davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
The Battle with Weeds.

The annual conflict with those trouble
some plants known as weeds, which
cause the expenditure of so much time
and energy, is already on. Because they
are responsible for SO much crop loss and
so much expensive time and energy to
prevent this loss we are likely 10 regard
them as wholly useless, when as a matter
Of fact, they are productive of some good
How much valuable cultivation of crops
do you suppose weeds are responsible
for on the average farm? How many
times we are obliged TO cultivate a crop
in order to keep the weeds down, when,
as a matter of fact, the stirring of the
soil, conserving the moisture, is of the
greatest valne. Then, again, weeds are
often valuable transformers Of plant food
into more available forms. Sometimes,
too, they provide cover crop for the
soil in the late summer, and by their
death they add humus to the soil. But
in early summer aud until the maximum
period of crop growth is past the weeds
must be destroyed, or at least, kept well
under control if We secure the crops we
hope for. Just as ''the early bird catches
the worm," so the early cultivator
catches the weeds. No plants start more
quickly than many of our common weeds.
Our worst weeds have become so simply
because of their ability 10 germinate and
grow quickly and vigorously even under
adverse conditions. So We have come to
think that "weeds will grow il nothing
else will" Still the most critical time in
the life of these ''plants out of place" is
in the first few weeks of their lives. 1t
is then that the cul'ivator is most effect
i've, as every farmer knows.
Nature makes more than ample pro-
vision for the perpetuation Of species,
and weeds are no exception to the rule.
At this time of the year the ground is
full of weed seeds of all kinds, which
need only the rain and sunshine of May
and June to start them into vigorous
growth. II the soil remains cold and
wet the sprouting of these seeds is de-
layed Early ploughiug aerates and
warns up the soil more quickly, thus
starting the weeds early. Cultivation
with the harrow on implanted land is
much cheaper than with the cultivator
among crops. II the field to be planted
10 cultivated crops can be ploughed three
or four weeks before planting time and
narrowed or disked once a week, thou
sands of weeds just started will be killed.
A cultivation in time saves many hoe
ingS. More than this, it improves the
physical condition of the soil by flung
and aerating il, and dose much to con-
serve the soil moisture for the drouth
which is almost sure to come later.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25

Its mighty risky for you to bt
crossing the swamp alone" he said
1T know its little farther. but it's
begging you am to be going back BY
the trail"
The angel laughed merrily.
"Oh. stop your nonsense!" she cried
'Im not afraid-not in the least!'
Freckles turned to Jack imploringly
"Yon tell her!" he pleaded. "Tel
her to 60 by the trail. She will foI
you"
The implication Of this statement
was so gratifying to Black Jack that
he seemed again to expand and take
on increase before their very eyes.
''You betw exclaimed Jack. And to
the angel: "You better take Freckles
word for II. miss. He knows the old
swamp better than any Of US. except
me. and If he says 90 by the trail
you'd best do it"
The angel hesitated. One last glance
at Freckles showed her the agony In
his eyes. She would follow the trail.
"All right" she said. giving Jack q
killing glance. IF you say so I'll 60
back by the trail to please you. Good.
by. everybody"
She lifted the bushes and started FOL
the entrance.
"Stop her, growied Wessner. "Keep
her till we're loaded anyhow. Can't
you see that when this thing is found
out there she'll be to ruin all Of US.
If you let her 60 every man Of US has
got to cut. and some Of us will be
caught sure"
Jack sprang forward. Freckles'
heart mutiled up in his throat. The
angel seemed to divine Jacks coming.
She was humming little song. She
deliberately stopped and began pulling
the heads Of the curious grasses that
grew all about her. When she straight.
ened she took step backward and
called: "Ho. Freckles. the Bird WO-
man wants that natural history pam
phlct returned. 1t belongs to set she
Is going to have bound"
Then the angel shot a parting glance
Mt Jack. and she was bewitchingly
lovely.
"You won't forget that ride and the
red tie." she half asserted. half ques-
toned.
Jack lost his head entirely. Free
kles was his captive. but he was the
angels. soul and body. With head
held well up the angel walked slowly
away. and Jack wheeled on the men.
drop your staring and saw wood"
he shouted. Don't you know any
thing at all about how to treat a
lady?"
The men muttered and threatened
among themselves. but they fell to
working with vengeance.
Freckles sat down on one Of his
benches and waited. In their haste to
get the tree down and loaded so that
the teamsters could start with 1t and
leave them free to attack another
they had forgotten to rebind him.
The angel was on the trail and safe
ly started.
Freckles wondered what she would
say to the Bird Woman and how long
NNVm
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25

