The Carbon advocate. [volume] (Lehighton, Pa.) 1872-1924, 1880-05-01
FARMERS COLUMN.
(From the American AgrieuituriStf for Nay ~
Hints for May work.

(From the american AgricHtuTtStf0r Nay ~
Hints for May work.
May is very busy month, and there is so
much work crowded into it that farmer is
in danger of being in a hurry. Every hour
Of work should be SO planned that it, will tell
most efTectually, and this requires consider
able thought in order to do the most urgent
and important work first, and leave undone
those things which may be done almost as
well bye and bye. As we SOW so do we reap,
and as this is the month Of sowing, the wSfk
now will in great measure determine what
the harvest oGthe year shall be. Keep push
ing on, but with plan.
LABoR.-It must be admitted by every one
familiar with farm work that the labor prob
lem is difficult one, and it may fairly from
its Importance, claim the first consultation
in deciding upon the plan of operations for
the year. The largest possible crops may
not return profit, if the labor in their pro-
duction has not been well planned. One Of
the most important advantages obtained from
"
judicious distribution of labor throughout
the year so that there may not be a surplus
at one time, and deficiency at another that
will require the employing of extra hands
ut the biggest wages.
MASeELs may be sown early this month,
Our practice has been to SOW in drills so
inches apart, using six ponnds of seed per
acre. A liberal supply of seed is required
to secure an even stand, and the plants
should be thinned by striking broad hoe
directly across the drills so that single plants
will stand IL to 16 inches apart. Root
crops are often failure from defective
thinning.
CLovER.-An early rolling of clover to
settle the roots that have been raised by
frost will be especially appropriate after the
open winter just passed. Fifty pounds Of
plaster per acre will often have as good ef-
feet as the larger doses or1OO and 200 lbs.
that are recommended. Wood ashes ON
many soils will be found an useful appli.
cation.
MEADows.-Pick up any stones that may
have been raised above the surface from the
action of frost. The roller may be used to
bring the surface into good shape for the
mower. Meadows are frequently injured
by the tread of cattle before the ground is
fairly settled. The grazing of meadows
in spring is at the expense ol the hay crop.
1t is better to keep cattle in the barn until
the pastures are ready to furnish them full
ration.
JERUSALEM ARTIcHoKEs are growing in
favor; they are relished by nearly all do
mestic animals. They may be left in the
ground all winter, and when dug in early
spring are crisp and fresh and the most ac.
ccptable change in the feed. The round,
short variety called "Braziian" is best. The
seed is cut the same as potatoes, burrows
made feet apart, and the pieces dropped
about II or 10 inches apart in the furrow
and covered with few inches of earth.
sHEEP.-Sheep should be tagged before
turning out to grass. Dry ewes may be fat
tened, aud marketed as soon as possible.
Lambs that are for early market, will need
the best Of care and extra feed The good
shepherd will look well to his flock and
count it every day, SO that no animal may
&c. astray. The best way to kill ticks is to
d p the lambs shortly after the sheep are
sheared in tobacco water to which sulphur
is added.
WASHING SHEEP.-A deduction Of about
one half made by the wool buyers for all
unwashed 1eeces, and this is right if the
washing is properly done. Take 1t all in
all it is best to wash the sheep, though there
may be cases where It is not convenient ,ex-
pedient, o. even safe.