davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
Lamp ExplOnions.

The Lancet has deemed the subject
of lamp explosions of sufficient i'm
portance to deserve the attention OF
the authorities, and there are some
hints as to the kind and care of lamps
that are worthy of attention. At the
same time. 1t is remarkable fact that
while lamp accidents are frequent,
there are comparatively few fatalities
resulting therefrom. 1t is also stated
that the quality of the lamps is very
much inferior to the quality of the oil.
Indeed, 1t seems to matter but little
what the lamp Is or how imperfectly it
is constructed. 1t Is a lamp, and If it
is cheap one, every other considera-
ton is lost sight Of. Lamps may be
bought for 25 cents, and are taken into
the houses OF the purchasers and filled
and lighted with no concern whatever
as to their safety, If. indeed. that SUBJ
ject is ever thought of. 1t would be
an excellent idea If there could be
some official inspection of lamps, and,
il possible. an oversight OF the oil sup
piled to families. Were this done many
lives and much property might be
saved
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
Moiasses as Food for Stock.

As instructed by the principal, full
experiment was made with the Colonial
Sugar Refining Company's cattle mo-
lasses, says New South Wales Agricui-
tural Gazette. Two cows were selected
for the purpose, named "Snowdrop
and Stranger" respectively. Both
cows were confined to the COW yard
and shed, which prevented them get
ting any other kind of food than that
fed to them. Before the test commenced
the weight and test of each cows milk
was separately and carefully taken.
"Snowdrop" gave an average yield OF
lo1a pounds, with a reading of So per
cent of butter fat; Stranger" gave 10
pounds of milk and test Of 20 per
cent Of butter fat. At first both cows
refused the food, but soon took it, and
after while showed a liking for It,.
They were given on an average 30
pounds Of chaff and 80 pounds of cattle
molasses per diem. and were fed on
this food for six weeks. At the end
greatly in condition and also in their
yield Of milk. Several tests were made
from time to time with the Babcock
milk tester, which showed an increase
in butter fat from the time Of COM
mencement with the food. After the
COWS were fed for three weeks the yield
and test were as follows:
"Snowdrop" gave 221s pounds Of milk
and 81 per cent of butter fat.
Stranger" gave 20 pounds of milk
and 81 per cent of butter fat.
After the expiration of the first three
weeks the percentage Of butter fat and
yield OF milk remained very nearly the
same to the end of the trial. "Stran-
ger was In very poor condition when
this experiment was commenced. and
she put on condition, while her milk
increased in richness up to a certain
point, which. clearly shows, that II a
herd OF cows are In low condition, on
poor food, giving low percentage or
butter fat, by feeding well on suitable
food the richness of the milk will in
ton Of the cow. beyond which the food
has no perceptible influence over the
richness Of the milk; and il the food
were changed to one which would
cause an increase in the quantity of the
milk. and at the same time keep up the
condition, 1t would be found that no
perceptible increase In the percentage
OF butter fat had taken place. We
have used variety of foods which bear
out this statement. The only way to
look for high percentage Of butter
fat is through the breeding and selec-
ton Of dairy stock.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
American Sheep In Great Britain.

In a report the secretary OF agricul-
ture says: American sheep during the
year 1896 have been landed in Liver
pool in greater numbers than during
any preceding year. They have con-
sisted largely of corn fattened muttons
and nine-tenths have been of superior
quality. The profitable market for
mutton In England has encouraged
sheep growing and fattening In many
OF the western states. Although prices
fuctuate considerably. being regulated
by the supply and prices of native Eng
fish mutton, there is, as a rule, only
difference Of about three cents per
pound between the best English and
the best United States mutton. This
against the American article, but be-
cause many of the sheep from the Unit
ed States have been rapidly fattened on
corn prior to shipment, show some
times so per cent of their added weight
to be tallow. while the flesh English
declare) is favored by the corn feed.
American yearlings and two-year-olds
command practically the same price as
English sheep Of the same age and
quality. and have sold during the pres
ent year at from IA cents to 16 cents
per pound. 1t was, however. the mis-
fortune Of American shippers. not
withstanding the increased vigilance
and rigor of the inspection Of animals
for export. to have landed during the
year 1886 a few lots of sheep in Liv-
erpool and London affected with scab.
1t Is quite possible that this disease
was generated by infected ships upon
which diseased sheep had been sent
from Argentina and other countries,
and then. without proper disinfectlon.
had been put into the carrying trade
between the United States and Europe.
1t Is, however. believed mat II sheep
scab may be generated by those condi-
tions. The Glasgow market finds fault
with American sheep. and also Cana
dian, by declaring them too big and fat.
The Scotch want medium weights. and
for them will pay high prices Foreign
markets demand some other breed OF
sheep for mutton than the merino and
the crosses, and those looking to profit
able ventures in this line should secure
the best mutton breeds OF sheep. which,
when they are landed In as good con-
dtion as American cattle. will soon
have as high a reputation and bring as
remunerative figures.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
Indian Mich BufraIoes.

