davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
Losses from Soluble Food.
Farm, Field and Stockman

There is a heavy loss annually in this
country in improperly applying fertiliz-
ers to the soil. Farmers do not consider
that the ingredients of the best and most
available fertilizers are soluble in water,
and while some are readily soluable, 9th
ers are only sparingly so. For instance,
nearly all the forms of lime are insoluble.
especially those used for agricultural pur-
poses, but plaster (sulphate Of ime) may
be dissolved in large quantity of water.
That is, it is only very sparingly soluble,
and does not quickly pass off by leeching
or washing, and for that reason single
application of plaster during the season
will afford a constant supply of that kind
of plant food till the crop to which it has
been applied natures as each shower dis
solves a portion, and affords additional
prepared food for the plants, but nitrate
of soda (saltpeter) dissolves very readily,
and in small quantity of water, the re-
suit being that it is quickly and easily
taken up by the crop. The lime COM
pounds not being readily soluble are in
direct contrast with the salts of potash
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
Starving the Dam.
Farm and FireSide.

Mrs. E. N. Jones. of Canada, reports
to the Jersey Bulletin the death of the
Jersey COW Diana, of st. Lambert, a
daughter of the celebrated bull Stoke
Pogls Sd. The COW died of milk fever:
put mrs. Jones anticipating thai a cry
would be raised that the COW had been fed
10 DEATH says that she had less than a
gallon OF grain per month for seven
months before calving, and for two months
had not had handful of grain. during
which time she was kept in a box stall.
except when out for exercise. and was $50
starved" that her owner was often sssorrv
for her." As her time drew near her show
of milk was so great that precautions
were redoubled
While We freely admit the possibility
of overlooking an animal that is about
to produce young, it has nevertheless
been our experience that more such ami
mails die from underfeeding than over
geeding. The growth of the foetus is a
great drain on the mothers system; and
when that growth is made at the expense
OF the mothers tissues, instead of being
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
FARM NOTES.

A stick fattened at the end will be
found a help in planting flower Seeds
Make a shallow hole with the fiat end of
a stick and scatter the seeds into it, COW
ering it lightly.
The trees can be protected from field
mice by banking the trees up foot or
so with soil, and borers and rabbits can
be kept away by wrapping the trunks for
a foot above this with tarred paper.
Cultivation has so effected the tomato
that the seeds are fast disappearing and
bid fair to pass out of existence entirely,
as in case of the banana, leaving the
propagation of the plant dependent on
cuttings.
Permanent pasture lands are the main
anchor of agriculture, and the farmers of
this will find this out after while, as they
already have in England, and will com
mence seeding their land with permanent
grasses.
A number of European botanists have
had reason to believe that the seeds of
many New Zealand plants will not ger
inmate until they have been frozen.
The same curious observation has been
recently made in relation to Himalayan
seeds.
A correspondent of the Country Gentle
man says that a COW which at home will
test up to fourteen pounds of butter a
week standard, if taken to a strange
place, among strange cattle and MIXED
by cross man, will not make half that
quantity.
Sow the flower seeds light. Many fail
to terminate solely because they are
planted too deep. A stick fattened al
the end will be found help in planting
Make shallow hole with the fiat end OF
the stick and scotter the seeds in it, GOV.
ering lightly.
Vegetable matter in the soil is absolute
ly essential to the growth of the higher
order of vegetation. Where this is want
ing commercial manures may be added tC
any quantity with no appreciate result il
benetitting crops. But supply the needed
organic matter and the growth will sur
prise you. The object of fertilization is
to insure an abundance of elements going
to form vegetation.
The advice to orchardists to build fires
or hang open lanterns in their plantations
that insects may be destroyed in the fame
crops up perennially, says the Michigan
Farmer. The use of lighted lamps in
orchards has frequently resulted in cap
turing in lafge numbers, but examination
showed that but few noxious insects were
trapped in this way, most of those
caught being either harmless sorts OF
those which are useful in preying on 9th
erS.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
Pig Shelters.
American Agriculturist

In company with the owner of large
farm in one of the Western States, we
were riding horseback through heavily
timbered tract of land, where there were
great numbers of nut-bearing trees, and
innumerable hogs in store condition could
be seen roofing amoung the leaves for
nuts, under every clump of trees. While
passing near a creek where the ground
was low and level, we came among large
numbers of immense sycamore or cotton
wood trees; our companion halted before
the shattered remains of an old monarch.
The stump was about 80 feet high, and
from six to ten feet in diameter at the
base. This stump was followed, with an
opening five or six feet high at one side,
which was now stopped up with logs and
large stones. Here" said the farmer,
lis the scene Of tragedy that occurred
last fall. A cold storm of sleet and rain
came on, that forced the hogs to seek
shelter wherever they could find it, and I
would be afraid to tell you how many
got into thOt old stump; they climbed
on top of one another, until they crushed
the life out of the bottom ones, and when
we found them, there were no less than a
dozen, big and little lying dead in that
old stump. That experience taught me
a lesson, which is, always to have low
roof to a pig shelter" The sides Of a
tree had prevented the pigs from escap-
ing when the weight became too heavy.
That this farmer had profted by his sad
experience, was evident from the num-
bers of rude shelters we passed in the ride,
made for solid comfort" by laying rails
across two logs, and throwing brwsh
over them. This was weighted with
L. -. l. II
from lifting it when they tried to climb
over one another. Pigs are very grea-
rious by nature, and their houses should
always be limited in capacity, so that too
many of them will not get together at
one time, or they are certain to injure
one another, and usually the weakest by
crowding.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
HOUSEHOLD HINTS.
6rS.

