Montgomery County sentinel. [volume] (Rockville, Md.) 1855-1974, 1880-01-23
Farmers Convention,


The largest, most interesting and most in
fuential meeting of farmers and others in
terested in agriculture that has yet assembled
at these annual gatherings, met at the Ly-
ceum, Sandy Spring, on Monday 18th inst.
Not only were there active and leading men
from the immediate vicinity, but distant parts
of Montgomery and the adjacent County OF
Howard were represented
The cordial greetings, kindly interchange
of friendly words and the acquaintance
formed with fellow-workers in the cause of
improved agriculture not hitherto known
personally, as well as the business part of
the meeting and animated discussion of
farm and county topics proved conclusively
how much good is derived from such COM
minglings. Other counties would obtain
pleasure certainly, if not profit, by following
our example
The President, Mr.. Henry c. Hallowell,
called the meeting to order and made some
brief Introductory remarks, abiding par
ticularly to the need of an appreciation
among ourselves of the dignity and interest
of our calling. When we respect ourselves,
he said, we will command respect from
others. The Secretary, Allan Farquhar,
read the minutes of the meeting OF last
year. Several committees appointed at that
ierred to the latter part of the meeting and
some were postponed until 1881.
RAILROAD CROSSINGS.
The Committee on Railroad Crossings,
VIM. II. Farquhar, VIM. John Thomas and
| G. Albert, reported that as usual with such
Corporations, promise had exceeded perform
ance, and while some protection was af-
/ iorded spasmodically to the travelling public
/ at Silver Spring. the crossing at Rockville
was as dangerous as ever. The committee
40 WASHINGTON MARKETS.
Jas 8. Hallowell, from the Committee on
Washington markets, presented written
hpaper showing that he had given consider
able attention to the subject and that he had
consulted two eminent lawyers on the le-
gality Of the charges by the Washington
Market Company for farmers selling their
own produce from their wagons on Il street.
Without an elaborate examination Of the
question they gave it rs their opinion that
the foe was illegal. In order to test the
question Mr.. H. says it will be necessary for
some ono to refuse payment, when the case
will be brought before the Magistrate and
be decided, doubtless against the charge.
PAPER ON HOGS.
Jas. F. Barnsley presented, by request, a
statement "a to the weight, treatment, &c, of
his hogs. Twenty seven, the average age
of which was 1877 months, averaged 273
pounds. The average of IS that were 10
months old 30la and the average of s that
were 10 months old was 20S pounds The
breed was common stock crossed with Berk-
shire; they ranged over about 20 acres. and
sheltered during all seasons under straw
rick they had free access to running water;
they had l ear of corn each daily with what
milk, &C., were to be had. To fatten them,
they were fed weeks and consumed so bar
rels Of short corn. As some stock raisers
advocate keeping hogs up and others allow
them TO "run out" this paper awakened
much interest.
TIMES OF GATHERING ICE.
The mild winter thus far making many
apprehcnsive that we will not be able to fill
our ice houses the convention was much
interested in q paper from Roger Is. Far
quhar giving the dates upon which he had
secured his ice crop for the past 20 years.
He filled after New Years in 10 years, and
after tho day on which tho convention was
held, Jan l2thJ four years, Twice he So
cured considerable ice on February the 9Th,
1858, and February the 23rd, 1870 He gave
table of temperature during January,
February and March from 1851 10 1879,
showing that the mercury ranged as low as
zero and 10 20 10 degrees below zero. There
are strong reasons, therefore, for supposing
that We will still be able 10 secure supply
of this now indispensable article.
AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE.
Profs. Wardeld and Grabouskii, of the
Agricultural college, were present and took
warm interest in the proceedings The lat
ter, who was connected with the Royal Prus-
sian School OF Agriculture, gave an inter-
esting and forcible address, explaining fully
his plans for bringing the college into closer
relationship with the farmers, and cordially
inviting each and all TO come and see for
themselves, and to make such suggestions as
might occur TO them.
ABSTRACTS FROM PROCEEDINGS OF CLUBS.
VIM. IL. Farquhar read the report from
the Senior Club showing that of the rs
members composing that body there had
been during the year an average attend
ance of Ia. Every year gives added proofs
that the life and business in which our lot
is cast, is the most wholesome for the body
and mind, most free from temptation; and
productive Of the quiet domestic virtues
which give 10 q peop,c solid rank among
nations and solid comfort at home" Mr.
+. stated that a leading New York paper
referring 10 the fact that twenty billions
VI ith pdooSu INV
House the present year, added that the year
1873 would be remembered In the future as
that in which the attention of the country
was first directed 10 lis farming interests as
OF paramount importance. As, however,
Benz. Franklin states that in his time iivo- 1
sixths of the people were engaged in agri-
cultural pursuits and that was a time when I
the people had gained their Independence /
after hard struggle and laid the solid isun- /
dation Of d country that was 10 be the refuge /
Of the tccming human race, we might sup I
pose that some attention had been given TO |
the "five-sixths who were farmers before 1
1870. The examination Of the statistics of |
the club show large yield for the year. in 4
some cascs the largest hitherto made.
Among the things Of intores, that have
been discussed during the year are these
II one has room under cover for either his
wheat OF hay, but not BOTH which should be
staclrdg 10 members say stack the hay, 0
he wheat
We should ondeavor 10 breed away the
horns OF cattle They are Of no use. A
sheep with a broken leg recovered entirely
Most members prefer letting their mich
lows have the range Of the yard AZ night
A decided differences Of opinion a. 10 stsn-