davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10

loss, 1t snoula also be re.nenoefet' .nas
there is a greater risk III keeping a very
heavy animal than one OF lish' of
medium weight. -, in.
4 few wears ago there was quite an ! m
ducement held out to farmers to 1eed
steers till they weighed 1000 POUNDS
each and to keep lot of hogs ~ 1he s.
averaged 400 pounds. The hlghe s.. $.
prices in all our markets were PAID Tor
extra heavy weights" Such is not now 70,
the case. 4 well-fattened steer weigh
ing from 1900 to 1.5oo pounds VIII Drlng 9
as mach per pound as one weighing y y
ton. A few very heavy steers are wanted
by the city butchers for the Christmas
trade. Their meat is desired for making
display. For ordinary trade. however.
medium sized animals are preferred. Az
one time there was demand for specl-
mems of animated lard weighing from
400 to 600 pounds. Now that strictly
pure, kettle rendered hogs lard is made
from beef tallow and cotton-seed OIL
there is no occasion for making pigs
very fat. and. as medium sized hams and
shoulders are more desirable than very
large ones, there is no reason for feed
ing hogs till they are oversrown.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10


n. A. Whittmore, in the Rural NcW
Yorker, makes the following observa-
tions in regard to the use of the harrow,
which are based on common sense:
Several years ago | sowed piece of
wheat upon land where oats had been
aised. 1t was we'll plowed and top
dressed with well composted manure,
and put in fine condition for the seed,
which was drilled in at the rate of two
bushels per acre. also used as an adj
ditional fertilizer wood ashes-all that
could force through the drill-from
eight to ten bushels per acre. The sea-
son being favorable it made a lu.uriant
growth before winter set in and the few
oats left upon the ground also made a
rapid growth, SO much so as in some
places to completely shade the wheat.
1t came through the winter in fair con-
dition; but as the spring freezings and
thawings We're severe, it looked good
deal the worse for the weather. After
settled weather, in passing over the field
discovered that most of the apparently
dead wheat was the growth of oats lying
upon and between the rows of wheat, in
some places almost smothering the
wheat plant I took an old fashioned
winged harrow and drove lengthwise of
the rows and after few times across
the field, left it. I carefully examined
it to see the amount of wheat torn out
by the harrow, and was surprised to find
scarcely one plant in row of forty rods.
was surprised at the result. At the
end cf the week, the wheat was green
and lively, while the remainder of the
piece was yet covered with tho dead oats,
no apparent growth having been made.
again started the harrow, going twice
in place through the field. leaving one
strip through the middle not narrowed.
Old farmers shook their heads and
some even said must be craZy-I would
spoil my wheat. The difference was so
marked that every one who was skeptical
before was converted as to this one piece
at least. That narrowed first held the
finest heads and plumpest kernels; the
second narrowing came next. that not
narrowed falling in the rear to the tune
of at least five bushels Gas near as could
be calculated)to the acre. should have
said after narrowing rolled the piece.
never fail to harrow my winter wheat
even that sown broadcast, and then T
put on the roller, The narrowing re-
moAes all dead and musty leaves, loosens
the ground, letting light and air in, and
in every way beneiting the crop. No
one need despair of good crop Of grass
seed if sown upon this newly narrowed
land before rolling.
One year having my harrow left at the
farther side of my corn field, and need
ing it elsewhere. I drove cornerwise
across the. field of corn after it was four
inches high, and to my astonishment did
not pull up one spear of corn, and to my
great surprise saw during the entire sea-
son that particular strip of corn in adj
| always use the harrow tn thoroughly upon
my potatoes as soon as they show them
selves coming through the ground.
This loosens the soil, destroys the
weeds, pushes the potatoes fully one
week ahead of those not narrowed, and
lessons the cultivation and hoeing ma
terially. Use the harrow. Be not afraid
of using it too much.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
THE DAIRY.
The Flavor of 1sutter.