they came up. She stopped at Dun
cans cabin long enough to get out the
wrench and lower the saddle. telling
Mrs. Duncan the while what was hap
pening and that she must follow the
east trail until she found the Bird
Woman to tell her she had gone for
Mclean and to leave the swamp as
quickly as possible.
The angel saw Mrs. Duncan started
and then flew.
Those awful miles Of corduroy!
Would they never end? The bushes
claimed her hat. and she did not stop
for 1t.
At last she lifted her head. Surely
1t could not be more than mile now.
She had covered two Of corduroy and
It least three of pike, and It was only
six In all. She was reeling In the
saddle. but she gripped the bars with
new energy and raced desperately.
The sun blistered down on her bare
head and hands. Just when she was
choking with dust and almost pros
trate with heat aud exhaustion-crash.
she ran into q broken bottle. Snap!
went the tire. The wheel swerved
and pitched over. The tired angel
rolled into the thick yellow dust Of
the road and lay still.
From afar Duncan began to notice
strange. dust covered object in the
road as he headed for town with the
first load Of the days Telling. As he
neared the angel he saw 1t was q wo-
man and broken wheel. Many Of
the farmers daughters rode wheels,
but this face was strangers. He
glanced at the angels tumbled cloth
ing. the sickness Of her hair. with
its pale satin ribbon, and noticed that
she had lost her hat. His lips tight.
ened In an ominous Quiver. BE left
her and picked up the wheel. As be
had surmised. he knew II. This, then.
was Freckles' Swamp Angel.
There was trouble in the Limber-
lost. and she had broken down in rae.
Ing for Mclean. -. - hurried to
the nearest farmhouse Ia srud help to
the angel Then he put the bay to
speed and raced for camp.
The angel. left alone. lay still for
second. then she shivered and opened
her eyes.
"Oh. poor Freckles". she walled.
"They may b. killing him by now.
o.. how much time have wastedT
She hurried to the bay Duncan had
embarrassed, snatched blacksnake
whip that lay on the ground. caught
the names stretched along the horses
neck, and. for the first time. the fine.
big fellow felt on his back the quality
of the lash that Duncan was sccus.
toned to crack over him.
At the south camp they were load
ing a second wagon when the angel
thundered up on one Of Dunran's
bays. lathered and dripping. and cried:
Everybody go to Freckles! There
are thieves stealing trees. and they
have him bound. They're going to kill
himw
She wheeled the horse and headed
f.r the Limberlost. The alarm sound
ed over camp. Mclean sprang to Mel
lies back and raced after the angel.
As they passed Duncan he wheeled
and followed. Soon the pike was an
irregular procession Of barebacked
riders. wildly driving dying horses
toward the swamp.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25

