davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
FARMING IN FLORIDA.

To the Northern farmer who must
confine his active planting operations
to about five months in the year, this
all the year round of planting opera
tions as carried on by the Florida
farmer may be surprising.
In December he can plow fer all the
early spring cropping wants.
In January he can mark out and
plant corn, potatoes, etc.
In February cane, melons, squashes,
etc.
In March tobacco, tomatoes, beans,
miIlet.
In April cowpeas, sweet potatoes
wines or slips), corn for late crop, or
fodder.
In May dig Irish potatoes, plant
sweet potatoes if seasonable weather
comes, SOW millet. cowpeaR, etc, cut
and cure crimson clover, cultivate all
spring crops, gather spring vegetables,
such es -squashes, cucumbers and
onions.
In June fini, b planting sweet potato
cuttings, finish sowing miliet GDd COW
peas, gather roasting ears, corn fodder
and melons.
In July gather hay, millet, cowpeae,
corn fodder, and plow for fall planting
In August finish hay crop, gather in
corn, coWpeas, and SOW eeeds under
shade for fall crop; begin latter part of
month to plant for fall gardening.
In September plow and plant and
SOW for fall and winter crops, cultivate
where large enough so to do; hauling
manure or compost materials whenever
little opportunity admits of so doing
and this can be done all through the
year.
In October he may plow and SOW rye
or oats, turnips or peas (English),
clover (crimson), or rye grass.
In Novemb Der, he can dig and bank
his sweet potatoes, cut and grind his
sugar cane, making his sugar and
syrup.
This gives eleven months in which
planting operations may be carried on
to sdvau tage in most of which har-
vesting is also possible. Wester n
; Rural.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
EXHAUSTED FERTILITY.

The following conclusions by one of
our experiment stations apply every
where: The continued cropping of
soils to grain crops only without any
system of rotation, or other treatment,
is telling severely upon the original
stock of half decomposed animal and
vegetable matters, and nitrogen. Soils
which have produced grain crops, ex
clusively, for ten or fifteen years, con-
tain from third to half less humus
and nitrogen than adj oining soils that
have never been plowed Soils which
have been cropped until the organic
matters and humus have been mate
rally decreased, retain less water and
dry out more easily than when there is
a larger amount of organic matter pres,
ent in the soil. Soils which are rich in
humus contain a larger amount OF
phosphetes associated with them in
available forms than the soils that are
poor in humus. Soils which are rich
in humus and organic matters produce
q l6I bLuOuuG VI CbEOOu uAOAlO6 G4EbJ
acts as a solvent upon the soil PARTICLES
and aids the roots in procuring food.
One-half of sandy knoll, heavily ma
nured with wellrotted manure, con.
tained nearly a quarter more water
during six weeks drought than the
other half that received no manure
The supply of organic matter in the
soil must be kept up because it takes
such an important part, indirectly, in
keeping up the fertility of the soil. A
good system of rotation, including sod
crops, and we'll prepared farm manures
will do this, and will avoid the intro
duction and use of commercial fertili-
zers which are now costing the farm
ers of the United States over thirty Eve
million dollars annually.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08

DAVIS SNAP SHOTS.

If there is an open top drinking foun-
tain for fowls on the market-one that
can be cleaned inside, I have not seen
it. Such fountain, if cheap, would
have large sale.
Give no water to your chicks until
two weeks old" writes some chump in
a plate matter chicken article. Won.
der if he withholds milk from his
babies until two weeks old7
'Moulting time will soon be over;
then look out for eggs," writes an en-
thusiastic amateur. Yes, good idea to
look about for eggs. But first look out
for lice and mites Where they are
numerous you will look out for eggs in
vain.
A score of more Of poultry writer's
exclaim as with one voice: Nov is
the time to whiteWash!" So 'tis. Bet
ter commence at the attic and work
down to the basement. Nothing like
putting things in shape for winterI-
The Fanciers' Review.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
HOW THE GROUND BRRATHRs.

