davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21
WOOdpeckers.
G. II. PERKINS.

Respecting the value of this proun NJ
birds very diverse opinions are entertained
One man believes them all to be ininrions
and thinks that he has ample ground for
such n belief. Another with equal conf
dence in the accuracy of his views thinks
that the woodpeckers are his best friends
1t is because of the existence of these on.
posite views, and because | believe that il
is important that we should know the truth
as fully as possible that am moved to
write what believe to be the facts in tho
case. AS often happens, we shall see that
each view is partly wrong and partly
right. think that no doubt can exist in
the mind OF any one who intelipeptlv
studies the habits of woodpeckers, that as
q group they are very useful, but this rule
has its exceptions, one of them being very
marked.
We have in Vermont seven Species of
the woodpecker family-(the picide). 1t
is family of wide geographical range. its
representatives being found in both hemis-
pheres and over all parts of each except
those in which the climate is very cold
In all about two hundred and fifty species
are recognized by naturalists. As fami.
ly it is noticeable for the uniformity of its
species-none deviating very widely from
the typical form. Most of them are BRIGHT
ly colored, or at least have portion of the
plumage gayly tinted. The toes are fur
nished with rather long and very sharp
claws and are, in most of the species arrang
ed upon the foot so that two are directed
forwards and two backwards. Most of them
have the bone at the base of the tongue
which is v-shaped, greatly Developed 10
that the ends of the V are prolongSl ia sless.
der rods which curve around the Nick Of lid
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21

In corn planting we have had brought
to our notice and tried two nipple
ments, which in their ways and for their
purposes are first-rate. The first-Hoae's
sliding groove corn planter-is a box
which may be described rs about half of n
cylinder about four inches in diameter. and
perhaps eighteen inches long. The lower
end is wedge-shaped vessel to receive
the kernels to be planted, which are SUD-
pied from the box above by n sliding
groove attached to a handle at the other
end OF the box. 1t is used much MS one
might use a shovel handle as n WALKING
stick. Striking down the planter forces
the wcdge-shaped vessel into the ground
the proper depth to plant the grains, and
lifting it up opens the bottom of the WEDGE
shaped planter and lets out the grains, and
coming further up drops the desired num-
Der OF kernels into the planter, where they
can be seen before they arc planted by the
next downward push of the planter. The
number of kernels to be dropped can be
regulated to suit, and the whole thing is
the handiest and most complete thing we
have seen in the way of u corn planter,
Made by Albert Hoag, Grand Isle, vt.
Another device is Moore's lightning
corn dropper. This is small, semi-cvl-
indrical box to be attached by hinged
clamp to the lower part of hoe handle;
sliding groove governed by a spring
drops the desired number of kernels, and
is operated by string Or tape attached to
it and coming up, is tied around the handle
just above the lower hand-smoothine the
place for the seed with the hoe, slight
pull on the tape with the lower hand
drops the corn which is then covered with
the hoe in the ordinary way. Sc. Moore,
maker, Swanton, Vt.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21
Fine rain we have had, needed to-.

There is perhaps no one family of birds
of whose habits and value less is generally
understood than the "Woodpeckers. -
We are happy to lay before our readers
this week the first number of a paper on
this subject prepared especially for the
FREEMAN by Prof. G. II. Perkins, of the
University of Vermont and State Agricul-
tural College. OF the value of Prof. Per-
kins' paper as scientific authority we have
no need to speak, nor of his interesting
manner of treating his subiect-to those
who have heard him speak.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21

A subscriber asks the cause and cure of
scabby legs in fowls. We are not much
of hen doctor, but one who is up to all
poultry lodges says they are caused by
parasites which find Judgement under the
scales ofthe legs and thus make the trouble.
Chicks are less likely to be affected than
old fowls, and some breeds, the Asiatics
for instance, more likely to be troubled
than others. Another breeder saws that
late Matched chicks are more likely to be
troubled than those Matched early. For
cure pulverized birthstone mixed with
fresh lard and rubbed on the legs, is said
to be cure. In rubbing in this ointment,
care should be taken to work it we'll under
the scales, rubbing up instead of doacn,
and the cure will very likely be effected.
Kerosene is equally effective as a cure, but
makes the fowl shaky on his legs.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21

