The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1902-05-14
FARM AND
GARDEN
INTERESTS
The Expansion of Winter Farming.

George Z. Walsh, in Scientific American.
The idea prevalent in some quarters that
agriculture has not kept abreast Of modern
industrial developments is so far from the
actual truth that occasionally the public
is surprised by reports which indicate a
change and revolution in methods and re-
suits of q most phenomenal character. In
nothing has our agriculture changed more
decidedly in recent years, however, than in
the seasons of production. Science has de-
liberately set at defiance all the laws which
govern the seasons of growth, and in the
conflict it has proved a great triumph for
men. Winter farming has become in the
past decade an industry more profitable and
successful than ordinary summer garden
ing or farming.
The demand for farm products in winter,
when most of them are scarce and difficult
to secure, has been responsible for the
growth and expansion of winter farming.
To-day this industry is of national impor-
lance, and adds millions OF dollars to the
wealth of our country. Lands that were for
merly considered almost worthless have at
tanned through this industry considerable
value. and farmers who were disappointed
at the outlook of their profession have sud-
denly discovered new means OF reaping
financial rewards for their labor and
genius. Instead of following in the old ruts
in vogue fifty years ago., they have
branched out in entirely new lines TO de-
velop an industry that is as fascinating as
it is profitable.
Naturally one thinks first of truck gar
dening, either under glass in the North in
winter or along the belt of Southern States,
when this subject is preached; but winter
farming is not by any means confined to
even this field. Winter dairying has become
in the last five years one of the most profit
able sources of farming. and II is pursued
by the most progressive dairymen of the
country with great success. BY means of
the silo, s~ucculent food is stored away for
winter feeding that produces almost as
fine milk and cream as the June grass. The
milk and cream in winter time are worth
so much more than in summer that the
dairymen find it profitable to provide good
winter quarters for the best cows and TO
feed them with the best food
The poultry farmer has likewise changed
his methods, and by means of the incu-
bator and brooder winter and spring broil-
ers are produced to-day in enormous guam
titles for our tables. Winter poultry is to-
day about the only produce of the chicken
farm that actually pays a good profit. The
high prices obtained for spring chickens
and broilers out OF season a caused COM
plete changes in this industry. Those who
depend upon the eggs for their profits are
endeavoring to induce the hens TO change
their season of laying. so that winter eggs
will be had in abundance. Extensive eX-
perimentS in winter feeding and winter
breeding in g-lass-covered houses have pro-
duced results which encourage the poultry
men 10 believe that eventually breeds of
hens viii in time be reared which will lay
their eggs in winter instead of summer. AT
present the results obtained are not entire
~ satisfactory.
Hothouse lambs have become important
parts Of our winter diet in recent years,
and breeders have established enormous
houses where these delicate animals can be
reared and fattened through the coolest OF
our winter weather. The work is profitable
and the breeders are increasing the indus
try each year. dollhouse lambs are deli
cacies out OF season at present, but in the
future they may become an ordinary part
OF our regular winter diet.
Hothouse fruits and vegetables multiply
in quantity and quality every year. The
industry is expanding so rapidly that the
annual winter supplies OF these delicacies
are running up into thousands Of tons.
Around Boston there are several hundred
acres of land covered with glass where