Jersey, Guernsey and Holstein breed
ers, as we'll as the Ayrshire, Brown
Swiss and Simmenthaler people, will
have to look to their laurels, for new
dairy light appears in the East, this
time in the form of the buffalo Of India.
The India buffalo. it will be under
stood, is the genuine article, and not
the American bison to which we are ac-
customed in this country. According to
the Sydney stock and Station Jour
nal" these animals, while not rival
ing other dairy breeds in milk produc-
ton, greatly surpass them in butter
making capacity and in the total solids
which the milk contains. The dairy
experts of India declare that their buff
falo is the best butter-producing ami
NAL in the world. BY actual expert
ment eleven pounds OF buffalo milk
were required to produce a pound of
butter, while seventeen pounds of COW
milk were necessary for the produc-
ton of the same amount. The buffalo
in an India test was in milk 459 days,
yielding $500 pounds of milk. Eng
lish bred cows were in milk All days,
yielding 5,024. An analysis of the milk
made at Poona, India. showed the Eng
lish cows milk to contain 81 per cent
of butter fat, against 7.9 for the bnf-
falo. The total solids were 1913 per
cent for the COW and 1895 for the buff
falo. II these analyses are correct
index to the normal production of the
India buffalo, the breed will be an ex-
cellent one for dairy crossing. and some
enterprising breeder in this country
should import few good ones and
see whether the average COW in this
country, which produces 125 pounds u
year. cannot be graded up.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
SOME DREAM SIGNS.

To dream of eating onions signifies
that you are to discover hidden treas
ure.
To dream of an oven means that your
family and yourself will soon be separ-
ated.
A dream about a funeral betokens
speedy marriage among your acQuaint-
ances.
To dream of picture cards indicates
that you will be married to a wealthy
person.
To dream that you are entangled in
briers means that you will shortly fall
in love.
To dream of flock of cranes means
that the house will be attacked by
burglars.
To dream that you have seen an ele-
plant means you will win prize In
lottery.
Snakes always indicate enemies. To
kill one means success over ones ad-
versaries.
To dream of finding pocketbook or
purse indicates unexpected success Of
some kind.
If you dream of crown the token Is
of political. social or ecclesiastical
preferment.
To dream of releasing birds from a
cage denotes success in future business
enterprises.
To dream of dancing means you will
shortly receive news from a long alb
sent friend.
Gathering flowers in dream means
success in the undertaking you are
engaged in.
To dream OF smooth, clear river Is
indicative of culture happiness and gen.
eral success.
Seeing fire in dream denotes
speedy quarrel with friend for very
trivial CAUSE.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
The Effect OF Alcohol on Children.

The Eject OF Alcohol on Children.
The idea that indulgence in alcoholic
beverages will check the growth OF
children Is one that has for many years
been received with favor by the unin-
formed masses Of people. But recently
the subject has received the attention
of medical scientists, with a view to
determine the effects of alcoholism up
on children at various stages OF their
growth. 1t Is found that wine, which Is
given by unwise parents in the hope
of strengthening their children, has
been the cause of many disorders and
unnatural lack Of development. One
child fourteen years of age had been
given wine from the time she was
twenty months old. When examined
she was about the size of a child Of
six years, was afflicted with dyspepsia,
cramps. nightmare. and bloating. Her
lower limbs were atr0phled and paretic
A number Of other cases are recorded,
all with like causes and effects. The
conclusion is that alcohol arrests de-
velopment, causes enlargement Of the
heart. liver and spleen, and so inter.
feres with the digestion and assimila-
ton that normal conditions are i'm
possible.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12

or butter per year, we must insist on
her returning us at least 800 pounds an
nually. Such an animal will take very
little. IL any more. feed, care or atten-
ton If she is properly developed than
the other. and leave a much more sat
isfactory balance to the credit side
OF her account and to her owner. This
is the kind of cows that farmers and
dairymen keep in the states mentioned,
and which alone will explain why they
are better satisfied with results.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
The Management of sunken Vessels.