SEARCHED shirts will iron easier if the
are allowed to dry after starching, sc
that they require sprinkling before iron
ing.
A teaspoonful of granulated sugar
mo1stened with pure vinegar will general
ly remedy that annoying complaint, hic
cough.
Articles dyed with aniline colors, if no
too much faded by exposure to light, car
be brilliantly renovated by sponging with
chloroform.
Sick headache may generally be cured
by the administration of the juice of hall
a lemon in cup Of strong black coffee
without sugar.
Plaster of paris ornaments, unless toe
deeply soiled, can be cleaned by covering
them with thick layer of starch, letting
1T dry and then brushing it off with a stiff
brush.
Tin vessels should be set on the stove
for moment or exposed to the sun after
being washed, and without this precaution
they will become rusty and worthless in a
few weeks.
Put five drops of chloroform on little
cotton or wool in the bowl of a clay pipe
then blow the vapor through the stem
into an aching ear, and instant relief will
be afforded
1t is claimed that plate of finely per-
forated zinc a foot square, hung five
inches above a gas burner, will remove
most of the sulphorous acid so injurious
to persons, plants and books.
A capital method of administering cas-
tor oil to children is to pour the oil into
pan over moderate fire. break an egg
into it and stir up. Then flavor with a
little salt, sugar and currant jelly.
The ordinary hop toad is not a very
pleasant object about kitchen, but it is
certainly preferable to reaches and water
bugs, and it is claimed that these pests
will disappear if one or two toads are do
INVESTIGATED.
Pour hot I've in your sinks 1t cuts the
grease.
A handful of hay in a pailful of water
neutralizes the smell of paint.
A little sulphate of potassa added to
preserves prevents frem entation.
If the saucepan in which milk is to be
boiled be first moistened with water it
will prevent milk from burning.
To stone raisins easily, pour boiling
water over them and drain it off, This
loosens them and they come out with
ease.
Keep large squares of thick pasteboard
hung to slip under pots, kettles, stew
dishes and spiders, when you set them
down.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
The Kind Of a Waterman He Was.

Il was up in the Washington oil field a
few days ago." said gentleman to-day,
''and on my return I had to wait nearly
an hour for train, and amused myself
by taking in the sights around the station.
A lady evangelist was there getting in her
work in irst-class order until she came
up to neatly dressed young man, who
noticed had been very intently perusing
the columns of lions Watch Tower.
My young friend, are you a Waterman
on lions walls?" asked the lady. The
young man blushed to the roots of his
hair and said: mo, ma'am; I am only a
night Waterman in Canonsburg, but I am
looking for promotion soon" The crowd
fairly shouted with laughter, and the lady
Joined in
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
A Monkeys Death Avenged.

Since Sunday last, says the Bombay
Gazette, certain portion of the Bhulesh-
war has been the scene of the greatest ex-
element in the Hindoo community. 1t is
stated that a European police constable
shot monkey from the window of a
bania's house. The Hindoos are there
fore very much incensed against this
bania, who, not daring to face the public
Indignation, is a close prisoner in his
house. The vaishny maharaj has stopped
the unfortunate mans darsan and threat
ened to stop the darsan of the whole land
caste should they not punish the monkey
destroyer. A meeting of the caste was
consequently held on Tuesday last, when
1T was resolved that the man should abide
by whatever decision the pandit gatul-
alice may give in the matter.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
Learning to be a Barber.

