Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1881-12-21
Farmers Meeting at West Concord.

Farmers Meeting at West Concord.
A meeting of the board of agriculture
was held at this place on Tuesday and
Wednesday. December 18th and l4lh.
The meeting was organized by the
choice of J. H. Walbridge, Esq, as chair
man.
Messrs. Davis, Goodwin. Pember and
Towle of the board were present.
Mr.. Davis occupied the principal part Of
the forenoon in discussing the Feeding
and care of stock; would advise the use
of warm stables and great regularity in
feeding as essential to the best results;
animals should be so cared for and fed
that they will not lose in condition during
the winter. If this is allowed there is a
loss sustained that will be difficult to
regain another season. If it is necessary
to feed Il considerable amount of straw and
corn stalks, there should be some grain fed
in addition, although he finds that corn
stalks if cut early and we'll cured are
about rs good as hay for the production of
milk. He raises Il large quantity of field
corn, which is cut as soon rs the grain
commences 10 glaze and while the stalks
are yet green, and by careful attention to
putting up in stocks has little difficulty in
curing. When corn is allowed to stand
until quite ripe and dry the fodder is of
little value. Packs the fodder in a NOW,
and il not sufficiently dry uses a little
straw with it. For soiling corn prefers
the sweet varieties, principally Crosby's
early, ard finds it a profitable kind to feed.
If "a farmer has not enough grain to feed
all winter to stock, would commence about
the first of March, especially to fattening
animals, AS they will then thrive finely,
and be ready for early beef. Cows that
are MIXED through the season should go
dry few weeks IN winter to be in better
condition Tor the following spring. Feeds
twice day, and gives the animals plenty
of time to ruminate. Spoke of the neces
sty of having light stables. Likes to cut
grass for hay as near as possible when in
blossom, for cows, although it might be
better to allow it to stand somewhat
longer for working teams.
The discussion of this interesting sub
ject was kept up until II o'clock, when
the meeting adjourned.
AFTERNOON.
The time of meeting having arrived, f.
r. Towle first read a paper on Mixed
farming" which was well received.
E. NJ. Goodwin, Esq, addressed the
meeting next Upon the manufacture,
saving and application of manures This
was valuat lie paper, rs it was of an en-
inently practical character, detailing the
experience of the speaker, but as it will
be published in full no abstract will be
given.
Succeeding this address Dr. Cutting led
in discussion on various points involved
in the subject treated.
S. G Cutting spoke of the difference
between the yield of hay on part of a
field top dressed with manure in winter
and another part in spring as three to one
in favor of the former.
The doctor would apply manure OF
special fertilizers, as plaster or superphos
phate, on pIowed land also in winter, will
the expectation of the best results, as there
can be no loss in practice of this kind
Asked if any of the farmers present put
manure for corn in the hill?
Two answered in the affirmative.
The doctor deprecated this practice, anc
advised broadcast application always
When manure heats it is losing valuable
elements, and such heating should be
guarded against. If heap commences
to heat put salt thereon. and the fermenta
ton will be arrested. Does not advise
excessive manuring, as he believes there
is loss in this; use less and ottener. Al
ninety five per cent Of the weight of ou
crops is supplied from the atmosphere, i
will be seen that very small proportion
is afforded by the mineral fertilizer ap
piled. From this and the teachings o
experience it is found hat but a small
quantity of ammoniacal fertilizers are, a
general thing required. Sandy soil
require fertilizers with every crop, a
everything has to be supplied A sol
that will grow a tree will produce crop
Dwelt particularly on the necessity o
thoroughly pulverizing and inning al
manure and fertilizers as a condition
success.
Mr.. Goodwin spoke of his experience il
applying manure in winter on clay soil a
having been very successful. Although
the land was side hill did not find any {
the manure washed away, Advised farm
ers to try this practice of winter manurini
for themselves and report.
The chairman spoke of the interest on
hbited in the discussion, and advise
good cultivation and surface manurlng 10
crops.
Adjourned until evening.
TUESDAY EVENING.
A large audience having assembled
nc. withstanding the violent rain storm
Dr. Cutting delivered IN unusually inte
esting addresssupon Information wher'
by farmers can save money" 1t containe
very many facts and suggestions relatln
to our homes and their surroundings, an
if the practical advice given were to
followed to reasonable extent niue
money as well rs discomfort and eve
...l....l hl.