The Elk County advocate. [volume] (Ridgway, Pa.) 1868-1883, 1880-08-05
FARM, GARDEN AND HOUSEHOLD.
Farm and Gero,, Notes.

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Farm and Garden Notes,
A half gill of soft soap and water, one
part Of soap TO twelve of water, poured
at the roots of cabbage plants is recon-
mended as sure death to white grubs.
Salt, it is said, will prevent club root
in cabbages. Throw tablespoonful
of fine salt round the root after planting;
this will also destroy the cut worm.
Three years trial proves that two
spoonsful of saltpeter dissolved in a pail
of water will save winter squashes from
the borer. Apply once a week.
A few old rusty nails kept in the ves-
sci out of which fowls daily drink, will
be found more conducive to their
health than nine -tenths of the nostrum
foods.
Avoid if possible an exclusive diet of
whole corn for poultry; it may put on
fat, but it is not as good for eggs. Let
corn be fed as only one among other
grains.
AS it takes no more hoeing or wedding
to raise frst-class varieties of garden
vegetables than it does to raise inferior
or Indifferent ones, every one see the
propriety of choosing the best
Tomato vines should always have
some kind of support. The fruit will
grow larger, ripen sooner and more
easily, and will be better flaw ored than
if the vines are allowed to lie on the
ground.
Have a good deal of faith in an over.
ruling Providence, but plow early and
often, and use the cultivator as often,
with plenty of manure in the hill thenl
with occasional rains, Providence viii,
never hide smiling countenance.
The successful farmer does not at
tempt too much. He concentrates, and
the more he does this the greater are
his gains. He does not expect large
, crops from his lands without liberal
l manuring. He recognizes the necessity
, of constant study and watchfulness.
The application of sulphur sprinkled
upon 70 wis, while roosting or otherwise,
with pepper box, will destroy vermin.
Goa oil applied to their roosts in small
quantities will also kill parasites. Two
or three drops of whale oil, dropped oc-
l casionally on the back OF n hen, or any
+ other bird, will kill lice.
/ The Dust Bath.
This is natures renovator, and is as
1 necessary for cleansing the feathers of
fowls from vermin and promoting the
secretions of the skin from impurities as
. a water or vapor bath is to the hun an
> family. IT we watch the habits of fowls
: we will see an instructive desire in the
young and old to have frequent access
! to the dust heap. Before busting they
: will pulverize the material if in Jumps
and will then adjust their feathers and
6 by the rapid action of their claws are
6 enabled to dust thoroughly, and by
D shaking rid themselves of lice.
o RrpndprS who w Inc thnir foxp 1c and
9 look to their comfort and health, usu-
y ally provide them baths. But there is
q another class of poultrymen who never
q think of such things. We say to these
! go and do likewise, provide ample heaps
3 ofroad dust, coal ashes, finely sifted sand
2 or wood ashes for your fowls to roll in (;
s have it placed where the genial rays OF
l the sun will keep it warm and dry, and
6 10 make it more effectual in removing
. vernlin, mix n pound of the flour OF
I sulphur in the dust heap. Avoid using
. wood ashes that is wet or has the least
y moisture in it, rs the lye will injure the
. fowls feet, head and wings. The dus
2 heap should be set in sunny hook o
g the fow.-hOuse or outbuilding anC
q should be accessible to the birds at al
II times. By pursuing this course vol
s will have reason to be thankful, and q
. the same time you are following nature
in her wise provisions and teachings, ,anC
the benefits of comfort, cleanliness anC
good health, which must naturally com,
d to your fowls from habitual busting vii
Is more than fully compensate you To-
# your trouble. e.-F0aItry Monthly.
KrIIrng Large Weeds.
!. Some weeds may be eilectually exter
4 minated by cutting off the st lks clos,
u to the ground with a scythe. Th
:. proper time to do this work is sool
:. a. after they have attained their growth
=, but before the weeds have mRtured
y The branches of some weeds are so clos
4 to the ground that they can only b,
" severed from the roots by hoe, whicl
" should be very sharp in orler to dt
q the work well and with anv degree o
e. ease. Weeds should be cut quite earl
! in the season, in ordSr to prevent th
=. ripening of the seeds that would Civ
- trouble another year, if not the sam
, season they grow. The seeds of som
n weeds are entirety ripe while the petal
- = of the blossoms are still fresh. The ap
% pearance of the plant affords no indica
2. ton of the. maturity Of the seed, as i
T the case with grain.
-, 1t requires considerable pains to dc
" stroy some large weeds, as burdocks
= mullens and Canada thistles. The stalk
nc o, must be cut several inches below til
- - surface of the ground or they vii
~ throw up suckers in the same manne
i" as trees and bushes. A sharp spade O
:. a narrow steel lade fixed to a handle j
y the best implement to use for the puT
- pose. Alter the stalk is cut and re
moved it is well to drop a handful c
r. salt on the stump that may remain i
i the earth. A drop OF sulphuric acid ap
10 piled with the end of stick is effectua
Il i IN destroying the life of the roots O
u weeds. Strong lye, paris green. o
70 London purple may also be employe
~ for the same purposes with most ex
10 cellent results. 1t is always best t.
'e make sure work with large and trouble
- some weeds.
~, Pictures.
CASTLE soap and water can be ed O
oil paintings without danger, care bein
taken, of course, not to wet the back, O
IN let water through the cracks.
10 For the ordinary busting of picture
e q silk handkerchief should be used
(. Heavy gilt frames are appropriate TO
N Oil paintings.
A. -. I