Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1883-03-07
Farmers Meeting at Putney.


elected chairman. lie made some appro-
pirate remarks in which he cordially
welcomed the gentlemen of the board to
this pleasant village and earnestly invited
all present TO take an active part in the
discussions that may follow.
The surrounding towns appeared to be
well represented at the first session and
several newspaper reporters were present
! The first subject taken up was the
Wastes of the Farm" which was treated
in an able manner by Mr. Davis.
Succeeding the address Mr. Towlc
followed in Il discussion, in which lie
indorsed what had been said by Mr.. Davis
and protested against the production of
tobacco, hops for beer and apples to be
made into cider as an unwise system OF
farming when considered in its final
results on the entire farm, and fearful
waste physically, morally and financially
to the consumers of these products.
Mr.. Goodwin made some remarks in
relation TO the wastes of fertilzing material
about the barns. He advised the collecting
of dry road dust or earth in summer for
absorbents in the stable. He believes
waste may be obviated by drawing out
manure in winter. A farmer often loses
much by not keeping well posted, by read
ing in things pertaining to the farm.
There is often loss in not having the
work well laid out in advance. A fearful
waste results from habits of drinking and
dissipation, often entaillng the loss of The
farm.
Senator Cutting spoke of the Importance
of keeping farm accounts.
The chairman spoke of the necessity of
nb All N r,nI and ralio hla caolo
Mr.. Williams of Wapole, N H., made
some very interesting remarks. lie draws
out manure in winter and spreads when
the snow is not too deep.
Mr.. Goodwin spoke of the practice of
spreading manure Where wanted in winter
as gradually incre ,sing throughout the
state.
Mr.. Gorham thought that ammonia
often escapes from manure. Perhaps If
plaster were sown on the manured portion
it would be of advantage. He prefers
turning manure under slightly.
Mr.. Williams thought that if manure
were put in heaps in the field and packed
solid it would not heat and suffer loss.
Mr.. Cutting said that the snow is usually
so deep in his town rs to prevent spreading
manure in winter. He stables cows nights
in summer and top dresses grass lands
in the fall with good effect.
Mr.. Williams said that late last au umn
he commenced to top dress moving land
and continued until the snow was too deep
to get around, and in the spring. The
land first treated and III the fore part OF
the winter produced the best results.
Mr.. Goodwin was of the opinion that
much less ammonia escapes from manure
than many suppose, but would spread
wherever possible instead of putting IN
heaps.
MIR. Newton of Brattleboro stated that
from his experience great benefit is
derived from spreading manure in winter.
He had applied 10 a steep hillside and
without waste from washing. This WIS
dore in the fall.
The discussion lasted until quite late
when the meeting adjourned until after
noon. There was an excellent attcndap ce
| for The first session.
AFTERNOON.
On coming together a few questions
were asked and answered. One was
| sis rice used as food for stock in Vermont
Very little was answered by Mr.. Davis.
Mr.. Myrick of the New England
Homestead stated that it could be had in
Massachusetts, for $l2 per ton, and is said
to be a useful feed,
BEST method for killing wild carrolp'
Mr.. Cutting replied he thought it could
be by pulling up by the roots,
Mr. Newton was of the opinion that if
cut early and kept from gong 10 seed 1t
could be destroyed after a few years.
Another farmer found it very difficult to
exlerminatc, either by moving or burning.
Mr. Goodwin recommended pulling 1t
was said to be as poisonous rs ivy for some
persons.
SIS there any simple form or system for
keeping farm accountsP'
Mr.. Myrick answered that a system has
been devised by the New England
Homestead publishing company which, it
is thought, will meet this want. lie
explained tho system ut some length for
the benefit of the audience.
MIR. Towle next spoke upon the Reno
walton of Pastures" and was followed in
q lengthy and spirited discussion by the
farmers present.
Mr.. Courser finds that cattle deple'e n
pasture and sheep improve it. Grubs
work badly in places. lie finds that
frequent changes from cattle TO sheep
helps the pasture. Sheep will destroy
briers and bushes. He thinks that farmers
children are not brought up to work as
they should be, anu are fast learning
lessons OF extravaganza. Beng an old
and experienced farmer, he gave some
excellent advice which it would be well
for others to follow.
Mr.. Newton thought that some pastures
would hardly pay for improving. Perhaps
such might be devoted to growth of
wood.
Mr. Pember spoke of wild carrot as a
great pest on bis farm and was anxious to
know of some method of destroying it,
He is also troubled with the running
blackberry vine.
lie was advised to plow and pull out the
roots as the best method for destroying
them.
Other farmers are troubled with the
same vine.
Mr. Cutting stated that the brakes are
the worst enemy in the pastures here
abouts. He finds brake sods hard to
subdue Pastures here cannot well be
plowed and are being turned over for the
grazing of sheep.
Mr.. Davis endorsed the idea of pasturing
with sheep and thinks it might be made
profitable.
A farmer spoke of a neighbor who has
a very nice old pasture which has been
kept in good condition by the yearly
application of small quantity of ashes
and spreading the droppings from the
stock. Can kill brakes by plowing and
manuring heavily.
Mr.. Courser finds that manure spread
on will not kill brakes but make them
grow much larger. He got rid of them
by blowing and hoeing two years, one
with potatoes and the other with corn.
Mr.. Puffer was of the opinion that the
pastures of Putney would have been better
to- day if more stock had been kept, and
by feeding some extra late in the season,
if necessary.
After a very leng by and interesting
discussion on the pasture question, silos
and ensilage was brought up, Mr.. Good
win making leading remarks which were
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