davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28
TOP DRESSING SMALL FRUITS.

l have experimental with fertilizer
for many years on all kinds of crops
and at all seasons of the year, but the
best paying application ever made of
it was as an early spring top dressing
for Strawberries, blackberries, dew
berries, raspberries, etc. 1t brings
large returns and brings them quickly.
For only two or three months expires
from the time the expense is incurred
till the fruit crop is gathered and sold.
would no more think of raising these
crops without liberal top dressing than
I would attempt to carry my stock
through the winter without food. 1t is
as unwise to starve one as the other.
Even where land has been we'll ma
nured the previous year, top dressing
not only pays, but is more essential,
or at least, more profitable than if the
soil was poor. For on good soil there
are strong, vigorous plants with vast
ramifcation of root growth. And every
atom of fertilizer matter is carried
down by the spring rains and is just in
the right place to be at once appro-
priated and used to the best advantage
When the heavy yield of small fruits
is considered, it is easy to see how
essential it is that they should be con-
sbantly and literally fed. There are
authentic instances of Strawberries,
under the highest system of culture
and manuring, having produced at the
rate of As, 900 quarts an acre. This is
a prodigious quantity of fruit-enough
to cover the land an inch or more deep.
OF course, it is only the most favorable
conditions tAat a yield of this magni-
tude can be expected. But that very
large yield, indeed, can be obtained by
any man of average intelligence, my
own experiences have fully demon
strated.
I have never attained As, 900 quarts
an acre. Only by one man and only in
one instance has this enormous limit
been reached. But have had them
yield at Che rate or over ~, OOO quarts
an acre. 1 had a whole field to average
about II, 900 quarts an acre. And even
this field had rain-galled places in
which the soil had been more or less
washed off. This result was attained
by liberal manuring at all times, but
above all by heavy top dressing with
highly soluble fertilizers rich in potash.
AS I have grown fruit for over twen-
ty years and have devoted eleven years
exclusively to experimenting with a
practical end in view always, I have
had three objects in view: To discover
and keep abreast of all that is best as
to varieties of fruit; to ascertain and
apply the most economical and effec-
tive modes of culture; and to find out
the system of manuring that would
pay the best.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28

1t is very common on some farms to
keep the grindstone out Of doors, shell
tered only by the foliage Of some tree
in summer, but in winter exposed to
all kinds of storms. These stones are
always more or less porous. If they
were not they would not make good
material to sharpen metal cutting tools
When a grindstone gets wet and the
moisture in it freezes, pieces of the
stone chip off and the stone wears away
unevenly, thus soon becoming of very
little value.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28
FARMING AS A BUSINESS.

1t is a remarkable fact, says the
Oregon Agriculturist, but none the less
true, that the successful farmers are
readers of agricultural literature of all
kinds. They make a study of their
business, and by keeping posted on
what others are doing in the farming
line, are always able to take advantage
ofimproved methods. There are many
farmers who honestly think that they
are not to blame because their COWS do
not yield more than $50 pounds of but
ter in a ear, and other crops in like
proportion. Because they work hard
they feel they have done their full duty,
and when they realize that they are
continually running behind, become
discouraged and say there is no money
in farming. True, and there never
will be for those farmers. In the COM
mercial world large percentage of the
business men fail, largely due to inca
pacity. It takes just as much, if not
more, ability to successfully run farm
as a commercial business. There was,
perhaps, time when it did not, but
that time has passed never to return.
In times of general depression the bust
ness of farming is no worse than any
other business. There is money in
farming for the brainy farmer, and
there always will be. There is profit
in fruit orchard that returns $50 to
800 per acre, but unless a man knows
how to care for his fruit trees so that
they will yield good, clean fruit, there
will be no money in it for him, and,
according to his experience, no money
in the business. A writer in an ex-
change says on the subject:
1.-The trouble is, not that farming is
going to the dogs, and that the country
has no more use for farmers, but largely
because they are also 80 obstinately
welded to old ideas and methods.
Business methods have been literally
revolutionized during the last sixty
years, and without complaint from
business men; but the average farmer
hates radical changes more than he
hates sin, and never would change
without the stimulus of something like
financial ruin or starvation.
''If the reason of low prices is hard
on farmers, it has it's phases of good,
1t forces him to think, and that to the
man 'sot in his ways, is the most dis
agreeable of all work. He hates think
ing, as applied to his business, and the
methods of his grandfather or great
grandfather would still be in vogue,
could he have his way"
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28