no proof. SO all he could do was to
discharge the man. though his guilt
was 20 apparent that he himself Of
fered to withdraw the wager.
Their Mclean sent for q pack Of
bloodhounds and put them on the trail
Of Black Jack. They clung to 1t, on
and on, into the depths Of the swamp.
leading their followers through what
had been considered impossible and
impenetrable ways. and, nnally,
around near to the west entrance and
out into the swale. Here the dogs
beloved, raved and fell over each
other in their excitement. They raced
back and forth from swamp to swale,
but follow the scent farther they
would not, even though cruelty driven.
At last their owner attributed their
actions to snakes, and. as they were
very valuable dogs, gave over the ef-
fort to urge them on. So that all they
really established was the fact that
Black Jack had eluded their vigilance
and crossed the trail some time in the
night. He had escaped to the swale.
from which he probably crossed the
corduroy and. reaching the lower end
Of the swamp, had found friends.
For Freckles. with Jacks fearful
oath ringing In his ears. there was
neither rest nor peace. He was al
most Ill when he saw the Bird Woman
and the angel coming down the cor
durOy. The guards Of the east line
he left ut their customary places. but
those Of the west he brought over and
placed one near Little Chickens tree
and the other ut the carriage. He was
firm about the angels remaining In
the carriage. which he did not offer to
have unhitched. He went with the
Bird Woman for the picture. which
was the easiest matter 1t had been at
any time yet for the simple reason
that the placing Of the guards and the
unusual movement about the swamp
had made Mr.. and Mrs. Chicken nerv
Gus, and they had lot carried Little
Chicken the customary amount Of
food. Freckles. In the anxiety Of tho
last few days. had neglected him.
When the Bird Woman proposed to
look for other subjects about the line
Freckles went so far as to tell her
that Jack had made fearful threats
against the angel. He implored Ser
to take the angel home and keep
her under unceasing guard until Jack
was located. He let her 60. and then
blame,! himself 6ercely that he had
done SO.
Mclean" said Mrs. Duncan. as the
boss paused to greet her In passing
the cabin. do you know that Freckles
hasna been In bed the last five nights
and all he's eaten In that many days
ye could pack into pint cup"
"Why. what does the boy meanT
demanded Mclean. There's no ne
cessity for his being on guard with
the watch I've set on the line. l had
no idea he was staying down there"
Hes no there" said Mrs. Duncan.
"He goes somewhere else. He leaves
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
Causes of Small Crops.

At every harvest season there is grea:
complaint that the crops have given only
a light yield, and in many instances the
returns are 80 small that the complaints
are fully justified. This Is always an
unfortunate but it Is seldom necessary
condition, for, except in extremely un-
favorable seasons, 1t Is due to some error
in management. Its causes are prevent
able. They have to do with the soil, the
seed and the care of the plants.
Iu many cases the soil is lacking In
available plantifood and;the deficiency ia
not made good by the addition Of manure
as fertilizer. The crops cannot reach
their normal proportions because they
are partly starved. Perhaps in an equal
number of cases the ground is not prop
erly prepared for planting. Not few
fields need draining to put them in even
passable condition for the production OF
crops, and in great many cases the
ploughing is not done as we'll as 1t
should he and the flung Of the surface
soil by narrowing is slighted. Conse-
quently the seed Is put into ground that
is not properly fitted to receive it. Then
it starts slowly, and as 1t is difficult for the
rootlets to pass through the ground in
search of food the plants cannot make a
rapid growth after they have started.
But important as is a careful prepara-
ton of the ground the quality of the
seed that is put into 1t is of still greater
moment. The seed of which a large
percentage will grow will give q heavier
yield on poorly prepared ground than
can be obtained from seed which Is OF a
low vitality, even If it is put into
ground that is In the best possible con-
dition. Not only this, but the good seed
will stock the ground 80 we'll that there
will not be room for weeds. Yet high
degree of vitality is not the only require
ment for good seed; the variety which it
represents must be good and the seed
must be from a prolific strain OF the
variety that is chosen.
Good soil and good seed will do a
great deal but there is still another
essential to the prevention OF small
crops. This Is the cultivation of the
growing plants. Often this receives only
scant a. tention. The cultivator is run
between the rows only twice, or at most
three times during the season, and great
or effort is made to do the work quickly
than there is to do it we'll. As result
the soil is not properly pulverizsd and
much of the plant food which it con-
tains remains locked in the ground.
insufficient cultivation also permits the
growth of weeds which rob the plants OF
food and moisture, and thus increase its
efficiency as a cause Of small crops
Elliot.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25

