Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1884-02-20
Farmers Institute at Essex

DER anu l1OU. \. ID. mAtuoio hPPoiht0u
chairman. A short preliminary address
was made by DR.. L. G. Butler in which
he cordially welcomed the board to the
pleasant village of Essex. Is confident
that much good has resulted to the farmers
of the state from the labors of the board
of agriculture, In the agitation OF the fer
tilizer question, etc.
A few remarks in response were made
by Z. r. Towle, who invited the cooper
alton of farmers in the discussion OF all
questions.
"What is the Best Method of Highway
Supervision" was next taken up by the
chairman and The subject treated in brief.
comprehensive and common sense man
uer. He first gave a brief review OF the
law rs it now stands. and then spoke OF
the most usual method of every man
working out his own tax. Sometimes this
is well done, but oftener in very improp-.
er manner, according to the efficiency OF
the highway surveyors.
He was OF the opinion that if the work
could be done under the competent super
visors, the tax being paid in money, a
much better condition OF the roads would
be the result, aud at less cost than now.
As at present managed the work is not
done at the right time-as early in the
season as possible but perhaps just before
having, and as consequence bad roads
are the result. There should be commits
sioners of highways in each town under
whose supervision the roads should be
kept in repair. These should be compe-
tent business men, who will zee That inc
tax is faithfully and satisfactorily expend-
ed. A mans time should be worth rs
much at home as in working on the road
AS work is what is wanted-so he might
as we'll pay his tax in money.
We are much attached to old methods,
hut if better results can be Obtained by a
change, then we should be willing 10 ac-
c-de. Fifteen cents on the dollar, on
money well expe. ded, will give us better
roads than twenty cents, AS now employ
I'd. The roads ale most generally an IN
dpx of the thrift and prosperity of COM
munily.
AT the close of the address e. r. Towle
endorsed the option of the chairman In
relation to n change in the management
of the highways, believing that with a
faithful expenditure of money tax,
much better roads would be the result,
han under the present method.
In answer to a question the chairman
was of opinion there is not much differ
ence in the condition of the roads now
than previous to the passage OF the recent
law.
Mr.. Nichols expressed himself in favor
of a money tax. but whether in such case
we should have better roads is question.
Thinks there is not sufficient care exercls
+ Al. IF n ri hInhUaU
veyors Getting the best man possible
Tor this position should always be done
IS much of success depends on ms
Would pay more attention to the fences
along highways TO save trouble In winter
If a man was only credited with what be
earned on the road, there would be more
efficient work than now, but this would
require supervisors of nerve and ability
10 carry out.
Mr.. Geo. Beecher would get the bes
men for surveyors, and then stay by them
If this were done of course there would be
less difficulty. Is afraid that under new
method some roads would be kept in goot
repair at The expense of others, especially
in the more back places.
The hour of adjournment having arrlv-
ed the exercises we're concluded.
AFTERNOON.
DR.. Cutting first spoke upon the stiuc
ture and composition of milk, its adapta
lion 10 the wants of young children and
animals, giving much useful and impor-
iant information upon q subject with whict
all should be more familiar. lie also
-poke upon the management of dairy
stock, the care of milk, etc.
At the conclusion of very interesting
address some questions were answered
Believes there is not much occasion fol
bleeding cattle. Good keeping is better
Thinks the supply of line butter will not
Exceed the demand. One half of the
farmers will not be in condition to MAKE
The best quality, and hence will not come
IN competition with the others. Foreign
markets will be opened for good butter
| 10 absorb the excess, if there should be
any.
If creamery butter is properly made i
should keep as well as that from private
diaries. As good butter cannot be made
from low, wet pastures. as on higher ones
where the grasses are better and sweeter
Would rather put water on the GU side
of vessels containing milk than inside
and would never put ice in milk to cool.
| At the close OF the discussion Mr.
Loren. p Smith of New York, occup'e,
he remainder of The session upon th'
feeding of COWS for milk. He spoke, a
usual, from his own experience. aud gave
many interesting facts upon the subjec
under consideration.
A good point made was, that if many 0
our native cows, SO called, were gwen a
good feed aud care as is used with thu
improved breeds, AS satisfactory result
would be Obtained. Advised farmers II
feed their COWS more lioerally than is tn
usual practice, and believes 1t will pay.
The chairman asked for comparison
of winter and summer dairying. MIR
Smith said this Will depend on circum
stances. If farmer is well situated fol
winter dairying it will be the most profit
able; if he Is not, summer darying will
be The better.
A farmer stated that four and one hal
lceuts q pound, tor mix at the door, is IL
good as forty cents per quart tor butter
As sold at the factory milk brings usu
ally about one cent per pouuJ.
After an interesting session, adjourned.
EVENING.
DR.. II. A. Cutting gave an interesting
lee ure upon the Power of Assimilatin;
Food by Pants" He illustrated their Ca
liabilities. their power of selection, AM
how we could best aid them. 1t was
lecture all should hear and one 10 whicl
all we're much interested. AT the clos
of the lecture proper the doctor was KEEP
on the stand tor full hour answering th
tOllowinp questions:
Do any OF the elements Of plant foo
pass off by the melting snow or water?
They do not as numerous experiment
have demonstrated.
Will any of the strength of the manur
pass off in the air by evaporation?
No, nothing of value 10 the plant is lo'
in this way.
If the manure should be washed ava
bodily, of course it Is mostly lost; but If
is only covered with water nothing
lost.
$ Can one tell from the original growt
q OF timber the rocks. etc, what kinds
e fertilizers such land most requires?
), This cannot be done with any certainty
e experiments will best determine this.
y. Clay soils do not generally need potas
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