We recently mad the pleasure of visiting
our friend w. II. Gilmore, Esq, in Fair
lee. Mr.. Gilmore is secretary of the
Orange county agricultural society, and
an enterprising and successful farmer. He
has one of the finest farms in the county,
and calls to his aid the best of modern
machinery in working it. And here is
Just where the large farmer has the adj
vantage over the small one, for the large
farmer, with sufficient capital, can prolits-
bly, invest in labor-saving machinery an
amount which would prove ruinous to the
cultivator of but few acres. Improved
manure spreaders, sulky plows, harrows,
planters. cultivators, moving machines,
tedders, rakes, etc.. etc., soon amount to
rs much as the entire capital of many
small farmers. But the small farmer,
having less acres must make up in more
thorough and careful cultivation on what
he tills; by larger crops on less acres. of
products requiring more care and minute
attention. Mr.. Gilmore's farm lies on the
Connecticut river. and in one beautiful
meadow. We saw about thirty acres in
one field, plowed, sown to grain. and
ready for corn, which he makes staple
crop, believing it can be raised cheaper
Than it can be bought at even present low
prices He believes hogs to be the manu-
facturers of the most profitable fertilizers,
and keeps about thirty at work each winter
in their laboratory under the barn and in
the yards, and the results of their work are
satisfactory.
An enterprising farmer like Mr.. Gil
more is of great benefit in neighbor--
hood, as every such farm is kind of ex-
pertinent station where new tools and
seeds and methods are tried and their
success or failure demonstrated, the benc-
fits of which trials all in the vicinity en-
avail themselves, and thus save the ex-
pense Of such trials personally.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21

PRESERVATION OF HARNESS. Though
the harness is an article of every day use
there are few who know how to care for il
so us to ensure its durability, and to keep
it looking clean and neat. A harness that
has been upon the horses back several
hours in Il hot or rainy day, becomes wet
if not properly cleaned, the damage to the
leather is irreparabe. If, after being
taken from the horse in this condition, it is
hung up in II careless manner, traces and
reins twisted into knots, and the saddle
and bride hung askew, the leather when
dried retains the shape given it while wet,
and when forced to its original form dam
age is done the stitching and the leather.
Those who use harness are not altogether
in fault for this; they would take care of ii
if they knew the extent of damage that
would result from their carclessness, and
that they do not is the fault of the manu-
flcturer 1t is mistaken policy that leads
the manufacturer of any line of goods to
neglect giving needful information to the
buyer. Every harness manufacturer would
study his own interest by accompanying
each harness sold with printed rules for
preserving the same.
The first point to be observed is to keep
the leather soft and pliable this can be
done only by keeping it well charged with
oil and grease water is n destroyer of these,
but mud and the saline moisture from the
animal are even more destructive. Mud in
drying absorbs the grease and opens the
pores of the leather, making it ready prey
to water, while the salty character of the
Precipitation from the animal Injuries the
leather. stitching and mountings. 1t there
fore follows that to preserve n harness the
straps should be washed and oiled when.
ever it has been moiStened by sweat or
soiled by mud. To do this effectualy, the
straps should all be unbuckled and detach-
ed; then wash with n little water and
brown soap, then coated with mixture of
neatsfoot oil and be allowed to remain I'M
disturbed until the water has dried out
then thoroughly rub with wollen rag
the rubbing is important, as it. in addition
to removing the surplus oil and grease,
tends to close the pores and gives a finish
to the leather, In hanging harness care
should be taken to allow all straps to hang
their full length; brides, pads, gig saddles
and collars should be hung upon forms of
the shape of each. Light is essential to
the care of leather, and when the harness
closet is dark the door should be left open
at least half of the time during each day.
All closets should be ventilated and when
possible they should be well lighted. To
clean plated mountings use channels with
Il little trip oil or rotten stone, but they
should be secured as little as possible
Rubber covered goods are cleansed in the
same way. Leather covered needs to be
well brushed and rubbed with wooden
rag.
If a harness is thoroughly cleaned twice
a year. and when unduly exposed treated
as we have recommended, the leather will
retain its softness and strength for many
yeats.-HarneSs Journal.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21

