Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1889-12-21

farmers, and shows that more eggs should
be produced, as we cannot supply enough
fJr home.
Mineral matter is never lost on the farm
unless sold in the shape OF crops or stock.
When material is consumed by ire there
is loss of volatile matter, but the min
erais remain TO be converted into some
other crop.
If the sheep are sheltered in shed at
night, and the shed inclosed with good
fence, the saving from loss by dogs and by
the protection afforded will pay the cost of
the Shed and fence if the flock is moder-
ately large one.
In making cider the best apples only
should be used. 1t is mistake to suppose
that the inferior unstable fruit should be
made into cider. The best cider is pro-
duced from assorted apples which are free
from the slightest signs of decay.
Opinions differ regarding the planting
of whole potatoes and cut seed, but it is
conceded that whole potatoes of the same
weight as the cut portions are better. The
cost of seed, when large whole potatoes
are used, is very great, and unless large
crop is secured there will be but little
profit
Above all fertilizers potash stands first
for fruits. Mixed fertilizers should be
used, but potash is more essential than
anything else. For that reason the wood
ashes should be carefully saved and ap-
piled in the orchard or on the soil occu-
pied by the small fruits. Its effect will
be noticeable for several successive seasons.
Level lands may be plowed at any sea-
son of the year, and are greatly benefited
when plowed and left unharrowed during
the late fall, or when the weather permits
in winter. Such lands should be well
underdrained. Fall or winter blowing is
sometimes injurious to hilly lands by al
lowing the rains to carry off fertility, as
the lighter portions are washed during ex-
cessively wet seasons.
Though the COWS may fall off in milk
at this season, due to loss of succulent food,
yet the quality of the milk may be im-
proved by liberal feeding, and larger
proportion of cream secured. The object
should be to promote the appetite, and to
endeavor, by allowing roots or ensilage TO
keep up the flow. A change of food will
cause a shrinkage in the milk, hence all
changes should be made gradually.
Each farmer should endeavor to expert
ment, as each farm is of different char
acter from the others. The soil varies in
all sections, and the direction of the hills,
the manner in which the farm is cult
waited, the kind of crops, quality of seed,
whether rolling or level, drainage and
other causes affect each farm. Expert
ments made in one section cannot be re-
lied upon as giving results applicable to
other sections.
To save manure properly means to save
both liquids and solids. When the liquids
are lost the most valuable constituents Of
fertility pass away with it. Nearly all
farmers are careful to save the solid por-
tions, but quite number take no interest
in the care of liquids. The use of some
kind of absorbent, and the frequent satura-
ton of the solids with the liquids will not
only prevent loss but also improve the con-
dition Of the solid portions.
If the poultry manure is added to the
stable manure every time the poultry house
is cleaned, and the whole kept under
cover, it will be better than keeping the
two kinds separate. The mixing of the
poultry manure with the stable manure
prevents the drying and hardening of the
former. When the poultry droppings be-
come dry and hard they dissolve very
slowly, due to the formation of silicates,
but when kept in moist condition they
are more available as plant food.
Cellar windows should be constructed so
as to admit of being tight and close in
very cold weather, and the same may be
said of the cellar doors. During the win
ter, however, there are few warm days
when the windows may be opened, which
admits air. If cellar is kept closed there
is liability of dampness, and if open the
frost will enter. If fire is made in a
stove in the cellar during severe cold
weather the draught will freshen the air
of the cellar, and also carry off the moist
ure. If disease is to be avoided, and the
cellar used for storage purposes, some at
tention must be given its condition.