Sacramento daily record-union. [volume] (Sacramento [Calif.]) 1875-1891, 1890-08-09

good supply of green feed, she succeeded
in getting them to lay well in winter, a
time when eggs command price that
makes poultry-keeping one of the most
profitable branches of farming.
SALT is A BLooD-PURIFIER.
Boussingault experimental with cattle,
and found that the addition of salt to their
fodder did not increase the flesh or milk,
but improved the outer appearance of the
animals. They looked more vigorous and
healthy and had smoother skin than
those fed on the same fodder without salt.
The latter were dull, inactive and sickly,
their hair ragged and in spots entirely
missing. Liebig considered these expert
ments "highly instructive" Those with
salt, he said, contrasted strikingly with
those which did not have it. Of the lat
ter, 'there was insuficiency of salt for the
purposes of secretion Said he; THE
outer skin is the mirror of the condition Of
the SYSTEM and of those fed salt he said:
''Their blood remained pure and proper for
all the objects of sustenance. They re-
ceived a powerful and under the condi
tions an indispensable means of resistance
against outside disturbances Of their
health. The bodies of the others could be
compared, in regard to sickness, only to a
light eombustible material to which only
spark was wanting to cause it to burst out
into consuming flames"
DISHONEST FACING.
1t is with shame thai we acknowledge
that scarcely box Of fruit of any kind or
size can lie bought in the San Francisco
retail markets which has not been "doc-
tored" up to look fine on top, while the
fruit beneath is of poor quality. Who is
responsible for this state of affairs Surely
not the consumer, who is constantly in
fear of being cheated when he purchases
even so small quantity as box of ber-
ries. If consumers were sure of getting
fruit all the way through like that which
is on the surface, the trade would be very
materially increased, and it is hoped that
growers will think twice before continuing
this pernicious practice. 1t works nothing
but ruin to the "goose that lays the golden
egg" We do not wish to be understood
as opposing facing" with average fruit,
but we denounce in unqualified terms the
practice of picking all the big fruit out
and placing it on top. The excuse that it
"sells better" does not in the eyes Of the
give license for the preparation
of a barefaced swindle.- California Fruit
Grower.
CARE OF THE STRAWBERRY BED.
Immediately after bearing the straw
berry bed requires attention. The mulch
should be removed, weeds pulled out and
a liberal dressing of manure applied. Ii
the plants are grown in hills all runners
have to be cut off. In the alternate row
system the growth of the runners is en-
couraged so as to fill all the bare space
When this is well covered the old rows
are spaded under. Old beds overrun with
grass are not worth the trouble of reno
waiting. Better plant new bed as soon as
well-rooted young plants can be obtained.
American Agricuiturist.
STRAWBERRY CROPS AND VEGETABLES
1t was stated at meeting in Boston
that the gardeners in Belmont and Airing
ton grow three crops in two years. They
set the strawberry plants in rows FIVE feet
apart, and sow early beets between. They
get a paying crop of early beets, and their
strawberry plants run over the ground
and become established the remainder of
the season. The next year they pick
heavy crop of the fruit. As soon as this
crop is gathered, they clear the ground
and set it to celery, which makes the
third crop in two years. This course
gives excellent growth to the strawberries,
which have rich soil, good culture and
plenty of room, are large and fine, and
bring high prices in market Country
Gentleman.
MEAT FOR EGGS.
This is an appropriate time for feeding
meat to laying hens, as the hens will lay
in summer when they Will lay at no other
time. They cannot always secure full
supply of insect food, and nothing will
stimulate them to renewed effort sooner
than a mess of lean meat three times
week. The increased number of eggs will
more than pay for the meat.
LIME ON THE FLOORS.
Lime will detract from the value of the
droppings but it is the best preventive of
roup and gapes known. Where line is
freely scattered over every portion of the
poultry-house, and over the yards, there
will be fewer diseases, while lice do not
fancy its presence, and get away from il as
fast as possible.
TURPENTINE FOR RoUP.
Spirits of turpentine has been used as a
remedy for roup with excellent results.
1t is given in half teaspoonfull doses, once
a day, mixed with sweet oil or cotton
seed oil, in the proportion of one part tur-
pentine to two of the latter. 1t is also
excellent when used as an ointment for
swelied heads or eyes, and is one of the
best remedies for gapes, few drops only
being necessary for chicks. 1t will also
prevent lice if freely used on the roosts
and over the floor and walls of the poultry
house.
TOBACCO DUST IN NEST BONES.
The refuse tobacco sweepings from cigar
or tobacco factories is an excellent article
to use in the nests. The setting hens,
which are compelled to remain on the
nests for three weeks, provide inviting
places for the breeding of lice, but by the
free use of refuse tobacco, this may be pre-
vented A decoction of tobacco is also
excellent for use in sprinkling over the
interior of the poultry-house, and thor
ough busting with very hne tobacco dust
is nearly equal to insect powder in effect.
DUCKS AND GREEN FOOD.
The duck is thickly covered with soft
feathers, and feels the effect of warm
weather more than chickens. They will
not thrive if they have no shade, and
when very warm are easily affected with
cramps if they drink too much cold water,
which kills them in a short time Nor
should ducks have much grain at this sea-
son. Plenty of green food is better, and
as the duck is not dainty, it viii eat all
kinds of grass and nearly all kinds of
weeds. Bran and potatoes should be used
in place Of feed of ground grain.
sUNFLowER SEEDS.
Save your sunfower seeds for your early
uloulting hens, as they are the best food
you can provide them. Sunfower seeds
will not be eaten readily by some kinds of
g.. h,,f Nv 1nrr.,rx