To SOW or not to SOW wheat was once
only question within the bounds of
the local grist mill, but it is now one in
which India and the Argentine Repub
Iic figures as prominently and certainly.
One year we experiment with wheat as
a feed for swine, and the next wonder
how we can afford to buy the seed.
Really, the greatest need of the Ameri
can farmer is more markets for his
crops, rather than more crops for mar
kat
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28
RAISING PORK FOR BACON.

This country is fast becoming nation
of bacon eaters, and demand for bacon
is very much greater now than it was
only few years ago. This demand
leads to we'll defined call for bacon
breeds of swine and those breeds which
can be depended on to produce meat
we'll streaked with lean have a pros
pect of becoming very popular. The
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28
No. SO

But to return to the subject that
started out with, top dressing small
fruits: Go over the field as soon after
January let as the weather will permit
and with hoes scrape out all weeds.
Big results must not be expected where
a dense mass of weeds is left to appro-
pirate the plant food and moisture at
the critical time, just when the fruit
needs plenty of both. If necessary run
a horse cultivator, or better still,
shallow running ''sTeep" between the
rows, remembering always that the
destruction of weeds and not the deep
stirrir 6 Of soil, is the object in view.
The deeper you go the more plant roots
you cut, the less nourishment the plant
will get, and the less fruit you will
gather.
The weeds all scraped out, I apply
broadcast over the dormant plants
(never SOW fertilizer on growing plants,
but around them), the following mix
ture of my own preparation. It pays
me better than any commercial fertii-
zer yet found.
Per acre: 300 lbs. kainit. or 200 lbs.
muriate of potash; 200 lbs. dissolved
bone, (bone dust is not soluble enough
for this purpose; and so to 100 lbs.
nitrate of soda.
Break all Jumps in these and work
in a dry place (the dirt floor of barn
is best) Uniform bed of these ingredi-
ents, on that the other and on top the
third ingredient, all in layers as near
uniform in thickness as possible. This
is to insure thoroughness in mixing.
Mix thoroughly with hoes; cutting
squarely down through the three strata
as you draw off each hoe full to stir
and mix it. In short, use all your care,
judgment and ingenuity to perfectly
intermingle the whole mass.
In sowing also take pains to distrib-
ute evenly over the rows or beds con-
tanning plants. Even the most careless
mixing and application of these chem
icals will pay, but as with all other
things, the better the job the bigger
the yield.
There is no danger in them even
when used in much larger quantities.
I have used more than twice the above
quantity.
When large quantities are used it is
best to apply it over the middle and all
and not confne it to the beds alone.
This mixture is rich in potash and
phosphoric acid, just what is needed
to make the finest fruit and plenty Of
it. 0. W. BLACKNALL.
Kittrell, N. @.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28

The mystery of nitrifcation is now
so we'll known that any farmer can
understand it. Plants live on nitrogen,
but apparently have no power to take
it either from the air or the soil. Here
the nitrogen bacteria get in their work.
These microbes, like atomatic sponges,
take in the nitrogen from the soil and
the air, and transform it into nitric
acid, in which form the plant can COZ
sumo it. A soil may be destitute of
nitrogen and need both that and the
microbes, or it may lack only the mi
crobes, in which case supply of them
renders the field Immediately fertile.
Stable manure has little nitrogen but
swarms with the germs of microbes.
Add to a field where clover seed won't
"catch," light dressing of soil from a
plot where clover thrives to perfection,
and a catch of clover seed is almost
sure to result.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28

Before you attempt to plant a crop,
subscribe for good paper that pub
fishes agricultural matter.
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28
zosTg CAROLINA FARMERS STATE ALLI-
= ANCE.

