Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1885-12-25

tatoes. Rev. Mr.. SisSon OF No. STRAIT
ford, n. H., being present, was called
upon and made some very interesting
remarks. lie referred to the fact that
when at school the farmer boy out
stripped the others in the acquisition
of knowledge. lie spoke very intelli-
gently upon the importance of more
information in all kinds of rural pur-
suits. All other occupations and pro-
LESSONS must depend in a measure
upon the farmer, and he would have
the calling exalted as its importance
and merits demand. He hoped that
by the aid of these farmers meetings
much of permanent good may result
to all interested in this occupation.
His illustrations from scripture were
pertinent and the lessons drawn from
them of practical value. 1t appeared
from the remarks of farmers that pota-
toes have been the leading crop in this
part of Essex county, the yield being
quite large. When these are sold and
corn or other feed purchased, the land
is not deteriorating, but as in some
cases nothing is returned for the crop
removed, the effect is becoming appar-
ent in impoverishing the soil.
TUESDAY EVENING.
After music, Mr.. A. L. Perkins of
Pomfret, member of the Board, spoke
upon subject of Importance to farm
ers-"Planting and Hoeing Made
Easy" He first spoke of the imper-
feet implements and methods EN-
ployed when boy and the hard la Dor
required in the cultivation of crops.
lie advised the selection and use of the
best implements and tools and of sub
shutting as far as possible horse power
for manual labor. Good blowing is
the first and most important part OF
farm cultivation. He preferred q
swivel pillow, and, if sulky is used, ii
will be much easier for the operator
than walking. Thorough narrowing
with the best implements before plant
ing will save much labor in the after
cultivation of the crop. Where corn
planter is used the first cultivation can
be dore with a smoothing harrow
that will destroy the small weeds with
out injuring the corn. Use this har
row until the corn is several inches
high, when good cultivator can bt
substituted, leaving little or no work
to be done with a hand hoe. With
proper methods there should be little
done with the hand hoe on potatoes
Would not cut potatoes for seed buI
use tubers of medium size. Mr.. Spen
Ger cuts off the seed end of large pc
tato and throws the rest away; then
cuts in four pieces and plants in hill,
six inches apart, requiring 80 to A
bushels of seed for an acre. Gets 50C
bushels to the acre. Sows ten bush
els Of oats to tue acre and has got 10t
bushels from the same. Mr.. Burbank
puts manure on in the fall and plows
it under, in this way getting better
and sounder potatoes than treated il
that way in the spring. Would Gu
seed to single eyes and put two pieces
in hill; raises good crops. Mr.. Davis
thought the fall application of man
ure in this case better than in spring
After considerable discussion upon TIL
potato question, Mr.. Towle occupied
the remainder of the evening in talk
ing about the manufacture of mapl
sugar, and in answering such question
as were asked. There is not larg
amount of sugar made III this part o
the state, but most farmers have ;
supply for their own use. The attend
ance was good, and much interest wa
manifested in the discussion of the va
rious questions brought forward 70
. consideration.
To be continued.