Grant County herald. [volume] (Lancaster, Wis.) 1850-1968, 1886-07-22

more deplorable and their redemption
more difficult problem. Because there
are host of intelligent farmers whose
farms are yearly growing more produc-
tive and more valuable under their ju-
dicious husbandry, and because the
produce and lands and improvements
of this class of farmers cause an in
crease in the crop reports and tax dupli-
Gates it does not follow that there is no
deterioration of our soil. They who as
sert there is no deterioration of soil,
and appeal to the tax duplicate and
crop reports in proof, may deceive them
selves and some others. But the men
who have studied the nature of soils.
and the effects thereon of our methods
of culture, have seen the tendency of
this oyer-much plowing and ever tax
Ing off and returning nothing to the
soil
1t is a fact that much of the soil of
Italy is to-day as productive as it was in
the days of Augustus, when Virgil
taught the peasantry so successfully the
arts of husbandry. He showed. too,
how many were destroying the ma
tion's wealth in their vile management
of the soil, and praised the industry
and wisdom of the husbandmen who
wisely harassed but part of his soil,
and left the remainder to be refreshed
by Mother Nature in the clothing of
moss and grasses and by the golden
hoof of the flocks His writings were
beautiful poetry and the soundest agri-
cultural science. What was then the
remedy to prevent impovefishment of
soil in Italy is to-day the remedy need
ed in many States of this Union. He
recognized the fact that cultivated
crops make n far greater demand on
the soil than do those of natural growth.
POULTRY FOR MARKET.
Raising poultry for market and rails
ing them for home use should be con-
Quoted differently. The people who
buy must be pleased, and if they are
willing to pay for an article simply for
its appearance we should try to accomo-
date. For instance, in some markets
there is a strong preference in favor of
yellow legs and skin, yet the dark
legged, whitc-skinned fowls are the
best for the table. There is no better
bird raised than the Houdan for the
table, yet it would not command as
high price in market as yellow
legged fowl, owing to its dark legs and
dark color of its flesh. 1t is mistake
to suppose that the small breeds are not
suitable for the table. The power to
fly indicates plenty of muscle on the
breast, which is the choicest portion.
The poultry sent to market is usually
dry picked, but scalding is much
cleaner, and though not adding to the
appearance, the feathers can be more
easily removed, while the carcass will
be relieved of some of its disagreeable
odor. City purchasers have many fool
ish preJudices, which deprive them of
the best to be procured, so far as quail
| ty is concerned, but SO long as these
preiudices exist all the farmer can do
is to endeavor to please and take their
money, large portion of which, how
ever, is paid for the attractiveness of
the fowls instead of for quality.
Capons usually bring good prices
about February and March, but must
be kept in good condition from the
start. The best capons are produced
| by crossing Dorking cock on Cochin
or Brahma hens. The prices reach as
high rs 80 cents a pound at times, but
| fall as the season advances They are
profitable only when the poultryman is
so situated rs to give them the best at
tention. for although they weigh heavily
and bring good prices, yet every capon
occupies the room that may be utilized
by laying hen.