES SHOULD BE TAUGHT To WALK
1t is easier to find horses which can
| trot we'll than those which Can walk
we'll. Whether for farm use or the sad
die, horses should know how to walk
we'll. The farm horse has to do most
Of his work in walking gait, and 1t is
a great satisfaction TO the rider, for a
saddle horse to have fine and spright-
ly walk.
FERTILIZERS FOR FRUIT.-It Is now
pretty thoroughly demonstrated that
potash i'm proves the flavor and growth
Of all fruits, this substance being the
most prominent constituent, and is COM
bined with the fruity acids. Therefore
we suggest the application per acre of
800 to 400 pounds sui phatc of potash
rs to 20 per cent. purity. or 1000
pounds wood ashes; 200 to $50 pounds
of bone dust would be valuable ad-
dition.
The comparative value of horse feed,
by experiment, is as follows: 100 pounds
Of good hay is equal in value to 81
pounds of oats, 81 pounds of corn. 275
pounds Of carrots, "a pounds of rye Or
barley, and 105 pounds of wheat, or
bran While this will give relative
idea Of values, it is not to be taken AS
conclusive. Young animals do better
on oats, rye or barley, while fattening
animals require corn. Roots, however.
are always valuable in winter, when
they are to be had.
THOROUGH CULTIvATIoN.--A small
piece of ground can be made to yield a
great deal. Some of the western states
show great results from tillage. For in
stance. it is stated in the Greeley (Colo-
rado) Tribune that a little plot Of ground
100xI6O feet IN size has this year pro-
duced l ITO quarts Of Strawberries, 125
large heads of cabbage. several bushels
of peas, a quantity of tomatoes, beans,
corn, raspberres, grapes, crab-apples,
and some garden stuffs. Mr. Hotch-
kiss, the owner, fertilizes highly, and
therein lies the secret Of his success.
BIRDs.-A correspondent of the Rural
Home, speaking Of the benefit which
birds render the farmer, says: "On
Thursday last, while at work near Il
wheat field, my attention was called to
the fact that some wheat had been
picked from the heads in certain parts
Of the field. AS my neighbor seemed
to think the mi chief was done by yell
low birds, Iprocured gun and killed
one of the supposed offenders. AL
though interrupted while taking his
breakfast, we found in his stomach only
three grains of wheat, and by actual
count $50 weeyils."
AT this season Of the year, it will be
found a very good plan, twice or thrice
a week, to drop an even teaspoonful of
common cayenne pepper into, say two
gallons of water given to fowls for their
daily drink. This is a grand tonic, and
it works very kindly towards warming
the blood, these chilly days. Anothe r
excellent provision is to place at the
bottom of the pail or vessel containing
their drink, q bit of assafntida. This
impr eguates the fluid with its tonic
qualities, and it Is very whol>ome for
fowls in the wintry days. Fresh water
should be given, however, daily, and
your birds should never be without
this, when in confinement, especially;
for they imblbe good deal ifthey have
it always at hand.
How A SUCCESSFUL FARMER FEEDS HIS
CATrLE.-Stock doing well; have exer-
else and sunshine (when there is any
every day; no abortions, and losing no
calves, SO far; young stock growing like
weeds IN a corn field in June. Six
bushels meal, two bushels mill feed,
two bushels light oats, seven quarts oil
cake meal, and one pint of salt, mixed
with three times as much cut hay as
there is in bulk Of grain, makes one
days rations for seventy-five head Of
cattle, young and old, Feed is dampen-
ed, and stands when the weather is not
too cold) twelve to twenty-four hours
before feeding, and is ,apportioned TO
the stock according to age and condi-
tion.-PHay Nichols.
BOYS AND OTHER CoLTs.-Now, boys,
let the colts out into the lots, and see
them run. Don't keep them PINNED
up in the stalls That is as bad as keep
| IlS uodItlly Doy III Dcu dll uav. lney
were never made for prison, but for
freedom. More colts are permanently
injured by lack of exercise than any
other cause. What they want is a
chance to run, and curvette, and kick
up their heels, and draw the cool fresh
air into their lungs and blow it out with
a snort. Bring them all out into this
four-acre lot; slip the halters; climb up
on the fence and nee them go it. What
a sight See them sweep! See them
circle! Ha see the fellow trot! Did
you see the chestnut catch his gait I?
Here they come, heads and tails up,
streaming toward US like a torrent of
leaves blown by the gale. How their
eyes shine! How their feet fly How
full of life and vigor, and fire, they are
There is no sight in the cities like that,
boys; no work purer healthier, manlier
than yours. Stick to the farm and sta
BILE, and the free exhilarating life of the
country. You are great deal happier
than you would be measuring tape and
clerkin,, it for So a week in the city