The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1901-07-06
Farm Notes.

An authority on small fruit culture says
that If currant bushes are tied up in mus
lin cloth as the currants begin to ripen the
fruit may be preserved for weeks, some
times as late as September.
The proper time TO divide lily of the VAL
ley roots is in the fall. When planted in the
spring they may not thrive or bloom. The
fall is an excellent time for dividing many
other plants and setting them out so as TO
have them ready for a start in the spring.
If you wish to renew the lawn this fall
use Kentucky blue grass and white clover,
as they seem to stand the dry season bet
ter than some kinds. If sown in the fall
the grass will get a good start and be
ready to grow rapidly in spring. Sow in
August or September.
One of the best combination foods for
horses is green ~oats-that Is, oats cut when
the grain is in the milky stage and cured
like hay. The straw is then very nutri-
tious. as the food is arrested in the stalk
while on its way TO fill out the grain. When
cut with a fodder cutter horses relish the
mess more than they do any other coarse
foods.
Trees, flowers and shrubbery add much
to the value of a home. but ii is better not
to set out plants for ornamental ton IL they
are not to be cared for, rs a neglected farm
is a very unsightly spectacle. A farm sur
rounded with vines I'M flowers will sell
when a better farm. but not so ornamented
will not find a purchaser. Paint and white
wash also add largely TO the attractivenes
OF a farm.
Good COWS can only be secured by keep
ing the good calves that are from animals
which are known TO be meritorious, but
the farmers who buy their fresh cows and
sell their calves when they ere but a few
days old destroy all opportunities for selec-
ton. A good calf, however, is one that is
bred for a special purpose, and the farmer,
therefore, knows in advance what il should
be when matured, and the calf will, If II
is from good stock. probably not disap-
point him.
The first pound. or hundred pounds. OF
mutton, beef or pork is where the profit is
made, as the young animals grow and gain
rapidly. The greater the weight an animal
car be made TO attain in the shortest
period of time the smaller the cost pei
pound proportionately. 1t requires no more
labor to feed and care for a steer weigh
ing one thousand pounds than for one
weighing much less. The cost or production
does not depend solely on the amount OF
food consumed, but on the food, shelter and
labor.
There is no rule for feeding, as each in
dividual must be considered separately from
the others. 1t is not an uncommon error
to suppose that the animals which eat blu
little are the most profitable. So long as
an animal is capable of digesting and as.
similating food the greater the amount OF
food IL should consume, and the more prof
table the returns. especially with produc.
ers. such as cows. The proportion of food
required 10 support an animal and supply
waste of tissue is less when a large amount
Of food Is eaten than when a smaller guam,
tity Is consumed.
After Young turkeys have passed the dan,
ger period they are then very hardy. and
will take care Of themselves with but little
assistance. They are naturally great for.
ayers and are therefore liable to destruc
ton from dogs. foxes and other enemies
They will always prefer high ~roostins
places. and in alighting therefrom they
sometimes become lame. Even when wei
advanced in growth they sometimes sue
cumb 10 the attacks OF the large gray lice
which are found under the wings and OF
the skin Of the heads and necks. Til
remedy is 10 apply a little melted lard. a:
grease Of any kind will destroy the lice
but il too much is used ii will also injurt
the young turkeys. An occasional busting
with insect powder will also be found
beneficial.