davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01
Concentration OF Breeding.

Important as the head of the herd
Is to the highest development of its
members, 1t Is surprising to continual
ly hear of dairymen ignoring breed
and performance of q strain and select
ing the cheapest animal. says New
Zealand Dairyman. 1t is all the more
strange considering that, in buying a
bull. it is not SO much matter of put
ting money into an individual animal,
but 1t means the Improvement of the
whole future stock, and the improve
ment, of course, must be largely
gagged by the value of the animal
selected as the head. Selection and
culling of the cows is most important,
but the surest and speediest way Of
bringing up the herd is to have fine
ly bred bull from a proved milking
strain. AS dairy farmers in New Yea
land get cramped for room, concentra-
ton in everything else must neces-
sarily INSTRUMENTATION Of cult
walton, Of feeding and of breeding. BY
concentration Of breeding we mean
making one good, well bred-up COW do
the work of two scrubbers. When
prices get tighter, dairymen who are
slow to see this principle now will
have the fact forced upon them that
they can't afford to feed and care for
the scrub animal; 1t is the men who
have already learned this lesson who
are now happy and prosperous mem
bers Of the great dairying fraternity.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01
THE MEMORY OF FISH.
somatt-ss Keeps Thorn from Biting =

sOmof~~Ss noeps Ihem from biting =
Second Time.
Fisherman believe that a fish al
most caught first time does not easily
let itself be caught second time. that
that he even lets his companions know
his cruel experience. This Ia easily
accounted for by their memory and
NJ. Semon gives an incident charac-
teristic OF the subject which shows
that certain fish have their memory
seconded by particular gift of OBJ
servation. He had seen around a ship
in which he was sailing a number OF
those curious fish called echineis re-
mora, one OF the peculiarities of which
is that on the top of the head they
have a kind of hook, which permits
them to attach themselves to a vessel
or to the belly of fish larger than
themselves. NJ. Semon wished to pro-
cure some specimens and threw into
the water a hook baited with a piece
t.ken, but the others, having evidently
seen the capture allowed the line to
be thrown into the water many times
without even touching 1t. They re-
manned attached to the vessel, regard
ing with an Indifferent eye the most
succulent bits that could be offered
them. NJ. Semon renewed the expert
ment, and in no case could he capture
two remoras belonging to the same
band. These fish have evidently pow
ers of observation and a well-developed
memory.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01
HONORS ARE EVEN.
Two Maine Men Play Jokes on Each
other for Pastime.


Other for a Pastims.
In a certain city In the state Of
Maine, call it Lewiston, for example,
live two men that for years have been
playing practical jokes on each other.
but so far 1t has been a "stand-off"
between them. One of the men keeps
feed and grain store. the other Is the
towner of a trucking business, one
team Of which he drives himself On
a rainy day not very long ago the
grain man asked the truck man IL he
could tell him where he could find a
rent for friend of his that wanted to
move into the city from neighborinG
town. The truckman replied that be
could, and invited the grain man to get
into his team with him and he would
show him the rent. The truckman
drove slowly along the different streets
through the pouring rain, until at last
he drove up before the grain mans
store. We'll, where's the rent you
promised to show me?" said the grain
man, with considerable indignation.
why, there it is" said the truckman.
as he pointed to bag In the bottom
of the wagon, with a large hole in 1t,
here is the rent" Time went on, and
although the grain man was chaffed
considerably about rents, he took 1t
all goodnaturedly, and patiently bided
his time. About a month later, after
the joke had almost been forgotten,
the truckman was employed by the
grain man to go to the outskirts of the
city and get a trunk and bring 1t to
the store. 1t was long ride out to
the place, and the rain made 1t all the
more uncomfortable. Arriving at the
place, the trunk was put in the team,
and the truckman in due course arrived
at the store, only to be informed that
he was to take 1t to another place,
where the proprietor Of the grain store
would be found. Arriving at the last
named place, he asked the grain man
where he wanted the trunk put, and
was told to put 1t In the rent" he had
shown the grain man a short time be-
fore. Up to date honors are easy
Portland (Me.) Express.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01
Old or Young Sowk