zORTg CAROLINA FARMERS STATE ALLAi-
= ANCE.
President - DR.. Cyrus Thompson,
Richlands, '. Q. NIL,
Vice -President-Jno Graham, Ridge
way, n. Q. Do
HllsOoro, II. Q. C,..-
Lecturer-J. 7. B. Hoover, Elm City,
steward-Dr. V. N. seawell, Villa
Ti Chiapiain-Rev. P. H. Massey Dur
DO Door -keeper-Geo. T. Lane, Green's
boro, n. @. rr.
Durham, N. 4.
Sergeant-at-Arms-A. d. K. Wauace'
Rutherfordton, n. 9.
State Business Agent-T. Ivey, Hills
Trustee Business Agency Fund-W.
A. Graham, Machpelah, n. =.
vxncr7TTvH COMMITTEE OF THE NORTH
CAROLINA FARMERS STATE ALLIANCE
AT. Hileman, Concord, n. G.; n.
G. English, Trinity, n. T.; James NJ
MeWborne, Kins on, N. q.
srATW ALLIANCE JUDICIARY COMMITTEE.
John Brady, Gatesvlle, n. o.; Dr.
J.F. Harrell, Whiteville, n. u; L. u
Gambler, Acton, N. Z.
7orth Carolina Reform Press Association.
OMcer-,J L. Ramsey, PrestdeHt;
ssGTiOa Butler, Vice President; w. ..
BGTTeS, Secretary,
PAPERS.
Progressive Farmer, State Organ, BSleigh' 3 =
The progressive farmer. [volume] (Winston, N.C.) 1886-1904, 1896-01-28
zzNATIoNAL FARMERS ALL
ANCR AND INDUSTRIAL
UNION.

President-J. F. Willetts, Topeka,
Kan.
Vice ce-President-H. Q. Snavely, Leb
anon, Pa. O-
can, Columbia, 8. Q.
EXECUTIVE BOARD.
HI. Loucks, Huron, s. D.; Mann
Page. Brandon, Virginia; |. e. Dean,
Honeoye Falls, New York; d. =. Dem l1
MING Secretary, Harrisburg, PennsyI-
vania; Marion Butler, Raleigh N u
JUDICIARY.
R A. Southworth, Denver, Colo.
Is. W. Beck, Alabama.
M. D. Davie, kentucky.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23
Three Dollars and Costs.

A little case Of law was settled before
Justice w. A. Keyes Monday. which,
judging from the crowd of men around
his office, had aroused more than usual
interest. Mr.. VIM. Fleming was charged
with shooting and manning hound be-
longing to Clark Snyder. By due pro-
cess before jury of six men Mr.. Flem-
ing was found guilty and fined as above,
the total amounting to S2191.
This case was heard before Justice
Gets January 18th, when a verdict of
'no cause for action" was given, as the
wrong man had been arrested, Fred
Fleming younger brother Of the real
fellow IN demand. Mr.. Fleming claimed
that SAID hound had unduly worried
and chewed a young pup belonging to
him and was also driving game out of
the country. These kind of cases would
be more cheaply settled by arbitration.
Dogs have lawful right to existence
after all
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23
King of Bells.

The greatest bell in America" is
what the ambitious citizens of Milwau-
kee are after just now to hang in their
new city hall The Council con-
tracted for a bell Of 10 tons to cost
$1,000 but a 1G9 ton bell is now proposed,
which will cost $4,000 and the citizens
are going to raise subscriptions to make
up the $4,000 which is necessary to add
to the fund voted by the Council. They
want to place the bell on exhibition at
the State Fair next fall, where it will
ring out the hours of the day to be
heard distance of Is miles. If
successful, and Milwaukee generally
has that kind of label on it's under
takings, this will be the largest ringer on
the western hemisphere. 1t is said
that a good bell, when struck, yields
one note, so that any person with an
ear for music can say what it is. We
suppose the bell under consideration
will be a sort of chime concern to strike
three notes and ring out as nearly as
possible the sounds milwaukee,"
The largest bell in the world now in
actual use is at Moscow and weighs %
tons.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23
Meeting of the Bureau of Immigration