A new invention for finding the loca
ton of sunken vessels is about TO be
adopted by some OF the steamship
lines. 1t consists of buoy attached
to long rope. which is placed loosely
in suitable receptacle on the vessels
deck. IL the ship sinks. the buoy
floats upon the surface, aud the rope
gradually uncoils as the cage contain
ing it descends. The theory is very
good one. but the possibility of en-
tangling the rope in the rigging of the
vessel and dragging the buoy down
with it is suggested by the fact that
when ship goes down there must 90
tremendous swirl and smashing about
of water, sufficient. at least. to make
the usefulness of n buoy and any or
binary rope attached to it very slim In
deed.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
Dairying in Kansas and Iowa.

H. nj. Brandt, president of the Kan
sas State Dairy association, in re-
port to the State Board of Agriculture,
says:
In May, 1896. had the pleasure Of
observing the conditions, advantages
and facilities, both favorable and un-
favorable, of the dairy industry of
Iowa, Minnesota and Southern Dakota,
through the courtesy and cooperation
of some Of the leading dairymen, who
only are able to impart such knowl-
edge. / learned with surprise the mu-
tual interest that is being taken by the
farmers and agriculturists In these
states; the attention they have evident
ly given the improvement OF their
dairy cows; the manner or FEEDING;
rearing of offspring. and in various
ways continually seeking to raise the
standard of their milch cows. The sue
cess that has attended such efforts /
have noticed more prominently in Iowa
and Minnesota, and 1t is astonishing
to discover that there is a wide diff
ference in the quantity OF milk and
butter furnished by the Iowa and Kan
sas cow. am safe In saying that, gen.
orally speaking, Iowa's milch COW will
return between third and half more.
All of this has been brought about by
close study of the animal herself; the
adaptation of the different feeds, etc. /;
the giving of less attention on the part
OF the farmer to the price paid by the
creameries for the raw material and
more attention to the development and
care of the very machine that will raise
both the price and the quantity. The
COW will do more for the Kansas farm
er than any animal he can have, II
properly taken care Of. This can be
proven by a comparison Of the sections
in the state where dairying has and
has not been carried on extensively.
for several years, and where the results
are most noticeable. The conditions
for profitable dairying exist in Kansas
on every hand; while there are some
unfavorable, such as hot winds or ex-
IRENE heat, making IT difficult to main
tain pastures for month OF such a
matter during midsummer, yet plenty
of forage feed can be supplied in an
early spring crop to tide over all
such difficulties as these and satisfac-
tortiy keep up the flow OF milk. Iowa
has more than 800 creameries; has
them every Ave or six miles apart;
and all. or nearly so. during very good
business. States east and north Of us
are not realizing any more for their
product than Kansas factories, al
though feed, stock and land there are
much higher, yet they are extending
their business In portions of those
states continually and must be having
profitable business. The question
comes to us, Why not Kansas, with
aheir conditions similar for the cheap
-aising of feed crops, engage in and
roster an industry that promises such
good results? We must pay more at
aention to the care-keeping OF the COW
n we would obtain satisfactory re-
turns; instead Of trying to dairy with
one that returns but $50 TO 200 pounds
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12

