The Portland daily press., 1880-07-28
AGRICULTURAL.
The Care of Tools and Farm Machiner,

The Care of Tools and Farm Machinery.
Almost every farmer prefers putting his
hand to a bright pillow, says the World,
which turns the burrows with comparative
ease to both team and driver, than one
weather-beaten and dulled with the previ-
Gus seasons dirt: and yet many dollars
dwindle imperceptibly but surely away each
year, and farmers annually grumble, all
because of the careless handling of farm ma
chinery. With one accord, reapers and
mowers. seed-drills, plows and harrows, are
suffered to remain where last employed to
bear the action of pelting storms and drying
winds. The repairs required the following
season will cost more than the building of
shed or Toulouse, or the arrangement of a
place for them in out-houses already erect
ed. Everybody knows this, but everybody
does not heed and profit by it. The man,
however, who possesses a Toulouse and re-
quirements for properly storing farm imple-
ments, could not be induced to abandon
these conveniences; for he has learned they
not only put money in his pocket, but that
the extra cost and labor attending the care
of tools is more than paid for in the preven-
ton of wear and tear on his patience when
the busy season begins. Then is the inter-
est returned on all time and money expend-
ed by properly storing, by finding things not
only in place but in working order.
There is variety of mixtures which may
be applied to the iron portion of implements
to prevent rusting, the cheapest of (which is
grease that has not been sailed. An excel
lent article can be prepared for the protec-
ton of either steel or iron by melting lard
and common resin slowly together and STIR
ring the mixture as it cools. When requir-
ed in large quantities make in the proper
ton of about six pounds of lard to two of
resin. If only small amount is desired
piece of resin about the size of hens egg
will suffice for one pound of lard. This
mixture may be applied with cloth Oh any
article that will give thin coating to the
prevents the lard from becoming rancid, and
the grease excludes air and moisture Be-
fore applying, the machines should be thor
oughly relieved of dirt and dust; wipe the
bearings and oil with castor-oil. Castor-oil,
by the way, is one of the best oils for oiling
axles. A wheel we'll fabricated with it not
only turns readily, but wears much longer
than when oiled with cheaper sorts of
grease.
Not only is it economy to look after the
iron and steel parts of tools and machinery,
but the woodwork claims attention. Re-
peated wetting and drying soon Injuries any
wood, causing cracking and finally decay.
This may be prevented by the timely and
occasional application of some cheap paint.
Petroleum has strong preservatlve power,
converting soft, perishable woods to the du-
rability of hard woods. 1t not only improves
all wooden tools. but is alike valuable for
rustic furniture exposed to the weather. An
occasional coat of this oil improves their col
or and renders them more lasting.-[Col-
mans Rural World.
Management Of Poultry in Summer.
Many have an idea that, although hens do
need care in winter, when the weather is
cold, and water freezes in their pens, it is
not at all necessary to pay any attention to
them in summer. But this is mistake,
under any circumstances. On the farm
where hens have unlimited range, there
may not be any particular attention given
during the summer months. But when
kept in small quarters in towns and villages,
the poultry need far more attention during
the warm months of summer than they can
possibly need in winter. In summer, YER
min abounds; the pens and runs become
coated over with droppings; ventilation is
needed; clean, fresh water must be sup
piled, and wholesome food furnished in such
quantities that it will not become stale and
uneaten in the pens. To attend to all these
things requires time and care; but without
time and care what profit or success comes
in any line of effort? Eggs fall off during
the very hot weather of summer, in conse-
quence of the unfavorable conditions of the
season, unless these conditions are met and
overcome by proper attention. This being
the case, the hens are healthy and the num-
Der of eggs is kept up-two results which
always follow good care.
Remember, then, that the best economy
of the poultry yard demands that it have
daily care throughout the heated months.
Fresh water given daily, a change Of food,
and a constant watch that an oversupply be
not given at any time; fresh grass and sod
placed in the yards at intervals of a few
days; abundant ventilation of the pens
must be given; the droppings kept cleaned
up; the perches occasionally coated with
mixture of lard and sulphur; dust baths
furnished and a thorough watchfulness.
Towards night-say during these long days
at or O'Clock p. m, turn the hens from
their pens and give them the benefit of
leg stretching in the garden and among the
grass or fruit trees. While they are enjoy
ing this airing, get spade and dig over
the earth in the pens. 1t will be good ex-
ercise, and the next morning the hens will
think they have new quarters. Attention
to these things will yield health to the hens,
and a good supply of eggs for the family
right through the hot weather.-N. E.
Farmer