The Democratic advocate. [volume] (Westminster, Md.) 1865-1972, 1907-03-22
Farm Notes.

Choking animals may sometimes be re-
lieved and the bloat that accompanies can
almost always be taken down by using a
round, smooth stick, like piece Of fork
handle for bit to hold the mouth open.
Fasten this in place by strap at each end
carried up to the horn or back of the head.
1t is surprising how quickly the wind that
causes the bloating escapes, and sometimes
it brings the obstructing object with it.
A great many persons make no prepare
ton whatever for the rearing of the chicks.
They will buy incubators, but think they
can get along all right without a brooder,
whereas the latter is as much necessity
as the former. In fact, one without the
other is worthless. The Matching Of the
chick is only one part of the business,
and the most important part comes after
ward in the raising of the same.
When potatoes are planted by hand, we
have found it the best way to first drop
them, then cover them with two-horse
cultivator, using all the shovels, the
widest pair on the inside (mine are B
inches wide), and all the shovels set to
throw the dirt toward the row. This
method is much better than the common
practice here of using killing shovels set to
throw the dirt together on a one-horse
cultivator, the horse walking on the row,
which is sure to misplace some of the seed.
Have found it best for horses to walk fast,
for it covers better and leaves broad
ridge instead of a narrow one, as the other
way does
Warmth, sunshine, proper food and
proper care are the four requisites in the
raising of chicks. The farmer must be
provided in the shape of good brooder or
brooding hen. They should have all
the sunshine possible. The proper feed is
now considered to be the dryfeedins method,
consisting of different varieties of small
grains and seeds, with clean water for
them to drink. The proper care is to see
that they are kept free from lice and their
quarters scrupulously clean. If these dl,
rections are followed the difference be-
tween the chickens Matched and the chick
ems raised will be much less
In bedding sweet potatoes we first make
our bed with poles, though lumber is bet
ter. Put about one foot of manure in the
bed and pack it solid. Put about 6 inches
of dirt on the manure, lay the potatoes on
this and cover with about 6 inches of dirt.
IF it does not get hot enough, put an old
wagon spindle or skein on the middle of
the bed, small end on the manure, and
pour hot water into it. Put a cloth in the
skein to keep the heat in, and if it gets too
hot, remove the cloth. To keep the rain
off we put up posts at each side Of the bed,
nail on crosspieces and cover with fodder.
Have south side high so sun will shine on
the bed.
Nothing is better to prevent loss of am
monia from the manure heap than soap
suds Keep the heap well saturated and
make holes in the mass, so that the soap
suds can pass down to the bottom of the
heap Chemical action is facilitated, but
there are formations of salts that prevent
loss
More care in bailing hay would raise
prices The poor hay is usually at the
center of the bale, sometimes caused by
bailing the hay before it is perfectly dry.
There is considerable complaint at times
against baled hay, and the prices are at
fected in consequence.