Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-03-22
WEDNESDAY FORENOoN.

NLbNLobAA IOhLNOONs
On coming together, NJ W. Davis first
occupied the time with an excellent paper
on I" The horse"
This is an important subject and was
ably considered by the speaker. He first
gave a brief history Of the animal, the
principal uses TO which he has been put,
and what should be expected Of him in
the future. The first mention made of the
horse is in the Bible, in the early history
of the patriarchs. lie is thought to have
been subjected by the Egyptians, a long
time previous to the Christian era.
There is a great variation in the type of
the horse in different parts of the world,
and he appears to be particularly adapted
to all countries and climates by centuries
of rearing and keeping. The horse has
borne an important part in the warfare Of
nations, and often victory or defeat has
been due to their presence or absence.
But the true sphere of the horse is as an
important aid to man in all the peaceful
and commercial industries of the world.
Particularly is this the case in the occupa-
ton Of the farmer. Without his aid
comparatively little could be accomplished.
Great attention should be paid to the
breeding and rearing of horses. None
should forget that " like hegets like" is a
law of nature. and if one would be sue
cessful in this line Of business reference
must be had to the kind and style wanted
and breed for the purpose, always being
particular to make use of sound breeding
stock and Of good blood.
Farmers should, when convenient, raise
tho hopeao raaloI 60 kbo afk ha
farm, or for sale, if circumstances are
favorable. Would keep the colts growing
steadily from the first; never permitting
any pinching process in feeding or care.
Is in favor of feeding some milk the first
winter and from two to four quarts of oats
daily. Would let them run loose in a
stable. well bedded with straw. Advocated
the early training and education of the
colt, avoiding all harshness and ill-usage.
No other of our domestic animals will
appreciate kindness more than the horse
Or repay it as effectually.
AS regards stables for horses would have
them so warm as to render the use of the
blanket supertluous. Have plenty of light,
and hay in mangers-not racks. Would
feed regularly and not too much at a time.
Some farmers feed working horses too
much hay and this is apt to be productive
injury. Is of opinion that many horses
are foundercd by being allowed to drink
deeply of cold water when on the road.
Stated that colts can be raised to the aSeof
three years at nearly the same cost as q
steer of the same age, and will sell for
about twice the money. Generally it will
be found the most profitable 10 sell at this
age.
For draft, thinks an infusion Of Norman
or Clydesdale blood may be valuable, but
for the road what breed is better than the
world-renowned Vermont Morgan that for
n long time was general favorite with
the people of our statep Regrets that so
many of our best horses have been allowed
to 60 out of the state until there is scarcity
here, and really fine animals are hard to
be obtained. The lecture was listened to
with much attention and profit.
A question was handed in as to the time
when ashes should be applied for grass ?
Mr.. Davis would prefer the spring.
Another question, AT what age is a
COW the most profitable? From five 10
eight Yeas, was answered.
Mr. Goodwin then took up the subject
of " Fertilization an abstract of which
has been previously given. This is one OF
the most important subjects that has been
treated at the farmers meetings. has been
ably considered by Mr.. Goodwin and
brought out q good deal of discussion from
the farmers, who arc realizing more fully
the necessity Of greater care in making
saving and application than heretofore.
| 4 farmer inquired in relation to using
plaster in the stable to retain the escaping
odoys. 1t did not seem to work we'll will
him. Has a cellar under the stable. Mr.
Goodwin is of opinion that the escaping
odor is not valuable fertlizing elemen
but largely sulphuretted hydrogen. Thi:
can be stopped in n great measure by
sprinkling dry earth over The manure
| Dry dirt is Il great absorbent of bad odor
and is even good for offensive wounds anG
sores.
Mr.. Lane would not condemn all depos
its of muck, as some appear to possess
considerable value. nearly as good q:
manure itself,
Mr.. Goodwin stated that much depends
on the character of the deposit, some
being very good while others are nearly
worthless, and the soil to which the appli
eaton IS IS, 10 ,i De mace t,., T.,
y snor' ulscVSsloil lollo"eo III reia'ioI
10 cutting ana curing nay early IN the
season. c. .,...
NlI, GoouWih favored tnls practlco ana
Moula dty !he grass out partially as ne
mus lnat win proper management, ming
up Il NOV US soon as possible, the grass
can oe put IN quite green ana come out
ollSht; green ana sweet When lea.
AS lhere was 10 DC no AFTERNOON session