The National tribune., 1890-01-23
OUR RURAL TOPICS,
Some Practical Suggestions for Our
Agricultural Readers
BRONZE TURK EYE.

attaining greater size in less time and on less
feed than any other known breed They are
not only noted for their large size and early
maturity, but for their rich changeable bronze
color. Turkeys do not get their growth until
they are three years old, ut which age tho com
mon black turkey will weigh, gobblers Is to 20
pounds, and hons eight to 12 pounds while the
bronze, when six 10 eight months old, will
weigh, gobbers 10 to 25 pounds, and hens Ii
to IS pounds. At maturity gobblers will weigh
80 to 45 pounds, and hens from 16 to % pounds,
and greater weight than this has never been
attained.
In most sections Of the country turkeys are
very profitable, and double the weight can be
made with the bronze, with about the same feed
and trouble as with the small common turkey.
For instance, a neighbor of mine bought a
bronze gobbler to cross on his common hens, and
the result was, when he killed his half-breeds
for Christmas, they made an average of 18
pounds ready for the oven. II always pays TO
keep the best blood to breed FROM for blood will
tell in poultry ms well as in all other stock.
The bronze are number one layers, hardy,
make rapid growth, very docile, good foragers,
but naturally inclined to wander far from home
and are death to grasshoppers and insects
as late as August will mature so as to Winter
well in fact, turkeys, unlike chickens, grow
well in the coolest weather if well fed. In
this climate IL is best not to house them: for
all they consume during tho period of their
growth they make ample returns in weight,
costing scarcely any moro to raise than do
chickens and dacks.-D. STAPLES, Portland,
Mich.
HOW TO MAKE HoTBED.
An old window sash will answer for covering
the bed; but sash made on purpose without
crossbars, and tho glass lapel. IL the best.
Make frame of boards or planks, tho size of
the sash; or, If the sash is made on purpose,
let the frame be about four feet wide and say,
u feet long, with crossbars where the sashes
meet--the front board about 12 inches de and
the back 20, to give sufficient slope.
Select place for the bed, where IL will he
fully exposed TO tho sum- and sheltered from the
north aud west winds. Mark out the size of
the bed, allowing six eight inches on all
sides larger than tho frame. Then drive
stake ut each corner, rs high as you intend TO
build the bed Then take fresh stable manure
IN good state Of fermentation, and commence
building the bed by mixing the manure thor
oughly, aud putting on successive layers, beat
ing il down with the fork.
The hight OF the manure rec uisitc will de-
pond on the time ut which tho bed is formed
aud the purpose for which ID in intended. If
made in February or March, and intended for
cucumbers, etc, a good deal of heat will be re-
quired for two or three months, and about four
feet high Of manure will be necessary But
bed made in April, for the purpose of forwarding
early plants 10 be transplautcd into tho garden
will not require more than half that quantity.
When the b d is made adjust ths frame.
and put in six inches OF good fine earth. Put
on the sash aud let IL remain two or three
days for tho heat TO rise. when 1t will be ready
for sowing.
The articles usually sown in hotbeds arc cu-
cnmbers, radish. lettuce and cress for carly use;
and caulinowcr. broccoli cabbage, eggplant,
tomato, pepper, celery. etc.
II often happens that tho heat in the bed
will be too strong at iirst; in that case the sash
must bo raised at tho back, so as TO let the heat
aud steam escape mat or old cloth should
be placed over the opening to keep out the cold
wind. In sunny weather the sashes must DO
raised considerably, and. IL very warm. the
plants should be shaded during tho middle of
the day. An hour Of sunshine will often do
stroy whole bed OF plants II the sashes are
closed tight
In severe weather mats or straw should be
laid over the bed for protection. especially
during the night. Keep the bed moist by gentle
watcrings Tho water should stand several
hours la ono corner of the bed, so as to become
II little warm, before being used. AS the weather
becomes warmer, and the plants increase in
size, plenty OF air must bo admitted.
PAINT TIRE BEEHIVE.
All bce-hivcs should necessarily be painted
some way TO protect them from decay, mas
much az dwelling horses are painted for tho
preservation Of long duration aud service. /
am bee.kccper of ten years practical exper.
ience, aud have strictly observed all the need
iui requisites pertaining thereto, of the interior
fixtures most convenient for various purposes
OF scientific handling, and we are all aware OF
the fact that tho exterior of the hives need
finishing coating OF some glutenous matter
or else they will shortly break and shackle
down. In order TO gain tho confidence of the
reader, or all TO whom IL may concern, will
state that l am painter Of 10 years practice
and experience IN almost every branch of fancy,
ornamental and decorative arts aud from these
considerations IL would seem very reasonable
that l should know the most suitable, conve-
nIent, cheap and substantial mode of beehive
paint, OF which i have given il a satisfactory
test of seven years. standing effectually good.
The admix composition that | prepare for the
purpose u simple and impervious to water. and
the component parts are as follows: One third
part rosiu To two thirds becswax, little mite
OF talow may be added prOportionally 10 any
given amount desired. For the work of sur
faces you have 10 do little or much. Dissolve
the three ingredients together and apply ii
while warm. Occasionally the wood surface
should BIO kept moderately heated during the
process for best effects. The materials should
be rubbed on thoroughly with compact pad of
rags. Ono coat properly managed will do
II well saturated. Especially in the joints aud
parts that are most liable 10 shrink or admit Of
air and water this emulsion is truly prime,
serviceable, adhesive wood filler, and retains
hrm good body long time under all condi-
IONS aud clemcncy of weather. Much pains
ana care should be taken 10 spread evenly and
aud regularly over all the surface in "a skilful
manner as rapidly rs possible.-Rays Of Light.
NOTES.
A correspondent says he read tho recipe
Tor tanning COW hides, published recently in
this column, but would like To know how to
Tan buffalo hide with the hair Oh. VIII any
oil our readers answer this
- We have received Bulletin No. of the
Iowa Agricultural Experiment Station, pub
lished at Ames. IL is devoted to experiments
with corn, millets, sorghum, codling moth.
new eynipide, hog louise, and the college vine
yard IL IS sent TO any one applying for it.
- The December issue of Insect Life. pub
lished by the chronological Division of the
department OF Agriculture, has been received
1t is devoted TO that branch of agriculture
which its name implies, and is Invaluable to
all farmers, aud we advise all to send for it.
- Farm aud FireSide says they have always
felt well repaid for tho trouble of burning oys-
ter shells In the following manner: All rub
Dish that has accumulated during Fall and
Winter--yard rakings, tree trimmings, old bed
straw, chips, etc,-is piled up in the yard aud
fire started in the center. The oyster shells
that have accumulated during the Winter are
IA al N he. L...t L