and develops into bunch Of brilliant
red berries. The stalk supports a
single leaf. The plant grows wild and
is in this state the most valuable, be-
ing extremely rare, probably because
1t is so eagerly sought after. Indeed,
it is worth more than its weight in
gold. The cultivated plant Is less cost
ly, but is the one indispensable drug
OF the regions where it grows. The
fields are very carefully guarded,
watchmen being stationed on high
perehes and kept on duty day and
night, lest thieves break through and
steal the precious vegetable. 1t takes
six years for the plants to- reach their
full maturity, then the roots are used
incidentally ard are considered a pana-
cea for all the ills OF life. 1t is said
that scarcely dose Is prepared IN
these countries in which ginseng does
not appear in one form or other. The
preparation of this decoction is a GU
rious process. 1t is cooked in dish
resembling our farina kettle, being a
double boiler with hollow cover. The
root Is placed inside of the pot. The
hollow cover Is filed with rice. and the
whole Is baked over brisk fire.
When the rice Is done the ginseng tea
or drink Is supposed to be sufficiently
cooked and is drank with the utmost
faith in Its efficacy.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
A Tag and Bag-Striug Holder.

The accompanying cut shows an easy
way to add a convenience to the
grainhouse. A piece Of iron rod is bent
into the shape suggested, with couple
OF holes drilled through it near the
center, by which it can be secured &c
the wall. The lower portion then be,
comes bag holder. and the upper
portion holder OF bag strings. These
articles can then be kept together, and
both in readiness for use whenever
needed. "A place for everything. and
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
n Grindstone Device.

A correspondent of the Rural New
Yorker has devised contrivance for
turning a grindstcne. by means Of
which one can both turn and grind at
the same time with comparative ease.
The inventor gives the following in
structions for constructing the device
which is shown in the accompanying
cut
Take the small sprocket wheels and
chain from an old worn binder or other
farm machinery, and gear it two to one
that is, the lower or crank shaft wheel
must have twice as many cogs as the
one on the stone shaft. Use a stone
twenty or more inches in diameter, and
be sure to get good one. An AM
herst is better than Berea, for all
purposes. II geared higher than two
to one, II will run hard, and IL much
lower it will not turn fast enough. 1t
is the fast motion that cuts. One may
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
Dressing Poultry for Market.

A Chicago commission man gives
this advice: Keep from food for
twenty-four hours. XIII by bleeding
neck; hang by the feet until properly
bled: head and feet should be left on
and the intestines and crop should not
be drawn. For scalding poultry the
water should be as near the boiling
point as possible without actually
boiling; pick the legs dry before scald-
ing; hold by the head and legs and
immense and lift up and down three
times; if the head is immersed it turns
the color of the comb and gives the
eyes a shrunken appearance, which
leads buyers to think the fowl has
been sick. The feathers and pin
feathers should be removed imme-
diately, very cleanly and without
breaking the skin, then plump by
dipping ten seconds in water nearly
or quite boiling hot and then imme-
diately into cold water. Hang in a
cool place until the animal heat is en-
tirely out; it should be entirely cold,
but not frozen, before being packed.
Dry-picked chickens and turkeys sell
best, and we advise this way of dress
ing as they sell better to shippers;
scalded to the local trade. To dry
pick chickens and turkeys properly the
work should be done while the bird is
bleeding; do not wait and let the
bodies get cold. Dry-picking is more
easily done while the bodies are warm.
Be careful and do not break and tear
the skin. Pack in boxes or barrels
boxes holding 100 to 200 pounds are
preferable--and pack snugly; straight
en- out the body and legs so that they
will not arrive very much bent and
twisted OUT Of shape: fill the package
as full as possible to prevent shuffiing
about on the way. Mark kind and
weight and shipping directions neatly
and plainly on the cover. Barrels an
swer better for chickens and ducks
than for turkeys or geese. When con-
venient avoid putting more han one
kind in a package. Endeavor to mar
ket all old and heavy cocks before jan
nary 1st, as after the holidays the de-
mand is for small, round, fat hen
turkeys only, old toms being sold at
discount to Gamers"
A dispatch from Hannibal. Mo-,
states that Texas fever has broken out
among the cattle at lakewood, and a
number have died, while greater
number are now afflicted with the dis
ease. About Sept. 10 lot Of Texas
cattle were unloaded at the stock
wards, and soon afterwards the yards
were sold and abandoned. Since the
native cattle have been permitted to
Craze In the yards and travel over the
trail OF the Texas cattle they have con-
tracted the disease.
Jerseys Desirable Always.-It may
be a valid objection against the Jer-
seys that they do not give a sufficient
amount Of milk to suit the needs of the
dairyman who sells that article instead
of making butter, yet even he would
find it an advantage TO have an occas-
ional COW Of that breed, in order to
give color to the whole product.-Ex.
In 1890 the aggregate mortgage in-
debtedness Of Iowa farms was about
s1O1 100000. In 1895 the amount was
$13S, 100000
Do not require too much intelligence
of the COW. but treat her with consider
alton for her inferiority.
Attend the horticultural conventions
this winter
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
THE SUNDAY SCHOOL.
LESSON III, JAN. 1.-THE CON-
VERTS ACTS. 2: 32-47,
Golden Text: The Promise Is Unto You
and tn Your Children and to All That
Are Afar OF'-Acts 2: 39--A Multi.
tude of Christians Enrolled.

