The Owosso times. (Owosso, Mich.) 1897-1926, 1902-02-21

of the soil, for in all soils the tendency
is toward deterioration. In the solution
of this question fertilizers cut an i'm
portant figure. Clover is good rejuvi-
nator, and we must stick to clover, but
once in while that fails then use a
fertilizer at once, and not recrop the
soil for several years. Use and utilize
your manure piles, and supplement
with commercial fertilizers"
A. B. Cook continued the discussion
by saying that his experience began two
years ago when he purchased one ton
which cost $22, and used 200 pounds
per acre on wheat. He kept careful tab
on results, and found after harvest that
the increase in yield paid him 20 per
cent on the investment. He also found
there was one-half less screenings per
load of wheat treated with fertilizers.
His idea was that it was good for wheat
and presumptively good for clover, if so
its good effects go on. Let us keep on
using yard manure and clover, but not
overlook the possibilities of a good
| fertilizer"
M. A. Wilcox, w. Bingham and
others thought that the continued use of
fertilizers tended to sterility, or burning
up of the soil. This position was COM
bated by Clayton Cook who stated that
on many farms in the south it had been
used continuously for many years.
these farms increasing in fertility, and
by their side farms ON which it had not
been used but burned up" as we say.
Why the difference, simply that in the
former instances the owners turned
under all the straw, clover, manure
and vegetable matter they could.
Mr.. E. j. Cook, of Maple River, said
that he and his father before him had
always returned back TO the soil what it
produced, and still the soil was deterior-
ating. Now let us experiment with
fertilizers and find out if there is per
manent value IL them.
EXMayor Morris Osborn said, Il
took worn out farm II years ago and
have tried plaster, and fertilizers, but
my greatest difficulty is to get my farm
clovered. Have $40 acre farm and
keep sixty-nine cattle and nine horses
and some sheep. Shall depend mainly
on manure and clover, but am willing
to use fertilizers as an aid in keeping
up the fertility of my soil"
The next was Identifying the Farm
Home" by Mrs G. NJ Getman. She
believes that we should rake and clean
about the yard. All implements should
be under cover. Keep the garden clean
of weeds, keep your wood piled up.
Buy lawn mower for the front yard
Plant shade trees and Virginia Creeper.
Plant perennial plants. Paint your
buildings.
Have the barnyard to the rear
Don't allow burdocks 10 grow along the
fences. There is no excuse for shiftless-
ness or filth, even if we have no money.
a farmhouse does not need to be large
TO be beautiful. Always have bath
room and sitting room Have good
pictures, good literature, in your house,
portraits of great men and women.
Goldfish and a singing bird some
sort of q musical instrument, a case Of
minerals, tool-chest, all add to the
beauty and pleasure Of home. Re
member your personal appearance
ladies. Use kind words and smiles free
ly. All will be of help in making farm
life worth living" Applause.
Mrs Archibald Wrigiey believes a
farmers wife should be able to use the
jack knife and the hammer to fix trifing
breaks about the house
How do you get rid Of marsh NAL
lows?' asked Amos Parmenter. keep
digging" said Mrs. Wrigley, whereat
there was laugh.
A. l.. Chandler did not agree with
Mrs Getman, who said roses were hard
to raise on the farm. He said they
could be raised without much care.
Charles Whelan, of Vernon, and M. A.
Wilcox discussed home beautifying A.
b. Cook emphasized the value Of bath
room.
VIM II. White, of Venice, said: "a
lawn-mower is good thing, but it is
hard on the pioneer user. l know of
neighbor of mine who bought one, and
the supervisor raised his assessment
$500"
The question-box was opened by Sec
retary A. B. Cook
A. L. Chandler was asked what causes
the prevailing disregard of the civil
oath. He admitted that the lawyers
were the cause of it. They held the
oath lightly, and their clients in turn
imbibe the same idea
Didn't the committee make mis-
take in not having sugarbeet sub
ject?' was another question.
Mr.. Cook answered it by asking Ex-
Mayor Osburn if Owosso is to have
sugar factory next year. The latter re-
piled that it largely depends on what
they do at Washington. fr
Marcus Wilcox tried to open politi-
| Il