At recent meeting of dairymen in
Sherman. n Y. an old and reliable but
ter buyer remarked that the standard
quality OF butter in Chautauqua County
is not as high as it was twenty five years
ago. The question was asked. it this is
true, what is the cause? This is the an
swer given:
Twenty-fveyear ago there were nearly
100000 sheep in Chautauqua County.
They in a large measure cleaned the
pasture of weeds and rubbish, turning
into the best of wool what is now o null
sance and the first cause of bad butter.
The sheep are gone, and now our pas
lures and meadows blossom out with
white and yellow daisies, rag weeds
grown up, golden rods beautify the
fields, toad plantain runs up it's seedy
rods, adder tongues speckle the hills.
All ofthese, and many others, grow luXu-
riantly i'll this county. Cows eat them,
and thus every pound of butter is made
bitter, and it is impossible to make good
butter from such feed. Rest assured,
any bitter herb taints and defects the
butter.
Second. In many cases during the
latter part of summer, cows do not get
plenty OF pure water, SO essential to the
making of fine butter. Now springs and
DfOOkS Iall mucl sooner than twenty
five years ago.
Third. In some cases cows are driven
to and from the pasture by dogs. Cows
that get hot and nervous, give milk that
is fatal to good butter, and will faint the
entire lot. To make good, sweet butter,
it requires healthy cows. good. sweet
feed. pure water, and gentle treatment.
If these are causes for reducing the
high standard of butter in New York,
may they not be the cause of the low
standard of some butter? We would sug-
gest that where there are not sheep to
keep the pasture clean, that hoe be
used, and that everythingy you would not
cut for hay be cut with the hoe. If you
have not facilities for having water
where your cows can help themselves at
any time, give them an opportunity to do
SO at least three times day, and don t
dog them
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
THE HOUSEHOLD.
kkceDinO Hn,,sa

There are housekeepers who possess a
natural aptitude for their worl. thara
are others who learn the most profitah1e
methods OF housework through an ex-
peflence more OF less trying; and there
are some who have the duties of house-
Keeping forced upon them either bv
means or their own thoughtlessness or
ignorance OF their own capabilities, or
py other circumstances over which tbov
can exercise no government. That ali
women can accomplish Homework is not
an nhposslblllty; that all women are
adapted to housework is mistaken idea
anu one which is being rapidly done
away with by those who realize what
work progressive and independent wo-
men are accomplishing, work which is
outside outside OF homework and vet Which,
tends to elevate home life by eIov,t;nn
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
THE STOCK-RANCH.
Keeping Stock Too Long.

Nine times out of ten it will be to the
farmers advantage to sell his produce
when it is ready for market. OF moth
ing is this truer than of live stock raised
for meat only. Now that this idea Of
feeding for early maturity is gaining a
foothold in the minds of SO many. it is
not as necessary as formerly to advocate
the turning Off of stock before they eat
their heads Off or before they eat up
the profits. Still it is certainly true
there are many farmers yet who are
long, that are intended sorely for meat
productions. In an exchange we find the
following upon this subject:
All the reports of our fat-stock fairs
show that the gain in weight OF cattle
is the greatest while they are young,
and the smallest after they have reached
maturity. They also show that Young
animals will thrive and become fat on
cheaper food thad old ones will. When
old their appetite is not so keen and
their digestion is not as good as when
they were young.
The like is true in respect to pigs.
When young they will eat almost any
thing, and will convert much of it into
flesh and fat. AS they advance in age
they take less exercise. have less keen
hppetlte, ana are more particular about
their food. Their digestion is not as
good, and as a consequence the food
they consume does not produce SO great
gain in weight.
Sheep raised chiefly for their flesh
should be prepared for market and dis
posed of early. If they are raised partly
for their flesh and partly for their wool,
there is ordinarily no gain in keeping
them over more than three winters. It
may be policy to keep good breeding
ewes as long they will raise lambs, but
the profit in keeping them will be IN the
lambs, as the mothers will be likely to de-
crease in value after they are four years
old.
The risk of keeping animals intended
to furnish meat beyond the time that
they can be fitted for the market should
be always taken into consideration.
The risks incident to disease are very
large in the case of pigs.
Farmers like to obtain large sum of
money for an animal raised on place,
and have the credit of obtaining it.
There is some pleasure in having g, steer
that weighs ton and in receiving the
amount OF money it will bring in the
market. It should be remembered, how
ever, that the last 500 pounds added to
;ts weight are generally obtained at a
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10