French experimenters have lately
brought out interesting facts about the
circulation of air in the soil. Itappears
that considerable oxygen is absorbed
by the roots of plants, and the supply
of this oxygen is maintained by air
penetrating through the minute inter.
stices of the soil. When the ground is
covered with water, or when the mole
cules, or grains, of soil are dissolved in
water and packed into an immense
mass, then air cannot circulate below
the surface, and vegetation suffers
The experiments referred to show
that lime or salt in the soil soIidify the
earthly molecules and prevent their be
ing dissolved and packed by the action
of water; hence the Importance of lime
in keeping the ground open and perme-
able for the circulation of both air and
rain water.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
THE DAIRY.
IMPROVEMENT OF DAIRY HERD

In almost any herd of cattle may be
found two distinct types of COWS, says
r. 8. Kingman, one a beef type, and
you may know her by her close, com
pact form, thick shoulders and neck,
thick, meaty thigh, close, well. sprung
ribs, straight, smooth back, placed dis
position. This is a beef cow no matter
what her breeding may be. You might as
we'll try to make successful race horse
of Norman as to expect a good dairy
COW made up as described. For the
dairy avoid all COWS of this type The
butcher is looking for all such. Let
him have tt EN-. The other type is al
most exactly the opposite in conform
alton from the one above described
You will find her with thin, sharp
shoulders, thin neck and dropping a
little at the shoulders, with thin, Fl 1t
thighs, we'll apart, to make room for
for her udder, with broad, long hips,
with strong back and pelvic arch, an
gular shoulders and plenty of chest ca
pacity for lungs and digestion.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
HANDLING MILK.

Bulletin 81 of North Dakota station
treats of Bacteriology and Cleanliness
in handling milk. 1t explains that bac
terra are low order of plant, so small
that the naked eye cannot see them; 4;
that all organic dirt or filth contains
millions of these little plants, and that
in milk they increase with great ra
pidity. 1t is the eff, ct of the growth
of these plants that causes yeast to
rise, wine to ferment, milk to sour, etc.
etc. Some of these bactera are very
beneficial to the dairymap, as yeast is
to the cook. Each separate kind gives
to milk and butter a different favor,
and the most advanced dRirymen now
mix with each churning some cream
containing the kind of bacteria that
gives the best favor, just as the cook
mixes yeast with the pastry. On the
other hand, many of these bacteria are
disagreeable and even injurious. These
little plants have neither leaves nor
roots, and Fl f0ating dust is full of them.
Milk in the glands of the healthy cow
contains no bacteria; but if exposed to
the open air five hours it contains moro
than billion in each quart. Few of
these produce disease and care as to
cleanliness will exclude all harmful
bacteria. The COWS should be curried,
the stalls kept clean, the mixer must
wear clean clothes, wash his hands and
the cows udder, and all vessels must
be cleansed with scalding water. Di-
rect steaming and summing are bene
fetal. Never use soap, nor wooden
vessels. Tin vessels with small and
easily closed mouths are best. Cool the
milk as soon as possible, to so to go de.
grees. However, if bacteria Of con
typhoid or scarlet fever,
etc., are suspected, heat to
1856 degrees for fifteen minutes, before
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
AGRICULTURE.

The we'll will drain a considerable
area and so often becomes a cause or
disease. Watch the condition Of the
we'll water.
Germany is growing fond of Ameri
can apples, and there is some prospect
that a part of our surplus fruit may
fnd an export market in that country.
The shipment of American apples to
Europe this year up to October 295h is
I,O79 no barrels, an excess of 9O5 2O2
barrels over last year. The demand Is
growing for American appless.
Canada has a practical, sensible,
brainy farmer for the new Minister of
Agriculture. It is hoped that an equally
suitable man will be appointed for cur
next U. s. Secretary of Agriculture.
D3n't put eff looking over the ma
chinery to see il it needs repairs. II
you do you may be like the man who
was going to Gil creaking door every
day for forty years, and died without
doing it.
Balanced farming is a fad OF the
time. a balanced fertilizer for the
soil, a balanced ration for the cattle,
and even balanced food for the home
table, Any of these balances are more
easily obtained by the farmer than
balance at the bank.
A fruit grower advises that when it
is necessary to saw large limbs from
tree, two cuts should be made, the first
a foot or more above the permanent
one. This prevents tearing down, and
will allow smooth amputation to be
easily made; alsD, cut under a little
nrst, 80 that the bark won't tear down.
1t is rather discouraging to farmer
VINO has bought new COW for milk
and butter to find when he begins to
Iced her high that her feed goes to in
side fat rather than to milk and butter.
But 1t is always well to face unpleasant
facts, and make the best of them. If
some dealer has stuck you with that
kind of COW it is better 70 know it,
and keep on feeding until the COW is
ut for the butcher, than to reduce feed
and lose more, keeping the COW thin
In flesh by poor feeding, and thereby
losing money several years instead Of
one.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
WINTERING CELERY.

