Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1882-01-18
Farmers Meeting at White River juno
lion.

The meeting of the board of agriculture
was beld at this place on Tuesday and
Wednesday, January l0lh and l1th.
There were present DR.. Cutting, secre-
tary of the board. and MesSrs. DAVIS.
Gpodwin ami ,Towle, members of the
board. There was also present on the
first day Secretary Adams of the New
Hamp~hire board, Prof Pettee of the
New H.mp>hire agricultural college and
Superintendent Sanborn OF the New Hamp-
shire college farm.
o. NJ. Tinkham, Esq, represented the
GREEN MOUNTAIN FREEMAN.
AT 2 o clock p. NJ. the audience having
assembled. the meeting was called to
order by the secretary, when Hon. Noah
B Stafford of White River Junction was
elected chairman and DR.. Cutting secre-
tary.
The secretary next made some remarks
on the origin and work of the board. He
spoke concerning fertilizers. and of the
Importance of knowledge of the particu-
lar elements required on each farm in
order that they may be furnished and not
those that are unnecessary. He referred
to the growth of plants and OF the large
amount of fertilizing elements absorbed
from the atmosphere, in some cases
amounting to ninety five per cent of the
whole. But plant cannot become perfect
without a supply of all the elements
necessary for it's growth and development.
Much plant food is furnished by rain and
snow, and all fertilzng material must be
rendered soluble before it can become
available. This shows the necessity OF
finely pulverizing the manure that is
applied for the growth of crops. More
depends upon the fine mechanical condi
tion of the manure than of a large quan.
tity, as too often applied; would apply a
small amount of manure to meadows each
year and in the winter season; condemn
ed the practice of manuring in the hill,
and would spread on broadcast instead
would apply all fertilizers in this way
advised farmers to experiment for them
selves faithfully, and be guided by the
results. We should study our soils and
endeavor to adapt the crops to them, SC
AS to get the best results possible. He
prefers light sandy soils, properly treated
for corn. Condemned patent fertilizers
AS sold, and advised farmers to make their
own.
A farmer asking for formula, the doc
tor gave one for making pure superphos'
phate. This has previously been given.
Superintendent Sanborn gave some
pretty good evidence Of the value of differ.
ent kinds of special fertilizers. Farmers
are projected in New Hampshire in the
purchase Of patent fertilizers, but this is
not the case in Vermont.
- 4. l. Ill
meal dissolved by II solution Of potash
produces excellent effects.
After considerable discussion d. H
Goodell, Esq, a member of the New
Hampshire board being present, was next
introduced and made some remarks on
" Slos and EnsIage." After some expe
rience in Dakota is of the opinion that
New Hampshire is a better place to live
IN, and inlenis to spend the remainder OF
his lite on the old farm.
He first gave brief resume Of the
history of the system of enslIage, and
what led him 10 adopt it on his farm.
About forty sios were built in this country
IN 1880. and he has not yet herd of n
single failurr, although perhaps all were
not really successful This is not TO be
wondered at. considering the ignoranc,
and lncxperience of falmers in this direc
lion; does not consider this system any
longer an experiment IN this country; il
If The opinion tuut from his experience hf
could now build Il sio cheaper than those
already constructed His silo holds hret
hundred and sixty tons, and is forty fee
long, nineteen feet deep and twelve fee
VIDE The first fifteen feet in depth i.
built of stone cemented on the inside
and above that of wood. There were two
of these dimensions, and they were bull
for about 81 900; thinks one can be made
OF wood for about one dollar tor each tor
of measurement. On twelve acres haC
TWO hundred and forty tons of corn fol
ensilage. A portion of the soil was poor
and mot much fertilizer was applied
thinks that from thirty to forty tons pc
acre can be raised on good soil. Half {
bushel of southern corn is enough seet
for an acre. 1t should not be planted tot
thick, as it will not be as good for enslag'
in that case; would have the rows thre,
and one half feet apart and single stalk
six to eight inches apart. Planted in this
way the growth will be large, but whel
cut in three eighth inch lengths the stocl
will eat it up clean. Cattle eat this fooC
with great relish. and in preference to th'
best English hay. Is feeding nearly sixt,
head OF stock with it. AS the COW will
give more milk when fed on ensilage, an,
animals will produce good beef from it
use, he is of the opinion that it is valu
able food. The system is certainly NOV
in a new direction, but why should no
agriculture progress rs well rs the othe
occupationse We cannot expect to 81
still and succeed We NUT be energetic
enterprlsing, and reach out and forwar'
for success.
In answer to a question, said he wa
feeding twelve cattle exclusively upon en-
silage, with the exception OF one feed o
meadow hay, and never before have ha
ANIMALS do as well The hay was of poo
quality. Cows fed on English hay an
Two quarts of cotton seed meal, and the
changing to enslage and the meal increas
thirty per cent in milk.
Mr.. Stafford has heard of butter bein
injured by this feed, but Mr.. Goodell
not aware of the fact. He sells milk an
does not make butter. His ensilage ha
no sour smell, but some others have,
some extent. lie opened the hrst pit th
first of November. Is OF the opinion tina
we can double the amount of stock on
farm by feeding part hay. II ii is not
perfect food then other kinds can be give
with it. 1t cost 80 so to raise and put i
the silo; estimates three tons as valuabl
as one ton of English hay; feeds cotto
seed meal for the greater value of tn
manure. 1t is good feed for the prt
duction of milk. Is fattening steers o
ensilage and four quarts OF cotton see
meal, and they are dong finely.
A farmer spoke of corn being raised an
put into the slo for about 81 50 per ton.
In answer to questions. says he dot
not think it necessary to build silo belo
the surface of the ground, and that tt
ensilnge will not freeze. All that is ne,
ess Try is that the air should be exclude
and the necessary weight applied. Doe
not know why wooden ones should not la
a long time. He feeds the ensilage I
horses, not constantly, and finds that
works ell. Does not know why all an
mails that live upon grass should not d
well on ensilage. If he had not sufficier
ensilage to last during the winter woul
,ped hav in connect ion instead of one mai