A bulletin on hog raising in the
south says: The number OF litters
which sow should be allowed to have
before she is fattened for butchering
depends on the animal herself. When
a young SOW has only four or five pigs,
or shows herself to be a poor mixer
or a careless and Indifferent mother.
the sooner she is fattened the better;
but II she does fairly well she should
be given a second trial. The second
litter is usually larger than the first
II she then proves a good mother ane
her pigs from both filters develop into
good porkers. she should be kept as a
breeder until she can be replaced by d
more prolific and better animal. An
old sow which regularly raises large
filters Of good pigs is worth half a
dozen untried gifts. An aged sow
mated with young boar will produce
pigs which will mature earlier than
those produced when the SOW Is young
and the boar aged, which is a strong
argument in favor of keeping a SOW as
long as she continues to breed salts
factorily. Ordinarily sows cease to be
profitable breeders after they are 4
or years old, but some raise good
litters after they reach or 3 years
When SOW more than years old
fails to give a good litter whenever II
is due. she may as well be fattened at
once.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01

army should fall into your hands In
disguise. l am a soldier and must
discharge my duty; 1t Is not my bust
ness to inquire the motive that
brought you here. VIII you surren-
der?"
so long as I carry a weapon, no!
However the struggle may end, the
first man who touches me will shoot
down."
Then you will force me to extreme
measures. The consequences must be
on your head"
The captain turned toward the ter
race, with the intention " summon
ing the men who were waiting there,
when Florence, who had stood trem-
bling and deadly pale. anticipated
him. She rushed past him to Roland,
threw herself on his breast, and cling
Ing to him frantically, exclaimed:
You must not. William! There
are ten to one! You will be conquer
cd in the struggle! They will kill
you!"
Let me go, Florence! Let me so.
1 say!"
William was vainly striving to re-
lease himself, when Captain Wilson.
taking advantage of the favorable mo-
ment in which his enemy was defense
less in the arms that clasped him so
closely, with a rapid movement
snatched the revolver. A cry of in
dignation escaped the young mans
lips. The next instant he had
wrenched himself free, but it was too
late. He stood defenseless.
Florence, what have you done?" he
cried in tone of sharp reproach.
Saved you!" she passionately ex-
claimsd. They would have killed
you here before my eyes!"
Calm yourself, Miss Harrison, !"
said the captain, gravely. "Lieuten-
ant Roland will not be so mad as to
offer resistance now. Once more, sir,
yield! Spare US useless bloodshed. 1t
is no disgrace to a soldier IL he sub
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01
Growing Potatoes.

In early spring, last year, plowed
to the depth of six inches, a piece oil
blue grass sod. In May l cut the sod
part Of June planted the land to po-
tatoes in the following manner. says
contributor to Epitomist: Plowed
one round in the middle Of the patch.
Planted potatoes-which were cut in
halves-in these two burrows. Placed
the seed on the mellow soil, at the side
Of the furrow. and a little from the
bottom in order to prevent the furrow
horse from stepping on 1t. and also
to guard against planting too deep.
Covered with the pillow, and then plant
ed in every third furrow.
The fiat side OF the seed was placed
underneath. for that gives each plant
a fair chance and the crop will ripen
evenly. When the potatoes had had
time to sprout nicely. the ground was
thoroughly narrowed. As soon as the
plants appeared above ground the cul-
tivator was put to work. and followed
with the harrow. They were now left
alone until six or eight inches high.
Potatoes planted in this way do not
make much growth until the fall rains
come. But l have always succeeded
in growing a good crop by planting
the middle Of June. My last years
crop yielded 2s5 bushels per acre.
always plant late variety, II plant
late in the season.
My regular system is to pillow my po-
tato ground late In the fall or very
early in the spring. / am never much
bothered with bugs. Just as soon as
the soil is fit TO work in the spring |
plant early potatoes. l always cut on
and throw away the cluster of sprouts
at the bloom end of the tuber when
cutting the seed. Too many sprouts
In one bunch will produce small po-
tatoes. II early potatoes fail-and
they often do in this locality-the late
crop can be relied upon. Last year my
late potatoes were sold for 90 cents a
bushel. which made me Sl42.50 an acre.
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01
Kansas Dairy Products.