you an account Of a ride by myself after
the battle of Fort Donelson, Tenn, in
February, 1862. After the battle was
over the regiment of which I was
member (Sixty- sixth Illinois) was given
thesecond post of honor, being marched
through the fort. Afterward we went
into camp near the Forty-sxth and
Forty-seventh Tennessee Confederate. J
The regiment broke ranks, and the men
We're told to have good time. l took
stroll through the fort and found
the boys riding horses and mules. I
thought [ would take part in the fun.
In front of the rebel headquarters stood
tive-mule team in charge of an old
darby. "Well, boss, dat lead mule is
de best riding mule in Tennessee. I
told him to unhitch him and put on a
saddle. He did as he was hidden. BY
this time | had been getting pretty we'll
loaded with all the small firearms [
could find, and among them nice
shotgun, which had been given me by
a rebel Captain. This [ strung over
my shoulder, with sword and pair of
pistols in my belt, an overcoat Zig
enough for Siblcy tent, and q canteen
which was not filled with water. 7
had the old darby lead the mule
up to stump, and soon [ was
on his back l looked like a masked
battery. 1 said let the mule go,
and he did. We had not gone far be-
fore we came to a haltin front of big
mud hole. The mule first looked al
the mud and then at it's rider. ] said (:
my friend, move on!" He stood still.
l hit him i'll the side with my sword.
and still he did not move. Ali at once
L felt the mules back raise up, and he
gave jump up in the air, and as his
feet struck the ground he began to back
and Jump. This he did in elegant style.
I said: "My dear mule, please stor
your foolishness" but he did not sto:,
worth cent. He kept it up until Your
humble servant concluded to dismount:
but before could do so he gave one Of
his backward springs, and away l went
over his head and landed on
my back in the mud hole AS 1
fell l broke the stock of my gun, and
on rolling over L bent my sword SO
that it looked like hoop Getting I'D
| was met with a rebel yell and laugh
ter that started the mule, and away he
went, head and tail in the air, snorting
like steam engine. AS I looked my
self over and took in my situ7 ton, it
reminded me Of turkey gobbler with
tail feathers pulled out. I said: cold
lank, take a walk" and I did. I
went to the Cumberland River: went
in and took a bath with clothes and
equipments on. Afterward 1 went
into camp and took the following oath :
Il will never be found again on the
back of a Government mule. So help
me hardtack!"
AT the sale OF war relics in Boston
recently, complete file of Rich
mond paper for the entire period of the
war brought $1S4.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10

car for himself and family, to the
exclusion of even his staff officers.
He generally took o weekly trip from
Houston, his headquarters, to Calves
ton, and on such occasions he invaria-
bly, monopolized special. In the linn
its of all the Confederacv, coaches were
then a scarce commodity.
On one occasion, when every freight
car on che road was called into req,li-
sition for the purpose of conveying
troops to Galveston, and every car be
ing crowded within, as we'll as on top,
with troops, the inevitable special coach
was attached to the Fear of the train.
The troops appropriated the top of the
special to their use, it being a more
comfortable place for them than on top
OF the box cars. In the special sat the
General and his family; cosy circle,
indeed.
1t was raw day, and as usual, there
were obj1rgations, deep and loud,
among the troops, as to the uncomfort-
ableness of the situation.
just before the train started wild
harunl-scarum Texan, William Ochil-
IlSS, blopIlSA vi Vic 1ul.loliS SOiOlCl
Thomas p. Ochiltree, espied the family
sitting around the stove, and raising
his stcntorian voice-he could, and can
to this day, holler louder than any
man in Texas, and, on account Of his
melodious voice, is auctioneer for the
largest auction house in the State
yelled out: "Lord, boys, come here
I'll be dad snatched ii here amt the
old he bear, the old she bear, and all
the little cub bears" To say that, in q
moments time, the top OF that special
was a crowded mass of humanity
doesn't begin to express it. The great
wonder was that the top didn't cave in
and let the boys down in a struggling
heap upon the General and his family.
1t was too much for the General, and he
ordered his car detached, and Bill
Ochiltree was placed upon diet OF
bread and water for considerable pc.
Rod. The General did one good thing
anyway, for he caused Bill to grul
stumps and earn his rations by the
sweat Of his brow. Bill has tanned
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
the standard of women nbvv,.

