The Iola register. [volume] (Iola, Allen County, Kansas) 1875-1902, 1880-02-06
AGRICULTURAL.

PIGS FOR BACON.-The best of bacon
is made from pigs not over six months
of age, the object being to kill them
when not over 100 pounds in weight.
Nor should The pigs be extra fat, and
the spare-rib lean should always be left
on the ribs, the bone must be cut out,
and the sides cut square and smooth.
OF course all the fat cut off when trim
ming should be rendered into lard,
while other pieces can be put in with the
sausage meat. Rub the pieces designed
for bacon with a mixture of salt and
sugar, to which little saltpeter has
been added. Put them in pile and let
them remain a tew days. At the close
of the first and second week rub each
piece again with the mixture. At the
beginning of the fourth week begin to
smoke moderately and regularly. The
plan of giving the pieces heavy dose
of smoke once week is not good one.
Smoke until the meat is slightly
Drowned. Then wrap each piece in
heavy brown paper-four sacks will an
swer as well-and then pack the bacon
away in dry wood ashes in boxes or bar
rels until wanted for use.-Erchange.
OXEN FOR FARM WORK.-A gentle
man who for many years cultivated
farm in the vicinity of this city recently
gave the results of his experience In
using oxen for blowing, hauling manure,
and other farm work. He stated that
he always kept one team of horses and
one of medium sized Devon oxen. He
repeatedly experimental with the two
teams to ascertain which could pillow the
most land and haul the most manure in
a given time, and became convinced
that the OK team was tho most valuable
for both purposes. In blowing, the
horses moved a little quicker in the
furrow but the oxen made the round OF
a land first because they lost the least
time in turning In severely hot weather
the oxen did more work and were less
fatigued at night than the horses.
While at work he fed both teams alike,
so that the cost of their food at these
times was very nearly equal. At other
times the expense of keeping the horses
was double that of the oxen. The cost
of a yoke and chain for the oxen was
nominal, but the expense for harness
for the horses was large. An ox-cart
for hauling manure and potatoes cost
much less than a double wagon for the
horses. The oxen required less care
than the horses when in the stable, and
it took less time to attach them to the
pillow or cart. He is in favor of reviving
the fashion of working oxen on farms.
For poor farmers, especially those who
are on new places, he considers oxen
every way preferable to horses. They
cost less when young, and sell for more
when they become somewhat advanced
in age. They are less liable to diseases
and accidents, and are at all times
attended by less expense. To have
oxen do the same amount of work as
horses it is necessary that they be OF a
lively disposition, and he considers
Devons as superior to animals OF other
breeds. 1t is also necessary that they
be allowed grain while at work-Ch'ca'
go Times.
POULTRY FEEDING.-No branch o.
business connected with farming pay:
better than poultry, and it is importan
to know just what and how to feed, IL
order to stimulate egg-production. Boil
grain and soft feed should be given, tn
latter at least once day, where egg
are sought Wheat is probably the hes
grain, especially where fowls are begin
ming to lay. Corn tends to fatten. ant
should be fed only occasionally to lay
ing fowls. Buckwheat is an aid to egg
production, and is very warming. Dat
make an excellent food, but not particu
larly valuable for eggs. Barley
thought by many farmers to be one
the best varieties of winter food. If tn
grain is ground, a good plan is to grin
together equal parts of corn, wheat
buckwheat, and oats. 1t makes an eN
cellent meal for a warm mush to be fe
in the morning, but should not be fed
night, unless the poultry house is ver
warm and even then it is better to fee