Secretary Coburn Of the Board OF
Agriculture, in his dairy statistics.
says: The state has again advanced
In total output and value Of her COW
products. The years aggregate value
Of butter and cheese made, and milk
sold for other purposes. Is $6,643.0bS-
the largest in the history OF the state
being 9.s per cent more than last
year and 1888 ,S0S. or 26.3 per cent
more than the year before.
"Tha total quantity OF butter re-
ported is 43,757,767 lbs.-an increase
over last year of 2,306.7S6 lbs. or S.5s
per cent. OF this, So per cent. or To-
500, 112 lbs, were made in families. and
Al per cent or 17,94S,645 lbs. in cream
cries. The value Of the product from
families Is 81, $50 ,0c3, and from cream
cries $3,051, 259-making a total for the
state OF s5,S9O.272; or 1911 per cent
greater than in 1898.
THE quantity of cheese reported Is
1.163, $50 lbs, or 5.2S5 lbs. less than
last year, and its total value Is $lO4,-
731. OF the entire quantity produced.
1926 per cent was made in families,
and the balance in factories.
THE value OF milk sold for other
purposes than making butter and
cheese was $64S,O5i, or 5.2s per cent
more than last year, and ll.l6 per cent
more than the year before. While
many unthlnking persons may regard
the products of the cows as OF small
Importance, 1t is interesting to know
that their total value is equal to ~
per cent of output OF the rich kansas
zinc mines and their products from
Kansas smelters for the same time.
and that it would pay the total state.
county and township taxes for 1898. or
within IL per cent OF the entire ex-
penses of the splendid public school
system for two years. II the values
Of the large quantities of butter and
milk consumed in the homes on the
farms was added the grand total
would be considerably increased. but
unfortunately there Is no account
taken of that"
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01

the half-senseiess girl away with him.
and then went back to the captain.
IF you wisS to go to the sick
ROOM" said thu latter. in a low tone,
Il will not prevent you"
William made a gesture OF refusal
mo. After what has passed be-
tween me and the sick man, my pres
epce could not help exerting q bad in
fiuence upon him. He has no suspic-
ion that / am here; let him remain
ignorant Of it. thank you for your
consideration, sir. Let us go!"
The servants, at the captains or
der, had left their posts at the doors
but stood whispering together with
troubled faces. Ralph had betrayed
that the officer under arrest was Miss
Florence's lover. And it had happen
ed in her own house! True, the mas
ter Of the house had had no share In
it; they all knew now that he was
dying.
Edward Harrison, pacing up and
down the drawing-room alone. with a
Niohu "pOh hlo hutW diso.
The end so long expected was coming
more quickly than had been supposed
The physician had given the sick man
days. and now, at the utmost, there
were only hours. Yet Edward had
not courage to enter the apartment
where Florence was, and had Ralph
bring him reports, which constantly
grew more alarming.
Then Captain Wilson entered, but
the cordially with which he usually
treated young Harrison had given
place to cold formality: he bowed as
If he were saluting a stranger.
Il wished to inform you that I am
going to the city to report the cap
ture." he said. distantly. IAN escort
will be sent for the prisoner; until
then he must remain at Springfield
Edward did not appear to notice the
icy GOODNESS in the tone and manner
OF his former friend, and answered
quietly, as IL the roint in question
were matter of the utmost indiffer-
ence:
Have no anxiety. I'll see that the
spy doesn't escape u.s."
Il am positive that Lieutenant Ro-
land is not spy" replied Wilson,
with marked emphasis. What brought
him here is perfectly apparent. and
l shall make my opinion as emphatic
as possible at the court-martial."
Ito be continued)
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01