There is large percentage of celery
lost every year after storing. One is
apt to be too anxious; it is not good
policy to start covering celery too
early. A certain amount of frost will
do it no harm; in fact it will help to
harden up the plants. One important
thing must be guarded against
allow the celery to sweat after protect
ing. Such plants would be difficult to
keep after once they get too hot. 1t ls
q waste of time to try to keep celery
after it has started to decay. There
are different methods OF wintering cell
cry, but if anyone wants good favored,
tender stalks, winter the crop IN the
natural soil. OF course there is more
work attached to this method, although
it is not such job after all. Suppose
we put two or three rows together,
then with boards on the top to shed
the rain, the plants can be easily pro-
tected by leaves or salt hay. In storing
two or three rows together it is advls
able to have, say, one inch OF soil be-
tween the rows. When celery touches,
or, in other words, when the stalks are
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
ONE COOPERATIVE CREAMERY.

A western correspondent of HoRrd's
Dairyma gives in that paper an &C
count of the history and work of
creamery in his neighborhood. At first
it was private enterprise. The farm
ers of the vicinity agreed to patronize
q creamery if one should be started.
Two men erected cheap buildings, put
in machinery and hired buttermaker
who had been regularly instructed and
knew his business For five years the
owners operated the factory, the same
excellent buttermaker remaining with
them all the while He is still in charge
it may be said The farmers sold their
milk to the factory.
After five years, however, the farm
ers themselves bought out the two pro.
prIetors and turned the place into co
operative establishment. What they
are doing now may be seen from the
following summing up:
Number Of patrons, 425.
Estimated number of COWS employ,
ed, $500.
Pounds of butter made from Jan. 1,
1895, to July 1, 1896, six months, 362,
600.
Butter made in 1895, 513, 900 pounds.
During may and June of the present
summer the make has been 5000
pounds per day, and on several oc-
casions 900 pounds per day has been
made.
There was paid out during the month
of June for cream, wages and supplies
$12, ,932 "a
The payments to farmers for cream
for several years past have been about
800, 900 per year.
So much for local business of which
we are proud. 1t is safe to say that
the cream from over forty farm sep
arators comes to the creamery.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08

To destroy rats around the stable or
barn, cover the floor near their holes
with thin layer of moist caustic pot
potash. When the rats walk in this it
makes their feet sore. These they lick
with their tongues, which makes their
mouths sore, and the result is that
they not only shun this locality. but it
it seems to prevent others coming, SO
that the house and neighborhood is en-
tirely abandoned by them. Watch
that your dogs do not get in the pot
aah
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08

A great many people are prone to
forget the part that domesticated ami
mails have played in our civilization,
and to underestimate their value in the
resources of a powerful ard progressive
nation. The horse has been the true
friend Of man in the pastoral and agri-
cultural stages, has served him faith
fully in war, has administered to his
pleasure on the road, the track and in
the hunting field, and he will not dis
appear until civilization itself disap
pears.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
No. A

cooling. This is hot enough to kill the
bacteria without boiling the milk and
injuring its favor. Free zing does not
destroy bacteria; hence, never put ice
into milk unless it is known to be pure.
O1ly use pure water for cleaning pur-
poses. AS bacteria often lurk in the
point of cows teat, it is we'll to milk
the first stream upon the ground, as il
will cleanse the opening.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
A GOOD WORD FOR DUCKS.