Our readers in the vicinity of Fairlce or
anywhere else, who are in want of nice
tomato plants, will find them at 20.
Adams'S He has the Victor, Trophy, and
other choice kinds, and they are flourish
ing plants, as we saw few days since
while visiting his greenhouse. His early
cabbage plants too. are promising, and
such as like cabbage will find these such
cabbage as they like.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21


THE FARMERS GARDEN.-The garden
is of scarcely less importance to the farm
er than the farm itself 1t is really in ad-
vance of the farm when we consider the
comforts of home. The farm supplies the
substantials, such as meat and bread, and
replenishes the purse, which of course is
the main item, but it is the garden that the
good housewife is indebted to for the many
side dishes served up so regularly three
times day, which play such an impor-
tant part in making the life of farmer
desirable above that of other men. If the
garden is neglected, its influence must be
felt three times day throughout the entire
year. And how uncomfortable it must be
to the good husbandman to hear his faith
full wife remark a thousand times during
this period. well, L have nothing to cook. u
To provide the larder we'll is the farmers
first duty. This he owes to himself and his
family. Then let him plant good garden !;
not merely patch of potatoes and few
rows of peas, but let him select choice
spot of ground of ample size, manure it
well, put it in good order, and from his
seed catalogue select every variety of
vegetable seed that will do we'll in our
climate.
Plant your seed in the proper time, and
tend them well, so that throughout the
coming year, instead of having nothing to
cook, your wife will find it difficult to select
from among the good things in her larder,
those necessary for n meal. The usual
mode of gardening is little better than
having no garden at ALL Do not be con
tent with the usual slip-shod way of doino
things, but do them right. The time spent
in the garden is not lost. 1t pays better
comparatively than the labor in the field :;
and above all things else, do not let it be
put off until the other work is done, but
prepare your garden spot and sow the
seed as early as the season will admit,
and continue to SOW as the time arrives
for the planting of different seed for vege-
tables for late use,-Rocky Mouqtain Hus-
bn1ldlndn.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21

By the analyses of some eight or nine
varieties of corn (maize kerneD comprising
Western Dent, and Eastern Flint, in other
words eastern and western grown corn, it
was demonstrated that the Western Dent is
neither better nor worse than the Eastern
Flint varieties of corn. 1t must be con-
cluded, says Prof. johnson, from COM
parison of thirteen samples of corn grown
in Michigan with nine samples grown in
Connecticut and North Carolina, that the
average of eastern and western maize is
essentially the same,and that neither Dent
nor Flint varieties are uniformly richer in
albuminoids or in oil.-MdSS. Pl0ughman.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21
agricultural department.

All communications for this department should be
ent to the editor. Mr.. o. NJ. TINKHAM. N. Pom
fret, VT.
Please write side Of the paper only sign such
name initials you wished published. but give
your FULL NAME ASD ADDRESS, post office, County and
state.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21
EAR HAVEN. VI May 70

FAIR HAVEN, Vt, May 5, 70.
Mr.. EDIToR,-Dear SRI think when
1 read the paper at Castleton on Slate
Dust as Fertilizer, l promised to send
you an an analysis. one of which | have
received to-day from Prof. Collier at Wash
ington:
Silica, @1 per cent. MAgnesia, as per cent
fE9n OXIDE, :jss sSiPhnTic acid.SSS@i
-ags
You will remember l advised its use
only on sand or sandy loan soil. This
agrees with my guessing well enough to
call me Yankee. Prof. Collier advises
its use as top dressing. When get the
other reports will advise you. Each
quarry is different, doubtless owing to the
coloring material. Truly,
G. d. SPENCER.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21