"A young fellow is got to have consider
able nerve to make success as a barber
said tonsorial artist. Il went to learn
the trade, and had been in the shop about
month, when heard of man who want
ed barber who had years experience. I
applied and got the job.
The first occupant of my chair in that
place was an elderly gentleman who had a
beard like stubble. / didn't know how to
strop razor but I made the attempt,
and suppose in doing so took of what
what edge there was on the blade. My
customer WINGED a good deal, but I got
through with him finally, and in reply to
question by my boss he said he was sat
lstied. The next occupant of my chair
was man whose face was all wrinkles.
When he left the shop he was holding on
to his face. I overheard him telling an
other customer to look out and not get in
to my chair.
Things went along smoothly for sever
al days, when an accident happened. Two
men came into my shop. One was a
cOuntryman, who said he had never been
shaved by barber. His companion told
him If barber ever shaved him once he
would never shave himself again He
consented, and took a seat in my chair. I
was doing a good job, when two dogs be-
came involved in dispute on the street.
turned my head, and as [ did so my Gus
toner uttered loud cry. 1 had cut off
the end of his nose. He declared that a
barber should never shave him again, and
left for a surgeon, who lived right oppo-
site.
1--WE don't have to do things as we did
in former times. Fifty years ago men
used to have their hair curled and boards
dyed, and barber had to know how to
dress lady's hair. Very few BARRIERS
could do this class of work nowadavs.n
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
Water Horses Often.

There is no doubt that horses often suf
fer severely from thirst. Regular water.
ing twice or thrice a day is not enough
especially when exercising and perspir-
ing. In such cases they should frequent
ly have water offered them. If it is, they
will drink little at a time, and never
enough to injure them. We quote, in
IN this connection, from a correspondent
of the Scottish Agricultural Gazette:
Horses are greater epicures in water
than IS generally supposed, and will make
rush for some favorite spring Or rivulet
where water may have once proved accep-
table to their palate when that of other
drinking places have been rejected or
scarcely touched.
The groom's common maxim is TO
water twice a day, but there is little
doubt that horses should have access to
water more frequently, being like our
selves or any other animal liable from
some causes-sOme slight arrangement
OF the stomach, for instance-tO be more
thirsty at one time than at another: and
1t is well known fact that, where water
IS within easy reach, these creatures new
er take such quantity at time as to
unit them for moderate work at any
moment. If an Arrangement for CON
tlnual access to water be not convenient.
horses should be watered before every
feed, or at least thrice a day, the first
time being in the morning, an hour be-
fore feeding (which hour will be employ
ed IN grooming the BEAST; and it NAV
be observed that there is no greater aid
to increasing their disposition to put on
flesh than giving them as much water as
they like before and after every feed.
horse should never be waterd when
heated, or on the eve of any extraordin-
exertion. Animals that are liable to col
&c or gripes, or under the effect of medi-
cine, particularly such as act on the ali
mentary canal and predispose to those
affections, should get water with the
chill off.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
Wanted to be Relieved.
Washington Capital.

During the terrific thunderstorm that
came over the city last week little eight
year-old boy living in the northern part
of the town was awakened and called his
mother, who was sitting in the drawing
room down stairs. She sat with him
awhile and told him he need have no fear,
because God took care of little boys,
and he would not let the lightning hurt
them.
''But God is away up in heaven" said
the child
YES" replied the mother, ''but he is
here, too. He is staying right in the room
with you. He can protect you, but [ can
not. As long as God is here you need not
be afraid"
The child was quoted, and the mother
left him and went back to the drawing
room. Pretty soor there came another
deafening clap of thunder, when the boy,
crawling out of bed, came to the head of
the stairs and called again.
''What do you want, George?" asked his
mother.
''You come up here and stay with God
awhile, and let me go down stairs" was
the reply.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24

If you wish to keep sharp knife dom
put 1t in hot grease; stir your potatoes
while frying or turn the meat with a
fork or an old case knife kept for that
purpose.
To remove the tops of fruit jars, that
can not be started by hand, kip cloth
IN very hot water and apply to the out
side Of the cap this will cause it to ex-
pand.
Before using new earthenware, place
in boiler with cold water, and heat
gradually till it boils! then let it remain
till the water is cold, it will not be as
liable to crack if it is treated in this man
ner.
To clean the bottles; put into the bot
tie some kernals of corn, tablespoon
full of ashes, pour this half full of water,
and after vigorous shaking and rims
ing you will find the bottle as good as
new.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
Oxen for Farm Work.


The question of the economy of oxen
for working cattle, as compared with
horses, is to be considered relatively with
other questions. Horses will work twice
as fast as oxen: that is, a fair team of
horses will pillow an acre day, while oxen
will pillow half an acre. Surprising horse
team costs $500 and is wore out in ten
years, the cost is $50 a year. This is re-
paid in blowing fifteen acres more than
the oxen every year; or in doing fifteen
DAYS more work. But if the horses do 200
days work in a year, the difference is
equal to 100 days work at 50 day. If
oxen can do all the work that is to be
done on q small farm then the difference
exists only in regard to the drivers work.
If mans time is worth 81 a day, it is
clear the saving of time with horses will
more than make up the whole cost of
them if the man is working every day.
If his time is occupied otherwise, then it
is quite possible that an OK team, though
slower for work, but more cheaAly fed
and kept, and profitable at the end of
their work for beef, may be more econ
Omical than horses on small farms.
Where the land is rough or timber is to be
cleared off oxen will be preferable to
horses. Another consideration is the
kind of oxen. A pair of well-trained
quick-stepping Devon steers have been
known to keep up in the burrows and on
the road with pair of horses, to draw as
large loads, and in every way to work on
an equality with the horse team. In such
a case there is much more to be said in
favor of the oxen, and when the oxen are
used it is well to select those of Devon
blood, which are unquestionably the best
breed for working oxen and also as good
as any for beef.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
FARM AND HOUSEHOLD.
'ONCE-ON-A A TIME.
ST. NICHOLAS

