Crawford avalanche. (Grayling, Mich.) 1879-19??, 1896-12-10


day, at 10 q. M, but on account OF
the sparse attendance, the order of
exercises was changed for the fore
noon to an informal visit of our cit
liens with Professors Beal, Gunson,
Dean and Mumford of the Agricul-
tural College. and Mr.. e. A. Croman,
of Grass Lake, one OF the most sue
cessful farmers OF jackson County,
which may have been of more bene-
fit In the Interchange Of ideas, than
mere formal lectures.
In the afternoon, the meeting was
opened with seventeen farmers pres
ent, which number was increased to
twenty-six during the afternoon.
After preliminary remarks by Prof.
Beal, Mr.. Croman gave an address on
Butter making in small dairies.
His teaching was highly practical.
aud directed entirely in the interest
Of the ordinary farm dairy, instead
OF the large creamery work. He dep
recated the practice, as usually fol-
lowed, of selling butter to the stores.
He would sooner make only what
was wanted for family use, and let
the calves have the balance of the
milk, believing the veal would be Of
greater value but II butter should
be made for sale, knowledge OF how
to make it should be gained, then
the market must be found, and the
package and color must be made and
kept as Is demanded by the partic-
ular market, for after market Is
made any change in style or color or
even in brand of salt will have an
effect on sales.
After free discussion OF the mat
ter pertaining to dairy work, the
time was occupied by Prof. Beal on
"Clovers and Grasses for Northern
Michigan. He recommends espe-
cially the Clovers, Tall Meadow Dat
Grass, Orchard Grass, June Grass,
Fowl Meadow, Blue Joint and Red
Top, with the Fescues, part for moist
and others for dry lands. and an ad-
journment was had for the evening
session.
EVENING SESSION.
While the assembly were gathering
questions OF interest were asked and
answered on subjects of especial in
terest to this locality, among which
the one of grass" was the most i'm
portant, and Prof. Beal furnished for
publication in the Avalanche his
idea of our needs, and the varieties
suited to onr soil aud conditions, 80
that our readers will have the opin-
ion of this undoubted authority:
"What are the best grasses to form
a close sod?
TO make an even growth over the
ground grasses or clovers should
spread by root stalks. The best of
seeds are: June Grass, Quack Grass,
Red Top, White Clover. If there is
no objection to punches, mix with
the above Tall Oat Grass, Orchard
Grass, Sheep Fescue, Red Fescue,
Red Clover, Alsike Glover. II these
will not form close turf the land
lacks fertility, or moisture at certain
times. Then enrich the soil and the
intervening spaces will I'LL up.
w. BEAL.
Prof. Gunson, of the Agricultural
College, followed with a talk on the
Scare and Value of Flowers" He
presented the claim of this adjunct
to home in so forcible and pleasant
a manner that every one Of his hear
ers there resolved that their home
should be made more attractive and
happy by these additions. He gave
lists Of tender and hardy varieties of
Towering plants and methods of prop
agation, and urged all to give the
matter more study. and learn of their
habits of life.
Mr.. p. Ostrander gave a very in
STRUGGLING paper on the subject of
poultry. He showed the value of the
product, and the profit of poultry on
the farm, If intelligently handled,
giving facts and figures from his
own experiences that were indis-
putable. He urged pure stock Of what
ever strain selected, careful watch
ing and constant care, and then
guaranteed financial success.
Miss Matte Francis recited "The
Old Homestead" in manner very
pleasing to those in attendance, and
was warmly applauded.
Prof. II. w. Mumford closed the
evening session with the subject
"Why and How should the Farmer be
educated" He contrasted the social
condition Of farmers and towns
people, and from his argument the
farmers have the better of OF it. He
proved the necessity for the higher
education Of the farmer in order
to obtain success, and to be able to