Wood County reporter. [volume] (Grand Rapids [i.e. Wisconsin Rapids], Wis.) 1857-1923, 1908-05-07
Alfalfa rs Horse Feed.

dence San Antonio Express.
Alfalfa as Horse Feed.
recent publication of the bureau
of animal industry, by |. d. Graham,
on the uses of alfalfa for farm animals,
summarizes data on the value Of this
feeding stuff for horses as follows:
Horses and mules thrive ON alfalfa
pasture. While
alfalfa is too rich a food for mature
horses unless used in combination with
some other roughness, it is an excellent
feed for young horses, as it seems to
contain just the elements necessary tc
develop bone, muscle and consequent
size. Caution should be used, however,
larry if they have not been accustomed
to it. Like othef concentrated feeds,
1t seems to stimulate all the physical
processes to such an extent that vari-
Gus disorders of the digestive system
may appear. This is particularly no.
ticeable in the urinary and perspiratory
glands.
When alfalfa is fed to horses in con-
siderable quantity the grain ration
must be proportionately reduced and
an abundance of other roughness fur
nished. When horses have attained q
mature age and it is desirable to change
from other hay to alfalfa, this change
much be very gradual, and the alfalfa
selected for the purpose should be more
advanced in growth at the time of cut
ting than that which is to be fed to
cattle or sheep. As a general statement,
very ripe alfalfa hay is the best to use
for work horses and driving horses,
while that prepared in the usual way
one-tenth in blooms better for the
colts. In any event, horses that are
fed alfalfa hay must be given album
dant exercise.
The Passing of Cheap Farm Labor.
The day of cheap hired help on the
farm is fast becoming a thing Of the
past. This fact is forcing itself on the
mind of the farmer and he no longer
tries to seriously evade the situation.
Another proposition presents itself at
this point, and that is, that the farm
help of the future will be expected
to be more skillful, not in the ordinary
routine of farm work, but I'm the manip-
uIation of the improved farm machin-
cry that is fast being introduced on
the modern farm, and in handling and
caring for thoroughbred stock
These conditions present themselves
as q result of an education in progress
sivc and more profitable farm methods
and new ideas brought about through
the advent Of free rural mail delivery,
the telephone, experiment farms, agri-
cultural colleges. and that most potent
of all agrarian educators. the farmers
institute
Agricultural journals of a high order
and farmers bulletins can be found in
almost all rural homes, and they are
Icing read, digested and the hints and
experiences contained in them profit
ably employed. AS a result of these
educational factors, better methods are
being adopted, scrub stock is being
eliminated as Improbable, and diver
sifed crops are becoming the rule.
To meet this awakening to improved
conditions, machinery for all purposes
is being invented and brought into re-
QUESTION. not only to meet the growing
demand for them, but to economize
Iobo,. aud 10 tfAa yyorL- with lose boIr,
This i.,ings us to the first proposition
that the farm labor Of the future must
of necessity be more skillful, and If
a higher order. The farmer will equip
himself with improved modern machin-
cry and a better grade of stock, viii
encourage young men to qualify them
Saves for the preferred profession OF
an agriculturist. instead Of seeking sit
uations in our cities, from the fact
that farm life is healthier, freer, more
independent. and presents wide scope
for Il profitable business career.
As a sequel, the increased expendi-
tire for Improved farm implements and
skilled labor will naturally bring with
If intensive and diversified farming md
an interest in the very best of stock
and more of it ON the farm; it canuot
he otherwise. Fertility will force rec
IGNITION and be generally employed DIS
a necessity for best results, and farm
well stocked with cattle, sheep and hogs
is the greatest factor to assist in bring
ing this about.-John A. Mcclure In
Rulal World