Heigh-ho! What froics we might see
If it only happened TO you and me
To be born in some far-off Cline
In the country of Somewhere, once-on -a-time
Why, once. o. time there were mountains Of
gold,
There were birds just waiting to fly before
And show you the way TO the magical door,
And. under a tree. there was sure to be
A queer little woman to give you the KEY:
And tiny, dancing, good natured elf
To say, with his scepter: Help yourself?"
Fer millions Of dollars grew from a dime
In the country OF Somewhere, once-on- "a time
Ii we lived in the country of Somewhere. YOU
Could do whatever you chose to DO
Instead OF boy, with the garden to weed.
You might be a knight, with sword aid :
Steed;
Instead of a girl, with towel to hem.
might be q princess, with robe and gem.
With say little page and a harper old
Who knew all the stories that ever were told
Stories in prose, and stories in ryhme
That happened Somewhere once-on- a time
In the country of Somewhere no one looks
AT maps and blackboards and grammer books;
For all your knowledge just grows and grows,
Like the song in q rd or the sweet in a rose.
And II ever chance on a fortunate day,
10 that wonderful region to find my way,
Why then, if the stories all are true,
As quick as / can I'll come for you,
And Wen row away to its happy shores,
In silver shallop with golden oars.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
The Parson Spoke in Parentheses.
Springfield. Mass. Union

When Rev. DR.. Osgood was pastor Of
the First Church he was conducting an
evening service in the little wooden chapel
that stood at the side of the church The
pulpit was of the plainest description.
and lighted by two small oil lamps. As
DR.. Osgood was offering prayer he made
a gesture which knocked one of the lamps
to the floor in front of him. He opened
his eyes and looked over, and,- seeing that
the lamp was not broken, remarked:
swell, it was good glass, anyway and
then closing his eyes, went on with his
prayer where he left off
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24
Salt for Stock.
Il - GILL InnnnI

Salt is not only the SAVIOR of the earth,
but of the flesh, and of every known or
ganism. 1t is a constant constituent of
the blood, keeping it limpid and healthful
and is more universally distributed over
the globe and throughout all orgenized
nature than perhaps any other compound
known to the chemist, save water. 1t is
also one of the most stable of the COM
pounds. The waters of the earth are
charged with it, and traces of it float in
the air we breathe.
By inference, then we may conclude
that salt Is an essential constituent of all
things especially of organized things.
Both observation and experiment show
this to be the fact. All the animal in
stincts concur in this conclusion. Wild
animals go long distances and take great
risks to get 1t. In countries where it is
not readily accessible, men are willing to
pay great prices for it. The relish for 1t
is not an acquired one, like that for
whisky or tobacco, but q natural instinct
or craving, in response to a demand of
the human organism.
Animals deprived of salt do not thrive
as well nor wear as sleek coats as those
that have a regular and full supply. If it
- p1ClSCu Nl1CIO ULlOJ A1clFO ClSSCo0 W IL Gu
will, no animal will eat too much. But if
fed irregularly, and allowed to go without
salt for long periods, there is great dan
ger Of animals eating enough to do them
selves injury. In such cases great care
should be taken in feeding it that an
overaose be not taken. But the better
way is to avoid such danger by keeping a
constant supply of salt within reach OF
the stock. Rock salt in large Jumps fo1
the animals to lick is the best form in
which to give it. But it should be placed
where it will be sheltered from the rain OF
snow. Sheds for the shelter of stock are
proper places in which to provide it.
As farmers will soon be turning their
cattle to grass, we call their attention to
the subject of sailing stock and to It's
Importance. Do not depend upon throw
ing them handful week or so
through the summer. In such a case, if
you give enough for the herd, the stronger
ones will get too much and the weaker
ones too little. The better way is to pro
vide supply of salt accessible to all al
all times. This is the safe and wise plan
saving care and trouble and securing the
best results to stock.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1886-06-24

At this season the milk is often favor
ed with onion or wild garlic. The only
remedy is to clean out the pastures, eth
er by pulling them up or allowing the
garlic to grow until nearly ready to seed,
then cutting it down. To do this the
COWS must be kept out of the pasture for
awhile. 1t requires work to eradicate the
pasture of weeds, but it must be done if
odors in the milk and butter are to be
avoided.