GRAND RAPIDS, WIS, Jan. 10TH 1896.
Meeting of The members Of the
County Bureau of immigration and
General Industries was held at Grand
Rapids. Jan. 10Th pursuant to Il call of
the Secretary. Members all present.
Chairman G. H. Smith asked for secre
tary's report which consisted principally
of material gathered to be used for the
pamphlet intended for immediate
circulation. Suggestions and corrections
and general discussion of the material
furnished was INDUCED in and the
report finally adopted. On motion
made and seconded the secretary was
instructed to get out as soon as possible
5000 copies of the pamphlet in English,
5000 in German and 20U0 in Norwegian.
Copies to be furnished to county
papers for bids. All to be accompanied
with a map of Wood county of size
15x15 inches. A space on these
pamphlets will be left for personal
cards of persons desiring a number of
these pamphlets for distribution and
will be furnished at cost to purchasers.
No advertisement matter Of any real
estate firms will appear on any of the
pamphlets sent out by the Secretary.
In outlining some of the future work
tho secretary proposed to ask for a
space in each of the County papers to
L 0f
immigration column. At least once in
two weeks to have in these papers
statements from settlers in different
parts of the county relating to their
personal experience and matters in
regard to crops raised by them the past
year. That with regard to furnishing
the different persons the names and
addresses of applications for homes to
have list of Real estate and land firms
who deal in Wood county lands and
each week send to all a list of addresses
received during the week thus placing
all in possession of the valuable infor-
nation and all have chance to work.
But requiring of all obtaining such
addresses to notify the Bureau when
they succeed in selling to settler land
in this county whose address was
furnished by the Bureau. This will
enable the Bureau to make to the
County Board report showing the
actual results OF the Bureau and the
benefits derived directly from its work.
The matter of advertising in foreign
papers left to the Chairman and Secre-
tary. On motion the Chairman was
instructed to draw an order to be
countersigned by the County Clerk for
$500 payable to the Secretary to
defray incidental expenses. On
motion meeting adjourned.
T. A. TAYLOR, Secretary.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23
Prof. Swain'S Lecture.

Tuesday evening Prof. Swain lectured
to an interested audience in the city
hall using as his subject ''The Industrial
Problem-Socialism =" All seats were
well filled before the speaker COM
menced. Our present competitive
system and its defects, the evils of
socialism, and some of the valuable
results of socialistic agitation were the
principle themes discussed in the terse
talk and some nice suggestions were
thrown out. A pleasing discussion took
up the class hour and on account of
special enthusiasm shown in the subject
was run considerable over the regular
time.
The Prof. stated in our office Tuesday
forenoon that he was well pleased with
his audiences here and in fact would
not have considered the lectures d
failure had one-half the attendance
greeted him on the successive lecture
evenings. We were led to believe
from his statements that the twin cities
are doing much better than common in
their manifestations of interest in
current economic problems.
The lecture course is just half finished
and it is hoped that even larger num-
Der will hear the next three discourses.
Next lecture on Wednesday evening
Jan. 2Sth, "The Financial Problem
Taxation -
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23
Grand Rapids Pulp s. Paper co.

Held their annual meeting of stock
holders in the company office at Biron,
Thursday last when the following Off
GERS were elected:
President and ManageT--N. Johnson.
Vice President-G. s. Biron.
Secretary-C. F. Kellogg.
Treasurer-J. D. Witter.
DIrectors-F. P. HiXon, of Lacrosse !;
J. w. Cameron, of Milwaukee; J. d.
Witte1, \. Johnson, c. Z. Kellogg, q. S.
Biron, John DAILY.
On Monday afternoon at about $3.50
O'Clock four Of the eight big New Eng
land grinders and three wet machines
in the pulp rooms were started going
and the first product of the Biron in
dustry was turned out They continued
to run steadily all night and will make
pulp from now on, running night and
day 1t is expected soon to have two
more grinders in operation and daily
manufacture of fifteen to eighteen tons
of pulp. When the entire pulp depart
ment is completed and in full running
order twenty-five tons will be the daily
capacity. The first two car loads Of pulp
were shipped Wednesday TO South Cen
tralla. April or May are the months
in which it is hoped to put paper on
the market.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23
Four Miles To Biron.

