The Somerset herald. [volume] (Somerset, Pa.) 1870-1936, 1899-06-07
FARM NEWS AND VIEWS.
Weeds aud Soil Moisture -ssasOnabIs
HINTS.


Hints.
A single weed may apparently do bat
little harm, bat every weed that oc-
capies space during periods Of dry
weather takes the moisture from large
surrounding surface. One who has
given the matter attention aud exper-
lmsnt estimates that one pound Of
weeds will remove 500 pounds of water
froln the soil during an ordinary
azoaght, aud thar 500 pounds Of weeds
psr acre are not an unusual sight on
some fields, the loss on each acre be-
ing 30 600 pounds Of moisture per
acre, and this loss may be greater Il
the weeds are well advanced in growth.
Ia addition to this deprivation Of the
soil Of its moisture, weeds draw on the
fertility and take from the crop the
food which IL so necessary for its ad-
vaneement and success. II Is work 10
keep down weeds, but the labor can be
materially reduced if the weeds are de-
stroyed when they are small, which
also lOosens the top soil and prevents
los Of moisture by evaporation. The
cultiyator is an implement that should
never be idle at this season.
Better butter can be made on the
farm than at the creamery II the same
care is given. The managers Of cream
cries secure the best assistants to Dc
had, and they aim to put good butter
on the market. The advantages pos
sessed by the farmer who makes dairy
butter is that he can feed his cowson
the best foods, use more care and work
with cleaner surroundings. A large
proportion of creamery butter is not
uniform, as the milk comes from many
sources, but dairy butter is Injured in
the churning and manipulation Of the
product by inexperienced persons.
Farm yard manure varies greatly, its
value depending upon ths kinds of
foods eaten by animals, aud also upon
the absorbent materials used in the
heap. One cord of manure should
weigh about three tons, and should
contain about p pounds OF nitrogen,
l8 pounds phosphOrie acid and "a
pounds potash. one ton is about a
two-horse load. A load Of one ton is
valued at about s..
Dogs are not always at fault when
they kill sheep. Not one dog in ten IS
fed, and is consequently compelled 20
pick up It's food wherever il can be pro-
cured. 1t is at night that such dogs
prowl over neighbOrhOod seeking
food and attack sheep from necessity.
When the dog discovers source Of
supply it will avail itselfof the priv
ilege. II dogs were given regular meals
at home they would be less inclined to
forage Tor food
AT this season OF the year it is expen-
sive to be behind with the work, as
double the labor viii be required to
catch up. \ weed that is lefl for a day
or two may be large when its destrne-
tion is sought. Plan out the work in
advance, be systematic and aim 10
carry out the plans. II is better to be
ahead with all farm operations, 80 as
10 be ready TO perform service in any
direction where work is most desirable
Onee the soil is made clean it is easier
10 keep it 50 than to give weeds
chance to grow.
AS a preeaution against a apostolic
short hay crop SOW plot Of corn for
fodder, and also do not overlook millet,
the great summer hay crop, which
grows rapidly, gives large yield, and
is grown with as little labor as any
other hay crop. Hungarian grass IS
also another excellent crop, which may
be seeded down now. II may be cut
several times during the season and
grows 50 rapidly as TO completely Kill
all the weeds on the land on which il
is grown.
Now that strawberries are falling in
price il is loss Of time Is well as ex-
pensive to pick and ship the small and
inferior berries. Compel the pickers to
pick only the best aud leave those that
are undesirable, aud the expense Of
shipments will be reduced and better
prices obtained. The market is never
overstocked with the choicest, and
there is always q ready sale FOR the best
at good prices.
As soon as the early eabbages are well
established hoe around each plant and
cultivate between the rows. The tirst
hoeing will be found to be more bene-
fetal than any after cultivation It
lets in the warmth, holds the moisture
in the soil, destroys young weeds, and
gives the plants good start.
Two cultivated crops on piece OF
land is the cheapest mode Of cleaning
the soil Of weeds and grass. Corn and
potatoes must be cultivated, and where
two years cultivation is given such
crops the ground will be left in excel
lent condition for a sOwed crop, like
wheat. The cultivation, however,
must be thorough, for if enly partially
done the labor will be in vain.
String beans may be now planted,
and as they are very prolific only few
rows are necessary to supply a family.
They can be had in succession until
fall by planting at different periods.
After the early varieties are up plant
stringless kinds and pick the pods dali
ly, 50 as to prevent any from maturing.
The custom of feeding grain only to
poultry is one which is difiicalt to
alter. Grass IN summer is desirable for
young birds II a small plot is wired
or for flock of chicks that are able
to care for themselves it will be found
that they will pick of the grass so close
as to leave the ground bare in few
days. Grass is the cheapest food that
can be allowed in summer, and where
adult fowls and chicks have an unlimit-
ed range they will need no other food,
except light meal Of grain at night,
TO induce them to come to the farm
yard regularly.