The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1883-12-19

fodder. by all means cut ii, ii not for the
god Of the animals. at least for that of the
manure Arrange to have the chamber
shops, and all kitchen refuse not needed by
pigs OF poultry, 20 10 the pile.
The poultry house is an important source
of manure. 1t should be cleaned at least
once a week. Ii the fowls are numerous
and the room small. a daily cleaning will
pay in the benefit TO the fowls The drop
kings may be added TO the manure heap. or
kept separate in a dry place for special crops.
Manure from outside must usually be prr-
chased by market gardeners. 1t is well to
contract for the year with livery stables and
Others. Whenever a load of "truck' goes To
market, the wagon should bring back load
OF manure of some kind.
Fertilizing materials, other than from the
stable, are 10 be had in all large towns
Where there is brewery. the spent hops, re-
garded as valuable as stable manure should
be secured. The refuse of tanneries aud
slaughter houses will make a valuable addi-
ton to the heap. Wherever there are manl-
facturers of horn, bone, or whalebone. secure
the refuse and look into the value Of other
waster.
The manure pile should be so large that it
can not get chilled through. When il be-
comes hot, it must be turned to prevent
burning or fire-fanging." Build up the
heap anew, breaking up all Jumps, and in
such a manner that the outside portions will
be on the inside OF the new heap.
Other preparatory matters.-Overhaul and
repair the tools and implements, and have
duplicates of parts liable TO wear out or
break, such as pillow points, cultivator teeth,
etc. If more sashes are needed for hot-beds,
purchase them in ample time.
homemade appliances.-Markers of var
ious sizes should be made A good wooden
reel for the garden line is better than the
poor iron ones usually sold Make a stock
of window boxes for sowing seeds in the
house, and provide stock Of flats, etc,
Flats or shallow boxes are much used for
sowing seeds to be started in hot beds, and
in which 10 transplant young seedlings.
Starch, soap, and other boxes from the store,
can be bought very cheap. and each will
make, when cut apart, three or two flats, ac-
cording to the depth of the box. Three
inches is amply deep enough for the flats,
and for number of uses, two inches is suf-
fcient.
Soil for Hot-Beds.-If a supply has not
been secured. take advantage OF the first
thaw, and place an ample stock of rich, light
soil in the cellar or under some shelter
where it will not freeze.
Hot-Beds.- For the majority of plants,
these should be ready and the seeds sOwn six
weeks before the plants can he set out in the
garden. In the warmer States they will be
wanted this month.
Seeds. Watch advertisements and send
for catalogues, and as soon as they are at
hand decide what seeds must be purchased
and order at once There is an advantage in
this to buyer and seller.
Care of Stored Crops.-Besides preparing
for next seasons work. it is necessary to care
for the stored crops. These are chiefly roots
aud celery. If roots are, unfortunately,
stored in the house cellar, keep its temperature
down 10 thirty-four degrees. Use thermom-
eter. and when il shows that the tempera-
ture is too high. open the windows,
Roots and Celery in Misunderstanding
roots. etc, IN trenches divided by earth par
titions OF a few bushels each. is preferable to
storing in the cellar. When cold weather
SETS in, these need final covering OF
eighteen inches or two feet of soil, rounded
mp so as to shed water In many localities
this is not needed before the present month.
Celery, ii covered too soon, will heat and
decay. Leaves, straw, or marsh hay, are
used for the covering. which should be slight
at first, aud finally foot or more thick. We
usually lay boards r0Ofwise over this cover.
ing, To facilitate getting out the celery. when
the trenches are covered with snow.