Under favorable conditions the breed
ing of ducks is very profitable, says
writer in the Poultry Monthly, and
there are few farms or small country
places upon which few ducks cannot
be kept with both pleasure and profit.
OF course, these birds belong to the
classes of water fowl, and therefore it
is desirable to have a pond, spring,
brook, lake, or some small, clean body
of water in which the ducks may
bathe and freshen their plumage (which
SOON becomes sOiled and dirty, as we'll
as secure considerable food in the shape
of water plants, insects, worms, etc.
Wherever a duck plant is located
near an arm of the sea, the ducks secure
much food in the shape of fish, quahaugs,
CLAIMS, etc., at each ebb tide. But not.
withstanding the desirability of water
privileges, ducks will get along and do
very well with only enough water for
drinking purposes, and, indeed, thou
sands upon thousands of ducks that
have graced tables of hotels, epicures
and others never saw more water than
their drinking dishes held, from time
of Matching until death ended all.
That roast duck is fine eating cannot
be denied, and that duck eggs elarge
and very nutritious also cannot be
gainsaid. Hence a flock of dc an, or
less, of ducks will go quite distance
in keeping the family in the best Of
provision. Ole very important item
about the duck is that, when properly
cared for in a small flock, she will con-
tinue laying for three or four months
a fine, large egg, just as true as the
day comes around. The hen is satisfied
TO lay every other day, or even less,
but the duck carries on active business
every day.
1t is not good plan to pen ducks in
very large focks. Twenty five ducks
to a pen is plenty, and four lively
brakes about right for twenty five.
ducks. During the laying season keep
the ducks confined during the fore
noon, VIXEN the eggs will have been
about all dropped; then set them at
liberty during afternoon.
Ducks are great eaters, but luckily
not over particular. They seem to
crave bulky, filing food; go boil roots
for them, such as beets, carrots, onions,
potatoes and turnips. Mash these and
add a mixture of ground grain COM
posed Of bran, ground oats, cornmeal
and linseed meal. Mix the grain
something as follows: One peck Of
bran, one peck of oats, one peck OF
cOrumeal and two pecks Of linseed
meal. Do not forget oyster shells for
grit and to help form the egg shells, for
the making of which great deal OF
carbonate Of lime is needed.
The young ducklings are at first
quite tender and must be kept from
rains, water and all dampness. Feed
them milk with the regular foods, If
possible, and force rapid growth. AS
soon as they acquire regular feather
they are hardy and tough.
~@@S-S-~$~-
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
Agriculturist

It is doubtless true that it costs more
in these days to stock farm with
tools and implements than it did in
olden times, when prices of most farm
products were as high, if not higher,
than now. Yet, despite the cost, the
new implements do so much better
work that farmers find them a neces-
sity. All the more, therefore, they
should take good care of them when
bought. More tools rust by exposure
to wind and rains than are worn out
in actual use. The saving of money
by keeping implements housed is the
most profitable economy the farmer
can practice.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
FINISHING OFF BEEF CATTLE
FOR MARKET.

Perhaps on general principles twelve
to twenty four months is long enough
to keep bullock profitably. AS the
value of beef cattle Of the same quality
varies considerably during each year,
a well kept, f9shy, yearling steer or
heifer will yield a much larger amount
of money to the owner at that age,
than the same would months after
ward, with its increased growth. Hence
the advantage of keeping stock all the
time in condition, ready to take advan-
tage of these varying circumstances.
These cannot be done if we attempt to
follow the ancient custom of growing
before fattening and finishing our cat,
tie for the market. Rich and strong
grain need not necessarily be fed in
quantities that would be detrimental
to later growth, should we decide to
carry our cattle beyond the two-year
limit, and at the same time enough can
be fed to have them ready and desir
able to the slaughterer and perfectly
satisfactory TO the consumer. Whe1s
the market price and other circum-
stances demand longer feeding, careful
and judicious precautions in selecting
stock will insure q continued growth
and improvement, to repay all the food
and care we bestow, although we may
safely calculate that less gain, as a
rule, will come as a greater age is at
tained. But as an offset to this LOSE,
there is generally better demand and
advanced price for the more matureG
bullock, than there is for one of less
age and feeding.
The final effort in fattening for the
market need or ought not to occupy a
great lenth of time. II the bullock has
had such attention as to insure the
proper and steady development we are
seeking. and such condition of flesh has
been secured as to be in fair shape for
the butcher at any time, and an addi-
tional season of fattening is desired,
one hundred to one hundred and fifty
days is long enough. Give during this
time or as soon during this period as
we have brought our cattle safely to
the point, all the grain of any kind that
is available that they will consume,
and pasture or other similar feed with
the grain. The best plan in my expe-
rience, when fall feeding is to place the
grain in suitable position and allow
constant access to it. This plan, re-
quires less labor, and the food is then
p6rtaken at such times as the appetite
demands it, in such quantity as nature
indicates Minute details of any par
ticular method or fancy scheme of
feeding have purposely avoided, for
each breeder must supply them by in
telligent attention. Every animal dis
posed of in a thin f9shed condition is
at loss to the producer, while by we'll
managed work in increasing growth
and quality, it would insure profit.
Then there will be an evener distribu
tion of fat and greater improvement
in quality.-Wm. T. Taylor, an OHIO
feeder of long experience, in American
Agriculturist.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
rain water

