Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1907-09-10
Northern Vermont Farm Notes.

We are having rather cool weather at
present, most too cool for any rapid ma
turing of the corn crop, which is so de-
sirable. After the late, backward sea-
son, a favorable autumn is most desir-
able, but perhaps We shall get it further
on.
There are a few yet, at date of writ
| ing, Aug. 21, that are not through with
haying, but this is always SO; however
favorable the season, some will always
be late. Such ones should read Mr..
Parks's article in the Farmer Of Aug. II,
which might give them some ideas
worth remembering and putting in prac-
tice.
1t was indeed most singular hay sea-
son and farmers had much trouble in
securing the crop in season and in best
condition. The yield has varied greatly
even in the same neighborhood, so that
it is difficult determining with any Ger
tainty what the real average would be.
This is quite unusual and may be the
result of various conditions.
Occasionally farmer reports more
than last year while perhaps his neigh
Dor will have considerably less. Last
winter was very severe on meadows.
On low lands there was more or less of
ice and that is very injurious to grass
while on higher lands the fields were
swept clear of snow for large part of
the time, and this is also injurious.
Where meadows were close fed in au-
tumn there was not sufficient covering
for the protection of the grass roots and
feebleness and a short crop was the re-
suit. The practice of fall feeding now
ing fields to any extent should be avoid
ed for best results. Then again some
fields had been in grass too long and had
become "run out' in consequence. This
is something that should be avoided by
shorter rotation of crops where prac-
ticable. On some fields, particularly
newly seeded and in good condition,
there should be good second crop
where the first was cut early.
What to do with this is the question.
Should second crop be harvested or be
fed to stocks
All things considered it would seem
best to cut it in fair season, leaving
enough for sufficient growth to start
up for the protection of the fields during
the winter. This will leave the fields in
more uniform condition and there will
be no trampling of the yielding sward
by the hoofs of animals. This second
crop will make the best of hay for cows
and calves. Cut and fed to cows green
it will also produce excellent results.
The grain harvest followed on close to
that of the hay. Barley is now being
grown to a considerable extent, and
makes an excellent feed for most kinds
of stock. 1t is excellent for poultry,
pigs and with other grains for cows. 1t
is good crop with which to seed down
to grass. There is not perhaps quite as
large growth of straw of either barley
or oats as in some years, but if we'll fill
ed that will be no great disadvantage.
rusting, but this is probably not very ex-
tensive.
The early potatoes are of fine quality
and the later varieties appear to be do.
ing well. Apples will be rather small in
yield and in size. The well cared for
gardens are good.
The yield of milk has decreased con-
siderably, notwithstanding in places the
pastures are good. In parts of the state
it is getting to be very dry and this will
account for the shortage. With present
prices of dairy products it will pay to
take good care of the cows.
Eggs are now bringing good prices
and those interested in the poultry busi-
ness should look we'll to their focks.
Only the best early hatched pullets
should be kept and as far as can be
they should be the breeds that are good
late fall and winter layers. Then have
good accommodations for them and by
proper care and feed these should make
excellent returns for all outlay.-E. R.
Towle in New England Farmer.