Orleans County monitor. [volume] (Barton, Vt.) 1872-1953, 1883-11-12
agricultural department.
FARM WORK IN AUTUMN.

In the successful management OF a farm
it is important to do the work at the
right time as well as in the right way.
This essential point is so often overlook
ed, that the profit which might otherwise
be obtained is lost-or at least part of
it is. If the seasons have changed con-
siderably, as some contend, then it natur-
ally follows that our operations change
also, or they will be out of harmony with
nature, which will never produce the best
results. The work must be done with
the elements, if other circumstances will
permit. To do so it may be necessary to
break through long established practices.
Old habits and teachings are hard to
overcome, particularly if they have be-
come rooted in prejudice. But it is some
times necessary to break down idols
which can no longer serve useful pur-
pose, and erect in their stead new and
more enlightened standards of authority.
In the spring, work generally crowds
the farmer to his utmost capacity, plan
and systematic as he may. Wet wealth
er, bad roads and unsatisfactory help
either deficient in quantity or poor in
quality, keep operations in state of I'M
certainty and confusion. And when the
weather and the farmers hired help at
last settle down to order and business,
the season is pretty well advanced, and
the bulk of the work untouched.
To lessen the work of spring, the fall
months must be utilized as much as posi-
Bile. The late fall and early winter
months are often such as to admit of
much work which it was formerly sup
posed should only be done in the spring.
Indeed it is now known that considerable
spring work can be done in the fall and
winter with advantage to the crops.
Flowing is an important work appro-
pirate to the fall, or any time during the
winter that the weather will permit.
Sward land intended for spring crops,
derives great benefit from fall blowing.
The large amount of grass and roots
turned under, have more time to complete
the process of decay and become service
able as food for the future crop. If the
soil is of stiff intractable nature the SUBJ
sequent freezing and thawing will greatly
break down its tenacity, and make it fri
able by pulverizing and disintergrating
its particles. The nitre, which abounds
in snow and rain, is a valuable fertilizer,
and will more readily be appropriated by
soil recently stirred.
Removing the manure from the barn
yard to the fields is work usually done
in the spring. 1t is mostly done, too, at
time when the ground is soft and
spongy, making the labor upon the team
severe, and greatly injuring the soil
Every hoof and wheel mark will make q
clod when the ground is plowed. There
is scarcely day during the winter wher
the work of hauling manure cannot be
engaged in. If Thought best, it can be
dumped in piles, covered with straw OIL
other coarse litter, and spread in the
spring at any convenient time before
blowing.
There are many more things that will
suggest themselves to the studious ant
systematic farmer which are as proper tC
be done in the fall as in the spring, anC
doubtless he will find it more profitable
His old prejudices may receive a severe
twist, and his moon theories a deep cut
but never mind that. At all events, i
will be pleasant and encouraging to star
out in the busy spring, and find so mucl
of the new years work far advanced, i
not completed. 1t will be start which
will be felt through the whole season.