The Richmond palladium and sun-telegram. [volume] (Richmond, Ind.) 1907-1939, 1911-10-10
NATURE FORECASTS
VERY MILO WINTER
Animal and Plant Life Prep
arations Seem to Justify
ProcraStination.
~ ISAAC L. TOTEM.

II nature signs in the rural districts
around Richmond can be relied upon,
We will have to take issue with that
old fellow down east who predicates
that we are to have a very severe win
ter. All the old time signs that have
been noticed 80 far indicate just the
opposite OF severe winter.
The ears of corn this fall hang al
most free In very thin layer OF husks.
Last year the husks stuck to the ears
like glue. and they formed very thick
covering for the ears. 1t is hardly
necessary to mention the severity Of
last winter; because the most of US
have not forgotten about the cold fin
gers yet. Let US hope that the way
the corn husks enclose the ears OF
corn here this fall have some signifi-
canoe and that we are to have mild
and not a severe winter. Let them
have their severe winter down east II
they want it, but we are boosters and
want things our way. Wayne county
farmers never would endure some Of
the things that are tolerated down
east anyway.
The squirrels do not seem to be
making any great preparations for
winter, and it Is pretty hard to fool
the little squirrels. AS usual thing
they are not quite SO improvident as
some of the higher animals that are
supposed to have a greater brain de-
velopment.
Here Is one more for that forecaster
down east to ponder: The borough
ing animals are not digging their holes
as deeply as they did last fall. and
this, according to the trappers theory,
means that the frost line in the ground
will not be as deep as it was last
fall. or winter rather.
We do not pose as q forecaster, and
do not wish to usurp that fasteners
place; but let us hope that we can
make him back down SO that we can
have little more peace Of mind
about our bodily comfort this winter.
II the wild animals do know any
thing about the coming winter, where
do you suppose they found it out? DO
you suppose they go out in the corn
field and look at the corn husks to find
out about the weather? Maybe they
do. but suppose there wouldn't be any
corn to look at.
Some people do not believe in signs,
that Ia. all signs. and 1t must be admit
ted that they are rather thin things
to which to pin ones faith. The most
sensible thing to do in regard to the
coming winter Is to be prepared
signs or no signs. AS the railroad
ers say, when in doubt take the safe
SIDE"
II the winter is going to be Sc
we're one then the city man will have
to make preparations accordingly; II
It Is to be a mild one then the farmer
must have a larger supply of rough
age than would be necessary II the
winter were severe; because II the
field remain soft the greater part of
the winter there will not be much
chance OF pasturing the stalk fields
or the meadows.
AS a general rule very few farmers
are prepared for winter in earnest un-
til after a few bone-chilling days set
them to thinking. However. it is much
better to have shelters, etc., in readi-
ness before they are really needed.
and it ia much pleasanter to do this
while the days are not yet frosty.
The Farm Journal has this to say:
Are the stalls, stables, sheep and
hog pens in readiness for their long
winter occupancy? Keep the stables
dry and clean. No animal can thrive
II compelled to stand and sleep on a
reeking bed of manure"