Essex County herald. [volume] (Guildhall, Vt.) 1873-1964, 1885-02-27
Farm and Garden Notes.

Scatter a little flour on the pie plates,
and there is no danger of the crust ad-
herring to the plate when baked.
Experts in Bookkeeping agree that at
least twenty-five colonies on an average
can be kept to the square mile. Forage
can be largely increased by planting
alsike clover.
The great secret in raising small fruits
consists in keeping the ground free from
weeds and grass. Their roots are more
vigorous than those of vines and bushes,
and they appreciate the moisture required
to form fruit.
The results of analyses of milk by the
forty recognized authorities show that
when in a healthy, normal condition the
milk of the average COW contains S7.5
per cent. of water, leaving 1875 per cent.
of solids, 3.2 per cent. of which is fat.
A simple test of pure BUTTER according
to Professor Taylor, of the agricultural
department., is sulphuric acid. A few
drops of the acid mixed with butter
turns it in ten minutes time to brick
red hue; oleomargarine under the same
test becomes first of clear amber color,
which in twenty minutes is deep
crimson.
The operation of blistering is a very
severe one, and should only be per-
formed on horse when absolutely nee
essary and under direction of skilled
veterinary surgeon. Many horses have
sinews weakened 50 that they are prac-
tically worthless, because some one
thought that anybody knew how to ap-
ply blister.
1t is undoubtedly better to shelter ma
nure after the fermentation has stopped.
Then all the plant food is soluble and
easily washed away. But there is good
reason to doubt whether it is an advan-
tage to exclude all moisture from
coarse manure, especially horse dung,
which will firefang if allowed to heat,
with too little moisture.
A poor sheep at this season, if in a
large flock, will probably die and be a
total loss. By getting such in place
where few can be fed by themselves,
they can be better cared for, and if green
food, either roots or ensilage, can be
furnished, the animal may be saved. On
no account should heavy feeding with
grain be attempted with such sheep.
1t is a mistake to set fence posts until
they are thoroughly seasoned. Even
oak posts, which are as durable as any,
will rot out in few years if put in
green. The sap in the wood cannot es
cape, and it is more injurious to the
wood than rain water. Seasoned oak
posts with the outside charred as fal
as they go into the ground are most
durable.
The parts of plows and other nipple
ments most likely to be broken in using
on farm should be kept in duplicate
Very often the loss of time in sending tt
the shop for repairs is two or three time,
as much as the cost of getting them in
advance. Farmers should look ovel
their implements before the busy season
begins, and see that they are all in con.
dition to use.
All animals should be fed at regular
hours. They will soon learn to look fo
their feed at these times, and will not b,
restless at others without it. The bes
time to feed cows is just after milking
Food then taken will not affect the flavol
of the milk. In the short days of winte
the longest time between feeding will b.
from night until morning, and the heav
lest feeding should therefore be the las
chore to be done at night.
Many farmers make mistake in fitting
their land before they know where seeC
for sowing or planting it can be had
They place themselves at great disad
vantage by this mismanagement, TO
nearly always at seed time there is
scarcity which advances prices. Seeds
men do not change their catalogue rates
but if orders are delayed till spring they
may find all stock sold out so that wants
of customers cannot be supplied.
The barn itself should be on the wind
ward side of the yards where stock i
allowed to run. But on other less ex
posed sides row of deciduous trees in
terspersed with evergreens will make