Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1880-03-02
FARMERs, GLUE.

Union Farmers Club met ut Grange
Hall. Norway. Was well attended aud
much interest manifested. Speakers from
abroad, Mr.. Harris and Mr.. Cobb. Paris
was not so well represented as 1t ought to
have been. Question for discussion,
"Beet Raising, for Maine Beet Sugar Co."
Meeting adjourned until next Friday, at
O'Clock, to meet at Grange Hall, Norway,
for further discussion OF the Beet inter-
est. Let all interested be present. All
that had used the beet pulp In large
quantities, spoke Of It as one OF the very
best feeds.
The discussion was opened In an able
and clear manner by Mr.. Smith, OF Oxford.
In the course of his remarks, he said he
would not advise any one to plant beets,
unless they have dress sing, and skill neces-
sary to carry on the business, and make
success OF 1t. Begin early to plant, and
to thin, keep clear from weeds, etc. Then
you might fail with bad season, but be
not discouraged. Plant them to save COM
petition with the West in other crops, to
get ready money in the fall. Plant them
to enrich your land. No danger OF COM
petition In beets. Not liable TO rise and
fall like all other farm products. Forty
lbs of pulp worth more than twenty-five
lbs. of raw beets as feed for stock. Put
In four tons OF pulp and feed to hogs; does
not cost two cents day to feed full
grown hog, which is too fat for breeding
purposes. Neglect caused failures. Last
year was an experiment. The Beet inter-
est comes In at the right time, but without
the aid of the farmers, 1t must die In
this State. Average yield last year c light
tons per acre in this vicinity, amounting
to $40 per acre. Compared with corn at
yield OF thirty-six bushels per acre, beets
pay Sl4 better than the corn. Difference
OF labor unable TO state. IL only wants
experience 10 make a success. Farmers
don't step out this year, give them one
more try. Am anxious for the good OF
this new interest of Maine.
Mr.. Harris OF Cumberland said In the
course of his address (Which was clear
statement OF facts In the interest OF the
Beet Coz that farmers could not depend
on Stockbridge fertilizer alone, would as
soon have Bradley's Nj. Super Phosphate,
and he thought little rather but recon-
mends something of the kind used In the
drill. Takes a lively interest in the sue
cess OF the enterprise. Raises bects for
! Co. Bears witness TO the Co.'S statement
rs being correct 900 tons OF sug ar pro-
duced on less than two square miles OF
soil this season. Can raise our own bread,
aud can raise our own sugar with more
certainty. Believes this interest is best
for all. No one ought TO give up. Was
not satisfied with his crop the past season.
Root crops puts one on The road 10 sue
cess. Fed 100 tons OF roots last year.
Feeds beet pulp this. Sell beets and buy
pulp worth more per ton than raw beets.
Learn cattle to eat it by putting little
meal on top at first, then they will eat 1t
the averaged yield last year. Not q good
beet year the past season. Any one living
near station, should raise az least one
half acre. Compared with other crops as
TO cxhausting the soil one OF the least so.
No country raises larger crops or heets or
richer in sugar. The best of seasons,
summer long enough to raise them, and
winter cold enough to keep them. Any
one thinking the Co. are making too much
money, can have stock and pay in bcets
next fall. Can be raised for SIS per ton ut
profit. This is new business, farmers
are timid, If there are no more beets
raised this year than last, II is the last
time YOU will be called on to plant them.
No trouble 10 keep the pulp, bury in the
ground or cover with straw In pen 10
the depth of three feet, keeps whole year.
Frank Danforth of Norway, wants TO
raise two acres this year, but was in
hopes they would pay as much rs last
year. Thinks cutting the crown shrinks
them nine per cent. by actual weight, and
more work to top them. Was well salts
fl ell with yield last year, also with pulp for
feed. Does not say he shall not plant
them this year. Thinks he may.
Mr.. Cobb OF Danville. His remarks
were very interesting, coming, as they did
from brother farmer. He says am inter-
csted, raised two acres on light soil, got
10 tons per acre. Considered 1t as good
as sweet corn for profit. Swapping beets
for pulp is the best part of the trade.
Feeds so tons this winter. Keeps five
cows, one horse and fourteen hogs, extra.
Pulp by weight As good as raw beets. One
ton OF hay and three tons Of pulp as good
as two tons Of hay. Worth 81 per ton as
feed. Not good alone. Better feed than
Cotton seed meal, Llnseed or any other
which he has fed. Keeps forty large sheep,
at an expense OF 50 cents per day says
he knows as he weighs and measures, Is
exact.