IME.-Same day. as
last lesson: Sunday.
May %, A. u. so, ac-
cording 10 the usual
computation. Place.
Same place as last
lesson: the neigh
borhood of the up
per room in Jerusa-
lem where the disci-
Piles met. Dread teft
from the Bible.)
What Does Baptism
Mean ?--l. 1t means.
on the side of the
na,1HiIatn lal Com
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12

Do not require too much intelligence
Of the COW. but treat her with consider
alton for her inferiority.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12
Protect the Nests.

Farmers are troubled a great deal
by hens roosting on the nest boxes
at night. Drive them of as you will,
they will be found the next time calm
ly seated on the edge of the boxes,
head outward. The best way we have
found to keep them from doing this In
an ordinary poultry house is to have
the nests all in one corner. and piece
of woven wire fencing put up to serve
as a door. Late in the afternoon this
door is closed over the nests and the
fowls are shut out. In little while
they get into the habit Of roosting In
the proper place, when the door may
be left open with impun.ty. In hang
ing this wire door We simply cut Off
a piece OF wire three or four feet
wide and six feet long. We staple this
onto to a side post and it will swing
back and forth with no trouble. 1t
costs but few cents, and the hanging
is but the work of few minutes. The
nest boxes are thus kept clean, as are
also the eggs. Try it, and you Will
save great deal of trouble with dirty
nests and eggs.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12

In 1890 the aggregate mortgage in-
debtedness Of Iowa farms was about
$1O1 900. 900. In 1895 the amount was
$13S,000, 900.
Decorah public opinion. (Decorah, Winneshiek County [Iowa]) 1895-1928, 1897-01-12

ply of eggs in winter, writes ~.
j. Shepherd in Nebraska Farmer.
The supplying OF dry, clean anu
comfortable quarters is another and
fully as important as anything else
Is the feeding. The hens must be well
fed II they lay we'll and this implies
not only liberal feeding, but the supply
ing of good variety. One Of the best
/ have ever tried, one that gave us
the most eggs, kept the fowls heaitny
and in good condition. was to give a
good feed OF whole corn just before the
fowls went on the roosts at night ana
give them all that they will eat up
clean. This Is one of the best grains
that can be given to maintain amman
heat. and the whole grains keep the
gizzard grinding for longer time ana
the fowls will not get as hungry
through the long nights. During the
day the scraps from the table with the
scraps from the kitchen, the potato
parings, cabbage leaves and things OF
this kind can all be thrown into
vessel or pot and with sufficient water
be kept cooking through the day. In
the morning,if the quantity is not con-
sidered sufficient. corn meal or wheat
bran and milk can be added to make
up good ration. Feed warm, not hot
giving them what they will eat up
clean. Being soft 1t will be easily d.
gested and will satisfy the appetite
quicker than whole grain. At noon give
whole wheat. oats. barley. sorghum
seed, Kafflr corn or buckwheat ANY
OF these will do, but change from one
to the other will be found beneficial.
1t Is not best to depend upon any one
entirely. Turnips, beets. carrots or
cabbage can be given to take the place
OF green food. Supply plenty of coarse
sand for grinding material. Supply
dust bath and supply pure, fresh water
daily. Have the nests as warm as they
can be made, and do not undertake to
keep too many hens, so that when they
are confined, as will be necessary dur
ing cold or stormy weather. they will
not be too crowded. Any one can Sc
cure eggs in winter II they will only
take the pains in good season to make
the necessary preparation and then to
properly care for the hens.