Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1884-02-13

lures. He is of the opinion that there are
mnny hill farms in Windham county,
which will not in their present condition
pay for the carrying on. and had better be
devoted TO growing timber. Turn out
the poorer portions of these farms and
pay greater attention 10 what is left. lie
believes farmers may greatly improve
their pastures by keeping an increased
amount of stock and feed grain and
soling crops to help along with the
grass.
Gov. Hinckley inquired as to the per-
manency of English pastures. 70.
Mr.. Lane thought this was in a
measure due to soil, climate and the feed
so extensively of grains and roots, per-
hitting of the keeping of more stock.
Gov. Hinckley thinks that the time is
coming when the young men of Vermont
will prefer remaining here TO going west,
OF 10 the New England CITIES, We hope
this may indeed be SO. lie referred to his
boyhood days upon the farm as the pleas
ATTEST part of his life. He is sorry to
notice The deterioration of some of our
farms and would like to know of some
way of restoring them TO their former
fertility This will require time, labor
and good management to accomplish, but
it ought and Should be attempted and
done. He believes that nine tenths OF the
improved implements and machines used
upon the farms are curse: better return
again to the old ways of our fathers.
This is certainly a remarkable view of the
case. but it was thought that in conse-
auence Incidence was induced and more
money expended for these improved APP
planes than is profitable or necessary?
Mr.. Hemenway rather repudiated the
idea that farmers are lazy or afraid of
work and would not attribute the detero.
ration of our soils to this cause, The
time for adjournment having arrived the
exercises of the evening were closed.
FRIDAY FORENOON.
The first subject taken up was Expe-
| rinnco with tho Raising of Corn in Nor
thern Vermont.
This was followed with a discussion in
which it was found that the farmers around
here mostly practice manuring on the
surface, about 20 loads to the acre, and
putting superphosphate in the hill. The
| former practice was to put manure In the
hill, but this was found to be too laborious
and superphosphates, which work well
here. substituted. The manure formerly
used in the hill is now iiiore generally
spread upon the grass land.
| Mr.. Davis followed with some excellent
remarks on the subject, explaining it very
fully by the aid of charts prepared for the
purpose Has had good success in making
a compost for corn of hen manure, rich
soil, plaster and ashes, and advised far.
mers to try it for themselves. He dwelt
/ particularly upon the Importance of thor
oughly preparing the land for corn before
planting. as this will save much labor IN
in the after cultivation. He next gave
some of his experience in soiling for the
benefit of The farmers engaging in dairying
Adjourned.
| AFTERNOON.
Mr. Davis spoke for time upon The
Wastes of the Farm. At its close farmer
spoke in relation to clover running out
soon, appearing to winter kill. Mr.. Davis
would sow plaster on clover as it is good
fertilizer for this plant.
On fields that are away or difficult of
access, it might do to plow clover under
as fertilizer, but would otherwise feed to
stock and use the manure thus made on
the land. instead.
Considerable discussion ensued concern
ing the grasses, seeding, etc, when the
subject of butter making was started by
ladies present and a very interesting time
occupied in its consideration, lasting until
a late hour. We have never before found
so much interest on this subject manifested
at any of our meetings by the ladies' Mrs.
FIemenway inquired concerning white
specks in butter said that she was troubled
with them in winter when having Ii tie
milk and kept in small pans. Has found
that putting tablespoonful Of soda In a
churning of cream sufficient for 20 pounds
of butter would in great measure obviate
this difficulty. Works butter once. Puts
paraffine on the inside of The tubs
to prevent any taste from the wood,
Mrs. Charles Erskine of Wlliamstown
keeps butter from June to September. and
this is largely pracliced by farmers in this
region. The tubs are prepared by simply
putting in ashes and hot water for an hour
or two before packing the butter. The
, inside Of the cover IS coated with paraffine
to prevent any taste from getting to the
butter. Two cloths are put on top of the
butter and covered with salt. Previous to
| SelllDS, tue outer Uue Is IelHUNcu, anu u
fresh sprnkling OF salt added.
Mrs. Howe finds it good way 10 line
the inside of the tub with thin muslin after
wetling with brine. This is easily done
and works we'll
Mrs, Webster would not wash butter as
she thinks the nice aroma is thereby not
so easily retained.
One man spoke Of having been troubled
with white sptcks in butter with deer
setting which is something new. This
more generally occurs when the milk is
set in small pans. These specks are sup
posed to be dried cream and ono lady
stated that butter, but of poor quality, had
been made from them. 1t was thought
three. fourths of an ounce of salt toa pound
of butter was sufficient, unless for long
keeping. Adjourned.
EVENING.
On assembling II considerable time was
occupied in answering the large pile OF
. questions that had been handed in by
Davis and Towle. These were of practi-
cal character and were of particular in
/ terest.
After this Mr.. Davis, at the instance
, of Rev. Mr.. Webster, gave his method Of
curing clover for hay.
Rev. Mr.. Webster made some excellent
remarks in con rastng the farmers oc-
cupation with that of the professions. l
duty did not call him to his present posi-
ton he would gladly take his place upon
the farm.
The last subject on the programme
Maple Sugar, was first taken up by e
r. Towlc and followed with an interest
ing discussion that occupied the remainder
of the evening.
f From this it appeared that II large
, amount of sugar is manufactured in this
; part of Orange county. 1t is put up in q
| variety of styles to suit customers, and