To settle a little controversy, Harry
Rablin mounted a bicycle at the east
end Of the bridge Saturday and rode to
Biron and back. There was just snow
enough in the roads to make them
slippery. A cyclometer which had
been tested for its accuracy, was
attached to the wheel and when Harry
had returned to the bridge-place of
starting--the little instrument registered
exactly + miles each way. Time 81
minutes for miles, pretty good ride.
Mr.. c. Y. Minor, the insurance man of
Oshkosh, male the same ride Monday
and the cyclometer again registered t
miles each way. This establishes a
distance to the mill of the Grand
Rapids Pulp & Paper Co. Many
guesses have heretofore been made at
from % to 81 miles.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23

Subscribe for the REPORTER.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23
The Way 1t Used to Look.

Any old settlers, or others, who may
have in their possession early day
pictures Of tie river, rapids, our city
streets or pioneer buildings can do a
favor by leaving the same at the Wood
County National Bank, or at the
First National Bank, for inspection as
the Library committee contemplate
gathering collection of enlarged
pictures of the way "Grand Rapids
used to look" to be hung in the Public
Library. Undoubtedly many interest
ing scenes can be found for this purpose
if you will take the trouble to look
among your stored away photos. There
need be no hesitancy in loaning them
for inspection as they will be properly
cared for and returned in as good order
as when sent
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23

Good Ground Coffee I5c lb.
Best Mocha and Java
Roasted coffee soc lb
? bars good Soap SC
New Orlean molasses 25c gal
Finest table Syrup $50 gal
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23
THE EDITOR SOUTH.
A Few "Snap Shots" as he Goes
Along.

The editor, A. L. Fontaine, has taken
time to write us few hasty notes for
publication as he travels toward and
through the land of winter sunshine
and niggers. They are undoubtedly
compiled under disadvantages and in
the midst Of rush and pleasure, but we
publish them for those who may be
interested:
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23

Reeves has still over fifty little ones to
look after, the new rule of the board
not having excluded more than six or
seven. One of the amusing things in
regard to this rule was that one'little
fellow who was excluded from the first
primary on account of age proved him
self capable of entering the second
primary, and-''there you are"
One more word-and this is an item
you must not skip-what day have you
set apart to visit the school where the
future of your children is being made
or unmade? Every day you look care
fully after every business interest,
whether of stock, land or dry goods
and yet you never set foot from one
years end to the other inside the stone
building on the hill where your boys
and girls, dearer to you than bond or
bank, are toiling to prepare themselves
to take up the burdens you are accumu-
lating. If they are in charge of a good
teacher then you should show that
teacher that you have some interest in
the work to which she is giving her best
energies. If unskilled hands are mould
ing their character, then the RESPONSE
blllty is yours to see that they are
placed in capable hands. Now don't
put this down and say, CHATS so,
ought to visit the school and 1 guess l
WILL" but set apart day, or two differ
ent days, and visit school. Every
teacher on the corps will be willing to
welcome you at anv time.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23
1.-TWO Orphans. :"

The home talent production Of "Two
Orphans to be given for the benefit Of
the Catholic society is expected to be
placed upon the boards within about
three weeks. Those who will take part
are constantly meeting for rehersals
under the able direction of Mr.. Ellis
Kroner and we are informed that the
characters will all be very well taken.
Special costumes, new scenery and Il
few extra stage effects will be in use as
it is proposed to make this play one of
the best yet given by the amateurs Of
our city. "Two Orphans" at Opera
House within the next three weeks.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23

st. Augustine, where they remain day
and a night, then go to Jacksonville,
passing up through the center of the
state. Remain in Jacksonville two
days and Western contingent will
return home via the Florida Central &
Peninsula, through Tallahassee and
Pensacola to Mobile. At Mobile the
citizens have prepared an entertain
ment, after which the section that
started from st. Louis will return to
that city via the Mobile & Ohio.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23

To charge old line, big profit
prices on GROCERIES and
FLOUR for the past three
years.
Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1896-01-23

Some of our competitors will
tell you we are selling an in
ferior quality of goods-all we
can say in reply is this.