Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-02-28
WEDNESDAY FORENOON.

subject OF silos and ensilage. f.. r.
Towle first made some remarks, and was
followed by others. Considerable interest
was manifested In this subject, although
few sllos have yet been constructed In
this part of the state.
Mr., Pitkin of Marshdeld gave his
experience with silos. Said that these
should be located so as to be convenient
to fill and feed from. His silo Is in one
corner of bis barn, is of stone, although
wooden ones may be built, but does not
think they will be durable. His silo is
l3x20x10 feet. Would have them long,
narrow and deep. Would not expose
much surface to the atmosphere at a
time. To be profitable Is tons Of corn for
ensilage should be raised to the acre. This
will require considerable fertilizing mate
rial. With large kinds of corn it will take
from two to three tons to be equal to one
of hay. Raised common field corn. and
when the ears were glazed picked off the
best, and then cut the remainder into en-
silage. Likes the Sandford corn for this
purpose. Would feed twice day with
ensilage and once with hay. Can make
more and better butter with ensilage and
meal than with hay and meal. With the
system he is practicing more stock can be
kept and the farm improved. He has a
herd of "A grade Jersey cows, from which
a product Of 800 pounds Of butter on an
average is sold annually. This discussion
lasted until about IL O'Clock, when Mr.
Goodwin took up the subject of the Social
position of tho farmer" This was an ex-
cellent paper, suggesting many valuable
points worthy Of consideration by the
farmers of to-day. He gave the farmers
some sharp thrusts In concluding remarka,
in relation to their apathy or even opposi-
ton 10 certain measures of reform that aro
from time to time introduced into our
legislative assemblies.
A gentleman present stated that he had
rather be first class farmer than q first
class professional man. This had the true
ring, and denoted general love and re-
spect for bis chosen calling.
Rev. Mr.. Russell made some excellent
remarks on the subject considers by Mr.
Goodwin. lie spoke Of the importance Of
Il proper training for the farmers sons and
daughters. Parents should be willing, so
far as their circumstances will admit, of
gratifying their inclinations in furnishing
them with good rooms, plenty of suitable
books and papers, or whatever else would
serve as an educator, and interest them in
their home life and pursuits. Endeavor
as mach as possible to keep the boys away
from places of questionable resort. from
communicating influences that are so often
to be encountered.
Mr.. KeLerson spoke earnest words on
the subject. Farmers are not social
enough at home, but far too much 80 at
the village resorts.
Mr.. Goodwin said that If farmers would
rise in social position they must act for
themselves; outside influence cannot alone
do this for them.
Mr.. Abbott stated that when men con-
oreqate in stores and hotels to smoke and
engage in questionable conversation, the
effect cannot but be bad on the boys.
MIR. Lane was of opinion that farmers
do not lake pains 10 make their sons ia
miliar with business principles. They
should talk freely with them in relation to
farm affairs, and seek to familiarize them
with what will soon Immediately concern
them.
Mr.. Bronson of East Hardwick would
cultivate more friendly relations with
neighbors and citizens. He would also
give the boy an interest in some farm ami
NAL or product. the avails of which shall
be his own.
A gentleman spoke in favor. of town
Libraries.
Mr.. Goodwin would encourage the
formation of farmers clubs.
An interesting discussion having lasted
until l2 o'clock, the meeting adjourned
until afternoon.
On coming together Mr.. Lane took up
The subject of "Fertilization," and treated
Il in able lecture. After the lecture Mr..
S. j. Walbridge Vas called upon to give
his experience in raising potatoes. Applied
| 900 pounds of superphosphate and 500
pounds of fish and potash to the acre on
poor land. The crop was nearly $40
bushels of marketable potatoes. This was
on pasture ground. Finds that on this
soil nitrogen is necessary ingredient Of
fertilization. Thinks that farmers have
not commenced to use fertilizers soon
enough, especially on the pastures. as
their exhausted and run down condition
plainly indicates.
At this point of the meeting Mr..
rowle proceeded with the fertilization OF
pastures. subject closely allied in interest
10 the one preceding.
The afternoon being well advanced,
yery little discussion followed this lecture,
and the meeting was adjourned until
evening.
All the members of the board were
under the necessity of leaving to meet
other appointments, leaving MIR. Goodwin
alone to finish the meeting at this place.
The subjects taken up were "1ndian corn"
an excellent lecture and well adapted to
the farmers of the state, to be succeeded
by further discussion on "Ensilage.'
With these two subjects for consideration
it may be presumed that the time was
fully occupied, as the farmers were quite
ready to engage in the discussions. The
at this place was very largely
attended throughout, reaching probably
GOO on the last day. This is doing
exceedingly we'll for town miles away
from any railroad.
Mr.. Jason lCole of Danville built silo
IN MS Dhy, anu etVCu Vooo Al h"y ~ w
loing. Built OF framed timber. spiked to
he timber of the barn. Opened it
December 8, fed twenty seven cattle.
Cows look well, feel well. He fed them
grain as he did on hay, with one quart OF
neal, one quart of cotton meal and one OF
,ran, mixed, twice a day. His ensilage
was made from Sanford and Bailey corn.
Put in about fifty tons. Size Of silo was
rs feet deep, and l5x17 feet inside.
l.. C. Fifher's silo built in bay of barn.
at bottom and side. First put
n about l2 tons of clover rowen, which
ne says began to heat right away. He
next put in 2 acres Of Bailey corn. Next
put in quantity of common corn with the
greater part OF the ears on the corn.
When he come to feed. the Yankee corn
gave a great deal better satisfaction than
he Bailey corn. He was in favor of silos,
and recommended them " be built with
round corners.
At Berlin.
wEDNEsDAYsEvANING.
DR.. IL. A. Cutting. secretary of the
board, gave an address upon tho