Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1884-02-06
Farmers Institute at Waitsfleld.

agricultural society. appointed chairman
| The address of welcome was delivered
by E. W. Bisbee of Moretown. Although
past middle life he stated that the longel
he lived the more ambitious he is to exec
in his occupation. He considered thi
high in character and the farmer has :
wide field before him to occupy. W.
here live in fertile valley, but it can b.
made better than it is now. For this We
are anxious, and have looked forward tt
this meeting as medium OF information
and shall expect not TO be disappointed
The farmer is coming to the front and W,
must be careful to maintain our position
Many things are now conspiriug to aid thu
farmer and we must not forget to hell
ourselves to the utmost of our ability
He heartily welcomed the gentlemen o
the board to this pleasant valley, an(
INDUCES the hope that this meeting will
be successful in every respect.
Mr.. Lane responded for the board ant
asked the hearty cooperation Of the farm
ers in all of the exercises of the occasion
as it is only in this way the meeting cal
be made truly successful.
Mr.. Smith next gave lecture on the
Economy of Feeding Stock" He gave
much useful information in this lecture
which was we'll received by the audience
| He stated that from his observation in thi.
state the farmers are better provided witt
barns than in New York. There more
attention is paid to raisin g grass than witt
US. and the stock IS largely kept in sheds
Instead of stables. The practice he did
not endorse, as he considered warm anC
ventilated stables of the first consideration
on we'll regulated farm.
Following the lecture some question S
were answered by Mr.. Smith. Cows that
naturally go to fat instead Of milk are not
dt for the diiry, as any change of feed
would not be apt TO lead to greater
production of milk. Some COWS are such
great mixers that it is about impossible
to get them in even plssable condition
when milking. He is not acquainted with
~he feeding of ensilage, but hopes it may
prove a success. If farmer has a
quantity of clover hay he should feed it in
connection with his other kinds of fodder,
instead of feeding exclusively, until used
up and then take some other kind of
fodder, to produce the best results.
Mr.. Lane is of the opinion that farmers
are too apt to feed all animals alike
without reference to kinds, age, or use.
This is wrong, as it entails loss; II
growing animal, COW giving milk, or Il
faltening animal require a different
ration of feediug material to have the best
fleet Farmers should be s. informed in
his matter as to be able to SO feed AS to
produce the most successful results.
A farmer asked what should be fed 10
cows with straw. to make it equal to
nay in value. 1t was answered that corn
md cotton seed meal, two of the first to
one of the last, perhaps three quarts in
all would be about right. Mr.. Smith
would feed straw 10 fatten animals instead
Of cows. Glover hay may be considered
very near perfect ration Of itself. To
get good clover hay Mr.. Lane would cut
when in blossom, cure as rapidly as pos
sible and put into the barn quite green.
In answer to question, would cut in the
,fternoon in good weather, he next day
spread with tedder twice and rake up
before night and put in the barn or in the
,ock. Would put all in tight NOW
instead of spreading about and would not
object 10 treading down. When the NOW
is full would put foot of straw on top to
absorb the moisture from the clover.
Mr.. Joslin would cut clover while in
blossom, let it wilt, and put in cocks 10
remain for few days; then open, dry
slightly and put in the barn.
Mr. Lane would avoid rains by putting
n the barn rs soon as possible, as rains
lnjure very easily and greatly.
Mr.. Bisbee would cut hay early, either
clover or timothy.
Mr.. Palmer would put hay in the barn
quite green; get in the same day gener-
ally.
Mr.. Bisbee finds that with the tedder
hay can be cured IN one half of the usual
time.
Mr. Lane would give salt to the stock
instead of putting on the hay to keep it.
Adjourned.
Opening session well attended
AFTERNOON.
Came together little before the usual
time, and after the answering of several
practical questions by members of the
board, Mr. Lane took up the Breeding of
Blooded Stock" and treated it in very
able manner, showing a borough acquaint-
tnce with his subject, which could only
be acquired by careful study and invcsti.
cation.
AT the c.ose of the lecture Mr.. Bsbee