the standard of women ubvx,o.,,
mentally, morally and spiritn s amally aa{
There are women who ta ll.aaily
work as they would take nm Up house
about IS much pleasure as one NJ Wit
expect to md IN being oppressed 9 Ild
very haru MASTER. their houses m,n{{
in good order, free from dust. Win may
lshed windows and spotless doo ,n pol
but their faces are indicative off'SS' we
struggles over the choice betwaono 1ts
frying pan and the new book. on .h The
tertalnlng lecture, and of a final az, en-
dination OF the best mental facu, ss;9oo1
the mechanical routine of hous,".1aes 70
Are such women adapted to houseemmo rs
There are other housekeepers' ,'i
through lack of management, o. fl VINO
Ignorance of the best ways, new .ousa
troll their housework but are CONT con
in its way; that is, they cannot 90, lily
of the kitchen. Their parloss oat
household deserts because thew ois a:s
have time to make use of thes,n. n \.
kitchens and pantries are in n cbs med
disorder because they don't knonu '0GaH|
to keep them in order. The v" now
practice system with their work rm lever
complish the first visible tasl ' u, &c
lamps are filled on Tuesday mo,n ae''l
forgotten on Wednesday, looked 81 ias,
thought of on Thursday, and =, an ana
again on Friday evening from nllleal
force of necessity. They ora b., saeet|
the time, but the kitchen dut G;ass all|
never fulfilled. Are sucb ars|
adapted for housekeeping? Tber u'4 ns
other housekeepers who are able 70 ~ Ass
their houses in perfect order and ah Ise p
find time for many of the liehts ,s :.
aesthetic employments which deiiab ul W. ~
minds of many women, vet thew conn aae
make bread that is fit TO be eofen na ~ y
what is more. they don't realize "a 'a 49,
plain desert that is palatable. Th tn, VI "a
not capable of plain cooking beca' uss
the faculty is not in their natnra " .st
they adapted to Housekeeping? -A's
There are other housekeepers wbo
veritable home-makers. Theirwork i; s'e .
slave, but.never master. Their kitcbanaa
equally with their parlors, are olw vows
in order, and yet every household lahaas
is subordinated to the duty of mai ll;, W
and keeping the pleasant, happy home
place in those families. This ideal
nousekeePer mas an opportunity for
the practice of every art which shall
bring enjoyment or helpto educate ths
family. She finds time for music, fos
pleasant and instructive conversation
for the profitable reading which deya
ops her mind and keeps her we'll in.
formed on all subjects of the dav
With all these mental employments. tbs
housework moves along with the calm
precision of clock work, but without tba
arbitrariness which characterizes ths
system of many housekeepers. Are not
such women adapted to home work
Yes, and by making their homes beaut.
full, by educating their children in thess
higher things, they elevate the STANDARD
of home life and hasten the perfect de-.
velopment of humanity
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
AGRICULTURAL TOPICS.
Some Practical and Instructive Sl5-
gestions for Our Rural
Readers.
Information Of Value to the Farmer,
Stock. Breeder, Housewife, and
Kitc!.en.Maid.
THE FARM.
Age to Break Horses.

young colt should not be worked
hard, but is all the better for handiin g
and light exercise at very early age.
Nc attempt at riding should be made
until the horse is three years old, but
almost anything else may be done with
much younger colt. The teachableness
of colts depends good deal on breed
ing. One thoroughbred through a long
line of trained ancestry is easily brought
under control if taken early enough.
But as a rule these high-lived animals
are more unmanagable than the slower
paced draft breeds if left unframed
until they are four Or five years old.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
Hints to Housekeepers.

REMOVE stains from cups and saucers
by securing with fine coal ashes.
CAsT-1EoN stoves and ironiware should
be heated gradually the first time they
are used.
BENT whalebones can be restored and
used again by simply soaking in water
few hours and then drying them.
SEVERE pains in. the bowels and
stomach are often speedily relieved by
the application of bag of hot salt.
A GOOD substitute for buttermilk in
cooking is a thin batter made of -four
and tepid water, and allowed to remain
long enough to sour.
NOT only should mattresses be turned
and aired at least three times week,
but pillows and holsters ought to be
beaten, shaken. and exposed to the
fresh air.
INK stains are entirely removed by the
lmmed late application of dry salt before
the ink has dried. When the salt be.
comes discolored by absorbing the ink,
brush it off and apply more; wet
slightly. Continue this till the ink is
all removed
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
Charlotte Russo.

