Lexington gazette. [volume] (Lexington, Va.) 1871-1962, 1901-03-20
Farm News and Views


results were obtained from feeding
alfalfa hay and Kaffir corn to hogs
than from Kafir corn only The hay
was fed dry, in forkfuls, and the pigs
were given an abundance. They picked
out the leaves and finer stems, rejecting
the coarser portions. 1t was demon
strated that pork could be produced
cheaply by putting the hogs on pasture
in summer aud feeding hay in the
winter, allowing proportion Of grain
during severely cold weather 1t has
long been known that when clover hay
is cut very fine and scalded, leaving
The mess over night, and sprinkling it
with bran and corn meal, it is very
acceptable to swine. Such a ration is
very complete in both the carbonaceous
and heterogeneous elements, and costs
much less than grain. Pigs that are
fed on grass grow more rapidly than
when given grain exclusively, although
an allowance uf grain will always be
of advantage. All animals are bene-
fitted with bulky food, as grain is too
concentrated, and is better digested
when mixed with other foods.
4*k
All plants seem to be benefited by
cultivation. A Dakota farmer made an
experiment and found that with six
pounds OF seed and cultivation in rows
5U bushels OF wheat could be grown
upon an acre. AS soon as the weather
will permit the wheat should be har-
r5wed with a smoothing harrow. 1t
will benefit the wheat, while not in
juring the plants, and will be OF adj
vantage in sowing clover seed.
~
1t is claimed that if currant bushes
are thoroughly sprinkled with water
from q sprayer and the bushes then
we'll busted with sifted coal ashes the
enlrant worm will be destroyed. This
is a safe remedy if eficacious. Tie
usual remedy is white hellObore, to
which some object, as it is poison.
XXX
The best way to multiply insects Is
to grow one kind of crops continually.
Each crop has its special enemies, and
If it is grown year after year these
enemies become more numerous. To
change the crop for some other, as is
done by a system of rotation, is to
reduce the number of insects and
diseases.
Poultry in orchards are beneficial to
The land and to the trees. When fowls
Ire confined in yards where young
II ees have been planted the destruction
D. Insects is work that is industriously
performed by the hens, as they are
nearly all the time close to the trees.
On some farms where peaches and
olums could not be grown success
,ame when such trees were planted in
he poultry yards. Birds have the
power of quickly discerning small OBJ
ects, and they closely search every
portion of the yard and the trunks of
he trees for bugs or worms. It is also
la med that instinct prompts certain
l,oths not to deposit their eggs where
owls have free access, as 70 do so is
certain destruction. This claim may
20 unfounded, but it is we'll known
hat fowls greatly assist in protecting
ruit trees.
Weeds will start Just as soon as the |
round begins to become warm. Some |
weeds can endure considerable cold, |
nd once they get u start IN growth are
ot injured by light frosts. The war
n weeds should begin just as soon as
be ground can be cultivated.
Cuttings of plants, such as grape
mes, may be made this month, The
apanese privet requires pruning early,
nd The cuttings will easily take root if
laced in rows in the ground. They
lake fine hedges, and the ease with
hich the plants can be procured
Mould encourage all who delight in
edges 10 use this ornamental and
seful plant.
If blackberry, raspberry and grape
mes have not been trimmed of their
lrplus wood there is but little time
IT for SO doing, as such work should
, done when the ground is cold. Black
,rries should receive an application
fertilizer early in spring, and if cow
,as are broadcasted between the rows c
4 ar fha cro,, 10 ,,ickad ond fha naoo 7