We love much more warmly by cherish
ing the intention of giving pleasure than
an hour afterwards when we have given
it.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21
No Patent No Pay !
PAT I N :

obtained for Inventors in the United States, Canada
and Europe, at reduced rates. With our principal
Office located in Washington. directly opposite the
United States Patent Office, able to attend to all
Patent with prompness and despatch
and less cost than other patent attorneys who at
distance from Washington, and who have therefore,
to employ associate attorneys" We make prelm-
mary examinations and furnish opinions to pat
entabily free of charge, and all who interested
in inventions and Patents invited to send for
copy,of our Guide for Obtaining Patents" which
sent free any address, and contains complete in
structions how to obtain Patents and other vauabl
matter. We refer to the German American National
Bank Washington, d. c.; the Royal Swedish, Nor
wegain, and Danish Legations, at Washington; Hons
Joseph Casey, late Chief Justice u s. Court of Claims
to the Officials of the u s. Patent Office, and to Sena,
tors and Members of Congress from every State.
Address, LOUIS DAGGER Il CO., Solicitors of
Patents and Attorneys at Law, lie Droit Building
WASHINGTON, d. q. FM6tf
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21
PATENTS.
r. H. EDDY,

No. rs State ST., opposite Kilby, Boston.
Secures Patents in the United States; also in Great
Britain France and other foreign countries Copies
Of the claims of any Patent furnished ~ RENTING one
dollar. Assignments recorded at Washington No
gencV in the tHicd States POSSESSES UIFrtur Jdtu-
ties or obtaining Patents or GSCerfdHUO the RAJ ma
blLtVOf intentions. r. IL, EDDY, solicitor OF Patents
TESTIMONIALS,
81 regard Mr., Eddy as one of the most cdpabt dm
successful practitioners with whom have had vh'al
intercourse.
CHAS. MASON Commissioner of Patents
. Inventors cannot employ person more tr.stW.ri
tiny or more capable of securing for them an eNN anu
favorable consideration at the Patent Office.
BURKE late Commissioner ct Patents
BosToN, October II, ls7O.
r. II. EDDY. Eso-Dear Sir: you procured for me
in 1910 my first patent Since then you have ted lor
and advised me in hundreds of cases. aud procure
many patents reissues and extensions. ! have coca
sonally employed the best agencies IN New YORK.
and Washington. but still give gu a.
most the whole of my business in your line, nd al
wise others to employ you. Yours truA,,
GEORGE pkAIlR,
Boston, Jan'y LIST 1879. rMlSl
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21
~ BENSON'S CAPCINE
AZ POROUS PLASTER
FOR WOMEN AND CHILDREN.
Central Vermont R. R. Line.
Commencing Monday, Dec. 80, 1875
TRAINS GOING SOUTH AND EAST.

Leave Montpelier at II. % A. NJ. $40 and 900 P NJ.
MAIL TRAIN from Montreal, Malone St Adams
Huntington, &c, leaves Montpelier ll4O A. N, for
Boston, New London, Springfield, New York, and
points
MIXED TRAIN leaves st Albans3 10 p. NJ. Burlington
8 iOP NJ. Montpelier 74O p. NJ. D., for NOrthheld.
NIGHT EXPRESS from O2densburg, Montreal. st. Al
bans aud Burlington leave Montpelier at 900 for
Boston via, Lowell or Fitchburgh Springfield, New
York and intermediate points.
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21
TRAINS GOING NORTH AND WEST

Leave Montpelier at LES 4OA, IL 10 and % P. NJ
DAY EXPRESS leaves Boston via, FItchburgh at 30
A. NJ, via, Lowell 500 A. M, New London 5.OO A NJ,
Springfield 5000 NJ Montpelier 422P. NJ. for Bur
linvton, st Adams, Montreal, and OgdensburR.
ACCOMMODATION Train leaves Northheld at 30 A. NJ 9,
Montpelier $40 A NJ, for Burlington. Rutland. st.
Adams st. Johns aud Richford.
MIXED leaves White River Junction 1904 NJ, North
field Il 90 NJ, arrives at Montpelier II 81 p
ACCOMMODATIONS leaves Montpelier l2.1O p. NJ. for
Burlington Rutland and st. Adams.
NIGHT EXPRESS leaves Boston via, Lowell at 30 p.
NJ, via, Fitchburgh go p. NJ" New York 3 90 P M,
Springfield 90 p. Montpelier % A. NJ for Burling
ton. st. Adams, Montreal and Ogdensburg, and the
West.
Trains leave Montpeierfor Barre att 20 A. NJ 10 90
A. NJ, and a. ~ p. NJ.
Returning leave Barre ats a. NJ and 10 50 A. NJ and
.. 20 p. NJ.
Sleeping cars are attached to Night Express trains
running between Montreal and Boston, and Montreal
and Springfield and New York and via, Troy, and
Paror Cars and Day Express between Boston and
Montreal.
Through tickets for Chicago and the West for sale at
J HOBART
Genl supt.
CIV BENTLEY,
Genl. Manager.
nar
Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1879-05-21

