The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1910-02-13

amuck
Thirty inches of snow on level in
most Of the north. central and eastern
states, accompanied by blockade Of
railroads, scarcity of fuel and intense
cold, suggests the fact that the eli
mate has not changed enough so that
we are rid of the "old fashioned win
ter"
Latest reports show that there are
now in operation throughout the coun-
try 4O0O4 rural mail routes. aggre-
eating more than 100000 miles and
serving about 100000 patrons. To
eminent $17O.O 100000. The system lacks
about $17.OOO.O0O a year Of being self
maintaining.
If there Is any one condition that a
dairy or meat animal should be spared
during the winter months it Is a wet
and nasty place in which to rest at
night. Not only does such a condition
mean lack of comfort for the animals,
but they are likely to produce or ag-
gravate tubercular tendencies and any
other ailment that is promoted by
dampness and filth.
The apple maggot Is pest which af-
fects this fruit in some sections Of
Maine, and it is said to be infinitely
worse than the larvae Of the codling
moth, as many OF the maggots will in
fest single apple and often entirely
honeycomb it. One Of the worst fea-
lures in connection with the pest seems
to be that it cannot be readily reached
by the arsenical sprays which are so
effective in holding the codling moth
in check.
Often the stand still condition of the
house fern or palm Is due to the roots
having completely occupied all of the
available space in the pot. In such
case the plant should be removed from
the pot. placed in a larger receptacle
and new soil added, with such fer
tilizer as the particular plant may
need. Where the plant looks rather
tough it is sometimes advisab BILE to cut
the leaves or body back rather sharp
~, thus inducing a rapid growth of
new stuff.
1t is entirely in place to talk Of a
conservation Of forest and water power
resources. but far transcending this is
an agitation looking to such handling
Of the rich soils to be found almost
anywhere as will result in a conserva-
ton Of their fertilizing elements. those
factors that really give them worth as
soils. Could the loss which we have
sustained in this regard be known ana
the figures representing it be express
ed in black and white it would be a
total staggering belief.
One of the best features connected
with the agricultural short courses
which are being conducted by agricul-
tural college instructors at important
points in their respective states is not
only that it gives practical agricul-
tural instruction condensed and sim
plif1ed for the benefit Of those not
used TO technical study. but 1t arouses
in many bright boy and girl a desire
scented. thus influencing them to take
the more extended courses at the state
agricultural college. The short course
is thus a sort Of agricultural entree,
whetting the appetite for good square
meal
Next in Importance to having the
right kind Of soil in proper filth is the
point OF securing seed for such soil
that is Of strong vitality and free
from weed seeds and other adultera-
tons. Small grains. especially oats,
should be given a thorough cleaning
in a tanning mill under a good blast
Of wind. If the hand mill will not do
this work the way it ought to be done
one can hire the cleaning done at
small cost at the elevator. II there is
question about the vitality of seed
which seems 70 be plump and ought to
grow 1t is an easy matter to test it by
spreading a representative handful
between a couple OF sheets Of blotting
paper and keeping the seed warm and
moist for few days. Should a con-
siderable per cent Of the sample not
grow it would indicate that larger
per cent would need to be sewn to Sc
cure the necessary stand.
Wounds that may have been made
on the trunks and low branches Of
fruit trees by the gnawing Of rabbits
and mice will heal more readily if the
spots are covered with grating wax.
which will exclude the air and mois-
ture- This may be made by melting