The Colfax chronicle. [volume] (Colfax, Grant Parish, La.) 1877-1981, 1894-12-15
FARMER AND PLANTER
LEAKS ON THE FARM.

dow Many of the small Profits of the
Farm Are Allowed to Escape.
II we stop to give a moments con-
sideration to the manner of conducting
the average farm, we Mt once detect
numerous small leaks from which, in
poor season, or under low prices of
farm products, the profits are sure to
go. 1t is the duty of the farmer who
would hold his own under adverse cir
cumstances to take especial pains to
search out these leaks, and, If possible,
stop the loss of profits, and by this
means secure a balance on the right
side of his account books. Through
out the year, but especially during the
summer months, there are many side
products, which, if properly managed,
may be made to serve useful purpose
instead OF Becoming. as they frequent
~ do, a Source of irritation.
FALLEN FRUIT.
Among the small leaks may be men,
toned the falling fruit in the orchards.
This fruit ought to be disposed of in
some way, if for no other purpose than
to get rid of some of the insects which
prey upon our orchards. 1t is frequent
ly an easy matter to give few hogs or
sheep the run of the orchard; but where
this can not be adopted the fallen fruit
should be gathered and fed to the hogs.
In this way they may be made to serve
a useful purpose, for the porlxers enjoy
a meal of fruit as well as we do. But
so soon as the apples begin to ripen it
is better to gather and evaporate such
as are fitted for that purpose, and the
remainder worked up for cider, and
then into apple butter or vinegar, both
OF which products will command good
prices during another year at least.
For this purpose a small hand-press
rs quite valuable, as the hydraulic
presses are not likely to run, and be-
sides saving trip of some miles to
reach such a press, the apples may be
worked up more frequently and thus a
large per cent. utilized. These hand
presses do not cost much, and will last
lifetime If cared for properly. Ihave
one that has been in use thirty years,
and is almost as good as new, having
always been under roof. Its cost was
thirty-five dollars, but the same kind
could probably be purchased to-day for
twenty-or twenty-five dollars. About
one hundred bushels may be worked
mp on it in day, and my neighbors APP
preciate it about as much as we do, and
bring their apples, grinding and press
ing, leaving us the pomace, which are
thrown to the hogs, and usually gal
Ion or two of cider.
STRAW.
Another item at this season is to
save everything that can be converted
into feed or manure. In travelling
over the country one sees too many
:half-rotted straw-stacks, too many
manure-heaps undrawn, and various
kinds of food going to waste. 1t is
still the custom, regretted though the
fact may be, to burn the straw in some
localities. Though the straw itself
does not contain a great deal of fertili-
ty, yet If used for bedding in the sta
bles and feeding-yards, where it acts
not only as an absorbent, but as the
foundation for the accommodating ami
anal manures, it becomes a valuable
product of the farm. In addition to its
manurial value when thus used, so
long as it is bright and clean animals
relish a small portion in their daily
rations, if obtainable, and the oats
straw should always be placed in
barns, or in the bottom of the ricls, to
be utilized in this way. Then, too, the
mulching value of straw must not be
underestimate, and should be used to
afar greater extent than has yet been
done.
CORN FODDER.
Corn fodder is another product too
little valued, and in many places after
the corn is shucked the stalks are
broken down, raked together and
burned. have frequently seen shock
fodder burned in the field. 1t is true
the ash is of value to the soil, but its
feeding value and some of the elements
are lost; it is feed for milk COWS, corn
fodder is greatly ,underestimated.. Il
would rather have nice, bright corn
fodder than the choicest clover hay.
And horses do well on fodder alone
when not at work. 1t is Objectionable
when fed in stables because of the in
convenience of handling the manure,
but if cut up in cutting-box this OBJ
lection is removed.
These and many more leaks are
Noticeable on many farms. 1t is our
duty to study them out and avail our
selves of all that we possess. 1t is only
by such means that success is won.-
John L. Shaver.