Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1880-06-30
FARM AND GARDEN.

AGRICULTURAL Two
pictures might be drawn representing
the contrast between the old modes of
conducting farm laoor ard the i'm
proved methods which modern farm
machinery has brought about in the
lifetime of active men. On one hand
we should see the old wooden mould
board plows giving way first to the
cast-iron implement rough from tine
mould, then the ground and polished
mould board, then the light steel plow,
and lastly the chilled iron. hard, pol
ished and durable. These improve
ments alone have been worth many
millions, by the additional ease they
have afforded in working, and the more
perfect and deeper tillage which they
have effected. An estimate has been
made that the introduction of chilled
plows, by the ease and perfection of the
work they perform, saves annuallT to
the 500, 900 farmers who use them, at
least $4,000, 900. The modification of
the plow know as the Sulky plow, for
large smooth fields, particularly at the
West, is likely to prove great labor
saver. The slaDting-tooth harrow has
already proved an impoi tant labor
saver in some departments of farming.
The round, smooth teeth, slanting back
wards at an angle of forty degrees,
freely clear all distractions, do not
clog, pulveriZe manure, harrow wheat,
and destroy the small weeds in corn
drills. Two or three harrowIngs of
wheat in spring, before sowing clover,
have increased the yield on an average
about five bushels per acre; and if
used on all the IS, ,000, 900 acres Of the
Union, would be worth over hundred
million dollars in the aggregate. Used
on corn before il comes up, and every
few DAYS for a month afterwards, this
implement clears out all starting weeds
and saves three dollars an acre in hand
hoeing and cultivating. On the 50,-
600 600 acres of corn in the Union, il
would be worth sum of great magni-
tude.
TOBACCO BARN.-Tooacco growingis
fast becoming one of the most import
ant of our farming interests. We give
a description OF cheap barn for its
proper curing which will be valuable
10 those who intend to make their first
crop this year, In air-curing tobacco,
il is essential that the circulation shall
be under control somewhat-that is,
that the building can be opened or
closed at will, as the weather may te.
If the outside covering Is TO be OF
boards, the structure can be made by
cutting logs for posts II feet long, and
setting them two feet in the ground,
and on top spike straight stick
(hewed or sawed is best) for plates. A
girt should be strung around on the
posts outside TO fasten the boards to,
and for resting poles for hanging on.
For curing 10000 pounds there will be
required from Il, geo to 1900 square
feet of hanging room. In a cheap
structure it would be unwise to hang
the tobacco more than two tiers high.
If anything more, part tier might be
put in the roof above tine plates, but
the frame should be strongly tied to-
gether and braced, in order to with
stand great weight and winds. Board
the building vertically, hanging one
half the boards with strap hinges, so
that they may be opened and closed at
pleasure. The roof may be boarded
vertically or horizontally, as thought
best. For the width of the building,
36 feet is the outside limit for good
curing: narrower is better, but that
gives a very convenient width for
economical hanging. The entrance Is
most convenient at the ends. Each tier
will require space six inches more
than the tobacco will measure when
held up by the but. In this section we
place the resters for the poles, 1 feet
apart, usually. If the building is 80
feet wide, two rows of posts will be
needed through the centre, making
three equal spaces lengthwise. If the
building is boarded horizontally, a
board near. the ground should be hung
on hinges, and another just above the
first and second tiers. Ii Is well also
TO have ventilator in the roof near
the ridge. Other details of construc-
tion will readily occur to any observ-
ing individual.
PIGEONS ON THE FARM.-No one can
visit a poultry show without being