Whip one quart Of rich cream to ;s ~.
froth, and drain we'll through s'ey V,
rewhipping the cream that drip. oass
one scant pint of milk add SIN md nd
beaten very light; make very s"ee. hot hot
flavor highly with vanilla; COOK Owe LAX
water till it is q very thick custard' , 1iv
one ounce of gelatine in very Wien ,'I
water, then warm oyerhot water. ~, +" Ihe
the custard is cold, beat III lgn'is The
gelatine and whipped cream. l1ln laoer
bottom of mold with butte1ed p'll aJy
the sides with sponge cake OF ,,hita
fingers fastened together with tne e,,@stnrd
OF an egg; pour in the art Jy
and put in cold place; to tt u, osI
the mold for moment in hos Ns''0''
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
Chicken Pie.

Boil your chickens until they are
tender, and season highly, line deep, pc
plates with rich pastry; take the WINE II
meat and a little of the dark Oft from Inc
bones, put into the pie plates, pour the a1
gravy over the chickens, add butter anu
little flour, cover loosely with a crust y:
and bake from half to three quarters o.
an ht,r1r
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
Observation-Disclosures,

Take three cups of the finest oatmeal
one tablespoonful of. white sugar ana
little salt. Wet it up with sweet cream
and let it sit in q cool place an hour o
two, then knead in fine -four enough t
make dough that can be rolled andcE'
Roll thin, cut out and bake il . moder
ate even about ten minutes.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
Sage Pudding.

Boil five tablespoonfuls of sage, well
picked and washed, in one quart of mix
till quite soft, with stick Of cinnamon;
Stir IN one teacup Of butter and two o.
white sugar; when cold add six eggs well
beaten and nutmeg to taste: Mix all well
together and bake i'll buttered dish
three-quarters Of an hour.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
Beef Broth,

Take leg of beef, break the bone ne, ~
several places, place it in pan WIZ +
gallon of water, remove the scum Is ~
rises, and add three blades OF mace
crust of bread, and q small plncu "
parsley; boil till the beef is tender; toa :"
some bread, cut it in diamonds, lay 80. #
the bottom of the tureen, put the ''e''
on it and pour the broth over 1t.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
Ice Cream Candy.

Two cupfuls of fine graduated susat :,
one-half cup Of water, and as soon as ~ II
begins to boil add one-fourth OF a l s:i,
spoon of cream Of tartar. Boil lll'
brittle when dropped into cold walJ 1i
just before taking off the stove a sar
butter half the size of an egg, and ha'o'
to suit your taste. Pull as hot as posi-
Bile without buttering the hands.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
THE KITCHEN.
Fried Salt Pork.

Cut as many slices as will be required
for breakfast the evening before, an
soak till morning in sweet milk an'
water. Then rinse tillthe water is cleal
and fry. For change it may be rolla,
in corn meal and then fried.
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
SHOT AND SHE'LL.
Old Veterans "reminiscences of
the War of the Re.
bellion.
Embracing Anecdotes Of Actual Expe.
ricnce and Colloquial Ac.
QUESTION.
The Last Roll Call.
18th maddoning sh,'ieks

And shot and shell with maddoning shrieks
flow by
And many souls, from mangcd bodies sundered,
SCARED upward to tho Masters camp on high.
Here here!" the dying soldier eager muttered,
And passing comrades knelt above his form
And asked him what he wish2d--if he had uttered
The call for help amid tho battles storm?
"Ah!" he replied, Il need no help from mortal
land DER his face smile angelic calne,;
"The roll is being culled ut heavens portal,
And l but answered when heard my NAME"
.--Roe.Ou JJirnLscrjnh
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10
Riding an Army Mule.

I'D you ever ride an
an army mule :?
writes Capt. l.. B.
Cutler, Company f..
Illinois,
in the National
Tribune. If not, I
would say that it is
elegant sport, and if
not too much intru-
sion on your valu-
ahla lima T will r,x,a
Wessington Springs herald. (Wessington Springs, Aurora County, Dakota [S.D.]) 1883-1891, 1888-08-10

down since those days, and is one of
Houston's very respected citizens, but
chickens roasted high during the war If
Bill Ochiltree was in the neiglborlood.