Vermont phÅ“nix. [volume] (Brattleboro, Vt.) 1834-1955, 1879-09-05

We recently visited one Of the well-culti-
waited farms in this town. and found it source
of pleasure and encouragement. The farm
buildings were convenient, comfortable and
in good condition. After chatting a while
with the farmer and his family, We were in
yited to walk in the garden, where he showed
us an abundance of thrifty growing vegeta-
bles of many varieties Now look at my or
chard said he and we passed on through
clean-looking, well-trimmed and thrifty ap-
pie orchard. Not dead limb or a needless
sprout was visible. Many of the trees hung
full of nice fruit, although it is not year of
plenty for apples. Last year" said he, II
had hundred and seventy barrels of good
apples 81 want you to see my hay and
grain, he remarked, As we walked leisurely
toward two large barns, which we found on
entering to be filled to the ridge-pole with
bright new hay. "Whcn my father first cut
the hay on this farm" said he, "the amount
OF hay which was secured scarcely filed one
of these barns half full" In the converse
ton about farm products, We remarked that
some farmers thought that raising pork did
not pay in these times when it was selling so
year had about $500 lbs of pork and was
well paid for my labor. Besides the pork, l
had on the credit side of the account sixty
dollars worth of manure which the hogs
made" After glancing at the newly-mown
fields where hay and grain had been secured,
and getting glimpse of a large field of prom
Using corn We concluded that our tour of in
spection was nearly through, when the far
mer observed II have one more object of in
terest for you TO see, and that is my vinegar"
Had he said 'old cider" we should have been
reminded of custom around us of asking to
drink. Vinegar is not very attractive to us,
much less is old cider; but we were glad to
see the vinegar. There was a row of barrels
filled with vinegar, all round the building.
With what was in the cellar he had thirty bar
rels! 1t was excellent vinegar Even last
years cider had changed TO good vinegar.
And what is the process of making it change
to vinegar so soon ?" we inquired "Simply
this" he replied, showing us all that was
done, method which we did not ask leave
to make public. After hearing the farmer
say that he had good market for all that
vinegar, and ready sale at good prices, for
all that he could make, we became a little
speculative on the subject of vinegar making.
How much old cider is drunk, even in Dunn
merston, thought We that might have been
kept, as this enterprising farmer keeps his
cider, instead of drinking it, for vinegar and
sold for money. At least a thousand dollars
worth of old cider is drunk in this town ev-
cry year when apples have been plenty the
preceding season. Instead of this waste of
an orchard product it might be saved for
good purpose. Some may reply that it is
harmless waste. Eyes, harmless" responds
aserpent from the grass; 'Aaymlss," re-echo
hundred thirsty tongues! We always like
to say good word for Dummerston. We are
glad to speak in praise of her many excellent
citizens; but we cannot say one word in ia.
vor of drinking ''old cider" so long as pure,
refreshing, sparkling water flows from the
perennial fountains that issue from nearly
every hillside in this favored New England.
Our only exclamation is, Let cider be con-
verified into vinegar dim.