An Illinois farmer has discovered
that seed corn soaked in coal oil rem
ders the growing corn proof against
the chinch bug. The seed for five acres
we're soaked in coal oil, and that for
forty acres was not. The chinch bugs
ate up the corn in the forty acre field,
but never touched that On the five
acres.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08

The best general system of farming,
says the Texas Farm and Ranch, is
that which consumes the products of
the soil on the farm where it is grown.
This means stock farming. No other
system has ever been permanently
prof able, and no other system ever
enriched q nation.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08

'Scribbs and Stubbs don't seem to be-
as intimate as they once were." mo;
scribbs angered stubbs by making fun
Of some Of his jokes. "-P Puck.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
Gag NATIONAL FARMERS ALL
ANCR AND INDUSTRIAL
UNION.

President Mann Page, Brapdon,
Va.
Vice Presidential. Q. Snavely, Leb-
anon, Pa.
Secretary -Treasurer-R. A. South
worth, Denver, Col.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
zoRTR CAROLINA FARMERS STATE ALL
AECE.

AECE.
President = DR.. Cyrus Thompson,
Richlands, I. Q.
Vice -President-Jno. Graham, Ridge
way, N. Q.
8ecretary-Treasurer-W.S 8. Barnes,
Hillsboro, n. O.
Lecturer T. B. Hoover, Elm City,
N. O.
steward-Dr. V. N. seawen, Villa
Chaplain P. H. Massey, Dur
Door -keeper-Geo. T. Lane, Green's
boro, N. Q.
Assistant Door keeper-Jas. E. Lyon,
Durham, n. q.
Sergeant-at- -Arms-A. D. z. Wallace,
RutherfordtOn, n. 9.
State Business Agent-T. lvey, Hills
boro, N. O.
Trustee Business Agency Fund-W.
a. Graham, Machpelah, N. Q.
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE OF THE North
CAROLINA FARMERS STATE ALLIANCE.
A. f. Hileman, Concord, N. c.; N.
Q. English, Trinity, n. G.; James Nd.
Mewborne, Kins on, n. g.
STATE ALLIANCE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.
John Brady, Gatesville, n. c.; DR..
J.F. Harrell, Whiteville, n. G.; Z. }.
Gambler. Acton. n. Q.
sarth Carolina Reform Press Association.
Officers L. Ramsey, President; !;
xnTfOg Butler, Vice PRESIDENT; ". S.
BGF7Ses, Secretary,
PAPERS.
sTesraagive Farmer, State Organ, Raleigh, ~. O.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08

Every farmer who burns wood even
partially for heating and cooking
should as early in the winter as possible
cut and pile enough wood to last a
whole year. This will save many com
plants durirg g the summer, and be
much easier done now than in warm
weather. Besides, dry wood burns
without the waste of the heat, always
lost in turning lis sap into. steam
When using green wood, chips and
small limbs will dry out more quickly
than will the body of the tree, especially
if the small limbs are split.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
EXECUTIVE BOARD.

A.. Loucks, Huron, s. D.; w. P.
Bricker, Cogan Station, Pa. J. +. Viii
let's, Kansas; W. L. Peeke, Ga.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08

stacked closely together, they are
liable to rot; but having the soil be
tween them will help to keep them
cooler. In severe weather, celery
stored thus is not so easily got at
as when stored in the cellar, but one
could get out enough one day to last
three or four. When celery is not
stored in the natural soil, il eats fluffy
and lacks the nutty favor that good
celery should have.-Western Plough
man.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08
JUDICIARY.

3. A. Southworth, Denver, Colo.
B. ". Beck, Alabama.
q. D. Davie, Kentucky.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-12-08

"The PrOgrea-
Sive Farmer Is O
good paper--faE
above the aver
age .and possibly
the best advertiS-
ing medium in N.
c." Printers Ink.