Green-Mountain freeman. [volume] (Montpelier, Vt.) 1844-1884, 1884-03-05
VOL. XII.
farmers Institute at South Hero.

the people would not expect too much
from the board who being all practical
farmers come here to compare methods
and see whereby we may do better
, MIR, Henry Harri ngton, president of the
Grand Isle agricult ural society, was chos.
en- chairman.
Henry Lane of the board then gave a
lecture on Scientific Teaching, which was
closely listened to.
Mr.. Goodwin was then called upon to
give his experience in feeding straw. He
alluded TO the importance of the proper
election OF COWS for the special purpose
!, desired, and then combine the food in the
proper proportions. Has fed no hay to his
COWS this winter, but fed corn fodder, and
straw, corn meal and cotton seed meal
Feeds corn fodder cut in the morning then
parts corn and cob meal mixed and one
feed of oat straw; his COWS never did better
in butter or condition than they have this
winter.
Mr.. Gordon asked about the value of
roots for butter. Mr.. Goodwin didn't
think they were worth hardly any ything for
that purpose alone but when properly
combined with some richer foods, aid
digestion and renders the other parts of
the food more available.
Mr.. Fletcher inquired the best time to
cut timothy. Mr. Lane would cut it for
most of stock just as it was fairly out of
blossom.
Mr.. S. l.. Gordon inquired if cotton seed
meal did not injure the quality of the but
ter. Mr.. Goodwin was sure it did not
unless more than two quarts per day were
fed.
Major Corbin spoke of his experience in
the southern states where cotton seed is
used largely as fertilizer. by dropping
the seed whole in the row and planting
the cotton above it. In this way it is con
sidered fully as valuable as commercial
fertilizers. Thus showing that it has a
large manurial as we'll as feeding value.
EVENING.
L. M. Goodwin gave his lecture on The
Farmers Social Position.
Rev. o. g. Wheeler of South Hero, fol-
lowed with some very thoughtful and
instructive remarks. He feared the farm
ers magnified the opportunities of others
and looked with disfavor on their own
He thought no class of men had as great
opportunity for intellectual growth and
development as the farmer. That he does
not do this is really his own fault, for no
other class, unless it be the man of leisure,
has so much time for intellectual growth,
on account of enforced inactivity of out
door pursuits. If the farmer only realizes
the extent of his opportunities, l can sec
no limit to the growth and culture he may
hope to attain. He expressed himself as
we'll pleased with the indications of i'm.
provement in this direction which he can
see increasing and wishes all aids to ac-
complish this Godspeed
Mr.. Kinney feared that according to the
existing methods of higher education that
| it tended to produce n dissatisfaction with
! the farm and home, that the result of lib
orally educating the farmers sons was TO
drive them away from homes the farms
are deserted III consequence, and was
more inclined to favor some less extended
course of study which would be more
practical in It's nature. Mr.. Goodwin
thought if there was definite aim in
view as there should be the course Of edu-
cation should be shaped to that end. that
if boy was TO be IA farmer he should
choose a scientific rather than classical
education.
Mr.. Pember spoke of the deep interest
he felt in these matters and thought there
was nothing in work or surroundings of
the farmer incompatible with inte llectual
growth and culture, that whatever feeling
there may be that the position of the farm
er is lower socially than that Of other
avocations. is owing to the farmers them
selves, who are too apt to disparage their
own calling and many lines sow the seeds
of dissatisfaction in the minds of their
children. If, as every one says, the farm
is the best place to bring up the boy to
manhood, does it not follow that it is
equally as good place for the boy to live
after he has reached manhood.
WEDNESDAY FORENOON.
The session was taken up by the discus
Corn Il. M. Goodwin giving an inter.
the nature, history, habits, importance
and wonderful capabilities of this cereal.
Mr.. Allen inquired how deep he would
plant corn. About l 1-2 inches; if the
ground was very dry would plant deeper.
Would prefer planting in drills instead of |
hills, can get more stalks on an acre and
a larger yield.
Would cultivate as deeply as possible
without seriously injuring the roots, and
discontinue about the time the tassels
appear.
Questions, what is the best COW for but
ter9 The Jersey and her grades no doubt.
What causes scab in potatoesP Some
times it seems to be an excess of potash IN
the soil, at others it is not caused by this
and it is difficult to give any answer
which would be of general application.
Does the burning of corn cobs effect
their manurial valuep Not materially, but
would prefer to have them ground and
fed and carried to the land in that way.
Does the burning of bones effect their
manurial valued Practically it does not,
burning only destroys the fatty matter
which is no use to the growing plant.
AFTERNOON.
+. r. Pember gave an address embody-
ing many of the points of his Experience
in Farming. This was attentively listened
too, but owing to lack of time was not dis
cussed, and the next topic on the pro-
gramme, the Fruit Question, was taken up,
and participated in by Messrs. Gordon,
Kinney, Chamberlain, and several others,
Mr.. Lane leading the discussion. The
leading varieties seemed to be the Bald
win, Rhode Island Greening, and Northern
Spy, each doing better in certain Localities
which seemed to be determined by the
nature of the soil, different varieties doing
best on certain soils.
1t was found in many cases that trees
would do very well where the soil was
very shallow, only few inches deep, when
the underlying rock was loose and porous.
The question of barrels for marketing the
apples appeared to be a serious one in this
county, AS it was very difficult to obtain
empty flour barrels and the cost of buying
new ones was an item of considerable i'm
nortance. The pulp worm had not as yet
made its appearance on the island. The
apple crop is one of great Importance in
this county, and is increasing, great
49, -. -, ho;,0 sot aach uaor