The Indiana State sentinel. [volume] (Indianapolis) 1868-1895, 1892-05-04

given to the rest of the ground. 1t dries
more quickly than it would have done if
worked down fine, and as soon after
rain as the soil will permit the roller and
harrow are used. These workings keen
the field clear of weeds, and let the corn
come up in fresh ground. There is much
In this method to commend, and the
writer sees nothing to condemn The
farmer using ii is well satisfied, and bis
yields OF corn bear evidence to the
thoroughness and skilfuIness of his farm
practice.
Custom versus Law.
Every state fixes by law the weight of a
bushel OF the various grains and vege-
tables. 1t is the common understanding
among farmers that such determination
of legal weights is final in all Gales when
nothing is said, but Wisconsin furnishes a
different view, as presented by court of
justice. A farmer sold 1000 bushels of
barley and when the dealer took fifty
pounds for bushel the seller went to law
to compel a settlement at forty-eight
pounds which is the legal weight, but the
court decided that fifty pounds made
bushel within the meaning of the contract
because 1t is the custom to take that
amount.
There Is an unpleasant suggestion in
this decision that dealers may by custom
override law, and there is some hearty de-
nunclatlon OF such an existing state of
affairs: but, in TACT, il is hard to see where
In any particular INJUSTICE is done any
one. Buyers pay only what competition
compels them to pay, and very naturally a
bushel OF fifty pounds will command bet
ter price than one of forty-eight pounds. IL
the dealer thought a seller could and
would rule him down to forty eight pounds
when custom demanded fifty pounds for a
bushel OF barley or other grains, then
would he offer less per bushel2
The direct harm consists in the possible
influence upon outside buyers that quo
tatlons for extra bushels may have. Very
naturally they may appear too high to
tempt other bidders who do not know that
fifty pounds are being delivered instead OF
forty-eight. Indirectly. however, the
harm Is found In the disregard and prac-
teal repeal OF law by dealers. 1t would
be better TO make sure of the equity of the
law and then secure its enforcement.
Does the Garden Pay?
II one may Judge from the usual ap-
pearance oil farm gardens, it is fair to
assume that garden crops do not give as
good returns for labor performed as do
field crops. We are naturally inclined to
give our first attention to the best paving
crops. Every farm has its cash crops, So
called in distinction from those consumed
on the farm. The tendency is TO confound
the cash crop with the best paying crop.
This Is often q mistake. In this way some
learn TO thiuk that labor and manure put
upon the garden is half wasted and they
are too often begrudged to that part of the
farm.
What are the facts? The cheapness of
country living is chiefly due TO the album
dance of farm supplies thus saving gro
Gerry bills. The garden can furnish more
than half the table supplies throughout
the year. The amount of food that half
titled garden can supply is matter of sur
prise. Pork is the popular meat on the
farm, and Is a strong meat for workers,
but its effects on our health would be in
furious were it not for the amount OF veg
etables we eat. The family health re-
quires an abundance OF vegetables and
fruits when we make pork nearly our sole
meat.
The garden always requires more labor
than any other equal area of the farm.
This being so, it always pays to have the
soil rich, in order that the labor may give
big returns. Ii your garden is not very
fertile, it is best TO pillow under good coat
OF well-rotted manure, and then top-dress-
ing will answer for the future. 1t should
DO the dryest land on the farm, and then
it will get the first half days work after
rains ali summer while waiting on other
ground. A good garden is q paying in
vestment.