she lacked the least comprehension Of
the situation.
But William understood it better.
He saw the Confederate uniform, and
with 1t the danger menacing him, and
slowly thrusting his hand into the
breast-pocket Of his coat, where he
carried his pistol, he replied with cold
formality::
Il shall pc at your service, sir, as
soon as my conversation with Miss
Harrison is over. We have some I'M
portant matters to discuss. SO /
beg"
Glance land tone plainly requested
the captain to retire. But instead of
doing SO. he advanced close to the
young officer. saying in low tone:
Il wish to spare the lady, and hope
you will aid me-Lieutenant William
Roland"
William started. He perceived that
he was betrayed. and did not doubt a
moment the author of the treachery.
To deny his identity was impossible.
Only prompt action could be of SER
vice now. II he succeeded in reach
ing his horse, which was fastened a
few hundred PAGES from the house,
escape might yet be possible. Has
tily retreating few steps, at the
same time drawing his revolver, he
said in loud, sharp tone:
well. what do you want with Lieu
tenant Roland?"
Florence uttered a cry OF terror.
She, too, now suddenly realized the
full extent of the peril. but the cap
tain remained unmoved, though the
pistol was aimed at him.
yield, Mr.. Roland" he said, quiet
ly. Resistance would be vain. You
will not find your horse where you
left him; all the exits from the house
are guarded; and the servants have
orders to prevent your departure by
force. Convince yourself that flight
has become an impossibility."
He pointed toward the terrace and
Williams eyes followed the gesture.
He really did see several figures
Whooo hdtNo "tiC "
and who certainly would not fail to
carry out the orders which they had
received.
The preparations had evidently been
made with the greatest caution. Ed
wards revenge was swift and sure.
II do not know you, SIR" said the
young officer slowly. without lower
ing his weapon or averting his eyes
from his enemy. You, on the con-
trary. seem to be very well informed
concerning my personality. In that
case. you probably are also aware
that am In the house of my future
father-in-law, and came solely to see
my betrothed bride. By what right
do you attack me?"
Wilson shrugged his shoulders.
by the same right which you would
exercise II an officer Of the hostile
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01

We herewith show an ARRANGEMENT
for testing seeds. as described in a pub
LEGATION by the Department OF Agri-
culture. Take two plates and place
in one of them folded cloth. Wool
or. flannel is preferable, since It re-
mains moist for long time. but any
cloth will do. The cloth should be
free from dyes that will come out in
water, since they may contain chem
icals that may be injurious to the
seed. Wet the cloth. pressing out the
surplus water. leaving IL very damp,
but not soaked. Place the seeds be-
tween the folds of cloth, put in the
number of the record, marked In pen
Gil on piece of paper. with date and
number Of seeds, and cover with the
second plate inverted. Plenty of air
will get in between the plates and the
upper one will prevent too rapid evap-
Grafton OF moisture. II the tests are
to be made during the winter. keep the
apparatus In the living room, as the
heat Of such room will be sufficient
for most seeds. During the night the
seeds should be put in warm place.
Instead Of the cloth. old newspapers
well-soaked may be used. These need
to be moistened more frequently, how
ever.
In testing beet seed-balls special
care is necessary in recording the num-
Der of terminated seeds. The balls
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01


mits to the inevitable, and / give you
my word that you have no dlshonor-
ing treatment to fear as a prisoner of
the Confederacy you will be treated In
an honorable manner.
William bent his eyes gloomily on
the floor. He perceived the truth of
the words. Longer resistance would
have been madness and, at the ut
most. brought only degrading treat
iuent upon him. After brief, I'M
comfortable pause, he turned to the
officer.
Il am in your power: Dispose of
me-"
Il will send news of your arrest to
the city. Meanwhile. remain here;
and, IL you give me your word Of
honor to make no attempt to fly"
mo! l yield to force, but to that
alone"
Then l cannot leave you in Miss
Harrison's society, but must provide
more secure prison."
(which you will doubtless find In
Springfield" said william. with an
outburst OF resentment. 81 was pre-
pared for everything when I risked
the ride here, except treachery in
the house in which l was called son. +"
You are right, Mr.. Roland" The
captain raised his voice so loud that
person on the other side of the clos
ed door could not fail to hear 1t. But
do not address your reproaches to ME.
| did what l was forced to do. l do
not believe in treachery. and regret
that You have fallen victim to it."
my words do not apply to you. l
know the traitor-and now I will ask
only moment longer"
He went to his fiance and bent over
her, but Just at that moment a side
door was hastily flung open and
Ralph rushed in.
Miss Florence, master Is asking for
you. He has suddenly grown worse.
We are afraid the end Is near"
Florence had hitherto found 1t diff
ficult to sustain herself. This last
blow threatened to crush her. She
tottered and would have fallen had
not William clasped her in his arms.
II cannot got" she murmured, des-
pairingly. mot at this moment! Will
liam! What will become of your"
Lieutenant Roland is my prisoner
and under my protection" said W.T.
son, with marked emphasis. Have no
anxiety for him. / will answer for
his safety so long as he remains in
Springfield"
go to your father" said william,
pushing the trembling girl with gen.
tie violence toward the door. "You
hear! No harm will befall me, and
your place is there. Courage. my poor
Florence! cannot be with you In
this trying hour. but, at least. you
know that l am near. So be reso-
Lutte"
He gave her to Ralph. who drew
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01
CHAPTER vi.