G.. W.BENTLEY,
Genl. Manager.
st. Adams, vt Dec. %, 1873.
Weekly Trinity journal., 1879-09-20

TOWNSHIP OFFICERS nearly as
can be ascer:ained the following persons
have been elected and will probably oual>
ify for the offices named in the several
townships of this county;
Trinity Cen.er-W. P. Hall, Justice:
Geo. Williams Constable; Samuel Bor-
den Road Overseer.
Minersville- Jake Bowerman. Road
Overseer.
Lewlston.-J. NJ. Grove. Justice; E.
r. DacS Constable; NJ. Van Matre. Road
Overseer.
Weaverville.-B. F. Finn, Justice;
Orson Fox, Road Overseer.
Douglas City,. G. Wallace, Justice;
Frank Mabie, Constable; Geo. w. Ward
Road Overseer.
Hay ForE-H. D. K;ngsbury. Justice;
John Tcmpkins Constable; j. II. Van,
derhoff, Road Overseer.
Long Ridge John Duncan and John
Alleman, Justices; Paul Herryford, Con
stable.
Junction City-A. G. George and G.
w. White, justices; w NJ. Garrety and
j. A. Florence, Constables; A. NJ. Majors
Road Overseer.
Canon City-Wm. Guthrie Justice;
A. g. Price, Road Overseer.
North Fork-J. NJ. Thurston, Justice;
Chris. Meckel, Road Overseer.
Cox's Bar-E. B. Barnum, Justice;
Geo. Ellis, Constable; Job Hedges, Road
Overseer.
Lower Trinity Geo. Cousins and r.
L. Thomas, Justices; E. Omann and J
Hackelmann, Constables; John Shaber
Road Overseer.
Weekly Trinity journal., 1879-09-20
LIST OF LETTERS
HOME NEWS.

A NEW LEAouE.-Custom in Califor>
mia has long made it necessary for can
cidates for local offices to travel over the
county, spend large sums of money for
whisky and make numerous small loans
10 certain impecunious voters who never
expect and never intend to repay them
This is al, wrong and stop should be
put to it. Besides being a great wrong
effect upon the morals of the community
and keeps many good men out of politics
who otherwise might enter the arena. In
the campaign just closed it is safe to say
that the several candidates, in the aggre>
gate, spent as much money as the com.
bned salaries of all the county Offices for
the first six months of the term would
amount to. This is ridiculous, yet it is
true. 1t is not the fault of the candidates
by any means. but rather OF the voters
and the old time custom which seems to
demsnd it. In order that it may be end
cd, the suggestion has been made that all
in favor thereof should band together
and pledge themselves TO vote for no cans
didate hereafter for county office who
shall leave his precinct for the purpose of
electioneering. Better than this would
be an agreement among the candidates
themselve tina: each should stay at home
and let the voters decide between them
without their own personal interference.
In a small county like this where men
are known to each other all over it, the
custom of electioneering can well be dis
pensed with. and many good citizens hope
that the bad habit will be no longer ir>
dulged in,
Weekly Trinity journal., 1879-09-20

STeNING CHINAMEN.- Attention has
been so often called to the cowardly lreod
lum act Of stoning Cinnamon that We
have little hope of making any impres
sion by again referring to the matter
An incident in this line during the pres
ent week came near resulting fatally and
should be II warning to boys agains: the
inexcusable practice. 1t is not necessary
to mention any names in the case referred
to, as it might just IA readily have been
some other boy MS the one who did come
near cracking poor, decrepit old China>
mans skull. 1t is the intention of the
officers to prosecute and severely punish
the first boy hereafter caught throwing
rocks Mt Cinnamon, and the whites will
aid them in so doing. A decent boy
would not throw stone Mt even n dog
who was going quietly along attending 10
his own business, much less at a human
being.