The Columbian. [volume] (Bloomsburg, Pa.) 1866-1910, 1881-04-08
Farm and Fireside.
SUGGESTIONS OF AND FOR THE SEASON

If one has not laid his plans for the
year, let him now ''stop and think, that
he may lose no time afterward in finding
out what to do, and how and when to
do it, lie who plans is the one who
succeeds in every department of human
labor. There is much to be done to
make ready for the busy days that will
soon come. The engine must be loaded
with fuel the fire built, and the steam
on before the train can move. Let ev-
cry farmer have good head of steam
on, and be ready to go forward as soon
as the spring work begins. Floods and
freshets are likely to occur, and much
damage may be done unless prevented.
Outlets must be provided for surface
water, and so made that the water will
not gather in dangerous streams. Clear
the drains of any rubbish, leaves, etc,
that there may be no interference with
their full flowing, Roads in spring are
| one of the most serious inconvenience
in many localities. Now is the time to
plan and execute a reform in road max
ing AS soon as the''settled weather,
comes, see that the almost impossible
roads are made good-the strength of a
chain is measured by that of its weakest
link. There is much to be done in getting
the farm implements all in good trim for
work. 1t may be that a corn-marker is
needed, or other homemade implement,
and do not leave such work until the
day for planting. There are many forms
| &c 81. h;,,b
done us good service is made by aflixing
short runners with sharp bevelled ends
to a plank, to which tongue is attach
ed. Runners may be placed upon both
surfaces of the planks, and at different
1 distances, so that by reversing the mark
er wider or narrower, rows may be
made. The corn crop may be much i'm
proved by selecting the best seed. This
is a matter that should have been done
last fall, and of which mention was made
in the Notes in autumn. 1t may be pos
sible to get superior seed from a neigh
Dor who has given special attention tC
the matter of selecting seed. Seed corr
brought from another LOCALITY has Otter
proved an improvement on that long
grown upon the same soil. Top dress
ing of fall grains with some quick acting
fertilizer has in many cases doubled tn,
crop, and at n comparatively trifling eX
pense The added manure stimulate
the growth of the young plants at jus
the time when most needed, and give
them strength to better take care of them
selves.
Oats may be sown as soon as the fros
is out of the ground, and the soil is dr.
enough to work up mellow under tn
plow. 1t is best to SOW with a drill as
more even depth is secured, and all tn
seed is put in the soil. Clover may b
drilled with the oats or broadcast a shol
time after.
There is frequently much damag
done to pastures and meadows by pu
ting stock upon them too early. A
meadows should be rolled as soon as tn
frost is out of the ground to press dow
all the raised tufts, stones, etc, and F,
cure smooth surface for the mowin
machine
This is a critical time with live stool
r especially if young animals are bein
1 added to the herds and flocks. 1t is o
4 ten useful to give animals that hav
, been wintered on dry feed dose {
physic. A pint of raw linseed oil give
, two or three times will help the digestio
y of COWS, horses, etc. 1t helps to loose
) the skin, and aids in changing the Goa
Too much care cannot be given to brus
ing the animals and keeping the surfa'
of the body clean.-Americao1 Agrico
t,lrist