SEiAE En- VI.
Then, with this last thought, burn
ing sense Of shame filled the young Of
dcer's soul. The face of his old COM
mander suddenly rose wildly before
him. He saw his earnest gaze; heard
the warning words: IF Lieutenant Ro-
land has not returned by eight o'clock
this evening, l shall believe that he is
either dead or oishonored." And at
the same moment William felt that he
could not stand in his presence with
lie or an evasion on his lips; that he
must tell him the truth; and with this
thought the struggle was over.
He released himself so hastily, so
abruptly, that the young girl almost
tottered back. His lips quivered, but
his voice was as firm as when he made
the fateful promise.
Il cannot be a dishonored man, Flor
ence, not even for the prize of your
hand. II you fear Edward more than
you love me-if you have not the cour-
age to defend this love against him
why. must lose you. will not break
my word of honor"
Florence had shrunk back. Her dark
eyes rested with a look of mingled sur
prise and anger upon the man, whose
rigid sense Of duty she could not I'M
derstand. But ere she could frame an
answer. the door again opened, and a
stranger appeared on the threshold. 1t
was young man In uniform, who
paused a moment, scanning the pair
with hurried glance, then courteously
approached the lady.
Pardon this intrusion, Miss Harri-
SON. Allow me to request brief prI-
vate interview with this gentleman.
have some important news for him."
Florence recognized Captain Wilson,
Edwards friend, whom she had seen
several times. She knew only too well
what had brought him to Springfield
that day, but this sudden entrance
into her drawing-room aroused the
utmost establishment For the moment
Audubon Republican. [volume] (Audubon, Iowa) 1894-1925, 1900-02-01

The main trouble with us farmers
is that we do not kill the weeds be-
fore they have done mischief In dry
ing out the ground and robbing tho
planted crop of that much fertility that
it takes to grow the weeds. even
though they are not allowed to go to
seed, says Homestead. 1t takes year
or more because these big weeds decay
and are available as plant food. we
can't very well keep weeds from grow
ing, but we can keep them from doing
much damage by early and persistent
cultiya alton. II your planted corn Is
we'll narrowed, so that there are no
clods, you can cultivate 1t the hrst
time as soon as the first sprouts are
seen above ground. and you can do 1t
quickly, too. as 1t don't matter II some
loose dirt does cover the sprouts. Az
ter such a cultivation. when the corn
Is three or four inches high. you can
use a light harrow to advantage. not
alone on account of the weeds 1t will
kill. but mainly because 1t levels and
pulrerizes the ground. making the Sec
ond cultivation as much easier. l new
er slant the teeth much when harrow
ing corn in this way. because find
that a slanting tooth cuts the plant
severely. and II there Is any trash,
stalks, etc.. a slanting tooth will drag
them for some distance anyway. and
tear out the corn. There is more room
under the harrow for old roots and
stalks to dodge the teeth, when they
(the teeth are straight or nearly SO.
and by watching carefully and stop
ping instantly when anything Is wrong
you can do a good Job narrowing. I
nearly always harrow my corn after
1t is up, but always cultivate 1t first