Il would take them to pack and get
started. He knew now that they
would understand and the angel
would try to get the boss there IN
time to save his wager. She could
never do It, for the saw was over half
through and Jack and Wessner cut.
ting into the opposite side OF the tree.
1t looked as IL they could get ut least
that tree out before Mclean could
come.
When 1t was down would they re-
bind him and leave him for Wessner
TO wreak his insane vengeance on, or
would they take him along to the
next tree and dispose Of him when
they had stolen all the timber they
could? Jack had said that he should
not be touched until he left. Surely
he would not run all that risk for one
tree when he had many others OF far
greater value marked.
Once Jack came over to Freckles
and asked II he had any water.
Freckles rose and showed him where
he kent his drinking water. Jack
drank In great gulps, and as he pass
ed the bucket back he said: when a
mans got chance Of catching fine
girl like that he ought not to be mix
ed up in any dirty business. wish
was out Of this"
Freckles answered heartily. II wish
I was too
Jack stared at him minute and
then broke Into roar Of rough laugh
ter.
"Blest II blame you" he said.
But you had your chance. We oner'
ed you a fair thing. and you gave
Wessner his answer. I amt envying
you when he gives you his"
you're six to one" answered Free
kles. "lt will be easy enough for you
to be killing the body Of me, but,
curse you all. you can't blacken me
soul!"
"Id give anything you could name
IL I had your honesty" said JACK.
When the mighty tree fell the Linz
berlost shivered and screamed with
the echo. Freckles groaned In despair
but the gang took heart. That was
80 much accomplished. Now, II they
could get 1t out quickly they knew
where to dispose Of 1t safely with no
questions asked. Before the day was
over they could remove three others
worth far more than this.
On the line. the angel gave one
backward glance Mt Black Jack to see
that be had returned to his work.
Then she gathered her skirts above
her knees and leaped forward on the
run. In the first three yards she
passed Freckles' wheel. Instantly she
imagined that was why be had Insist
ed on her coming by the trail. She
seized 1t and sprang on. The saddle
was too high. but she was an expert
EidAr end could catch thA Rsdl]a n
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
To Further Cooperative Organization
STATEWIDE FARMERS INSTITUTE TO BE
HELD AT BANGOR.
MAINE
DEPARTMENT OF AGRIcULTURE.

| MAINE
DEPARTMENT OF A6RIcULTURE.
AUGUSTA, June II, 1912.
The movement started by this depart
ment at the beginning of the farmers
institute meetings last fall, to bring to-
gether the producers of the state into
solid business units, has grown and
spread beyond our expectations. There
are now ten farmers associations located
in the most important producing centers.
These organizations are independent,
one of the other, and while they will uu-
doubtedly continue to act independent
locally, they must combine to sell the
product and buy the supplies, such as
fertilizer, etc.
As fitting ending to the work of this
department to bring about better con-
ditions financially on the farm, arrange
ments have been made to hold a state
wide farmers institute at Bangor City
Hall, June 2S, 1912, the meeting to be
called to order at 10 o'clock a. N. Hon.
Chas. w. Mullen, Mayor of Bangor, will
deliver an address of welcome, and ad-
dresses will be given by Mr.. Arthur
Chaplin, president of the Bangor Chamber
of Commerce, Mr.. w. A. Hennessy, secre-
tary of the Chamber of Commerce, Mr..
C. E. Embree, sales manager OF the Long
Island Potato Exchange, and Mr.. W. I.
Guptill, state dairy instructor. Other
speakers who are in touch with the CO.
operative work, not only in theory but
in practice will also address the meeting
At the close of this meeting there will
be held joint meeting composed OF the
executive boards of the ten organizations
for the purpose of discussing and formu-
lating plans for future action.
As to the interest the producers have
in this movement on their behalf, 1t will
be demonstrated in the size of the meet
ing. If there is large gathering the
managements of the various organiza-
tions will be encouraged to push the
work on a large scale, while on the other
hand, If there is small attendance the
effect would naturally be depressing.
Without the influence OF the grange no
such success would attend our efforts,
and we ask that this great organization
come to our aid in making this state
meeting the largest gathering of farmers
that ever came together to better farm
conditions in Maine.
The Bangor and Aroostook and Maine
Central Railroads. have kindly given us
reduced rates from all stations on their
roads, and Mayor Mullen and the men,
bers of the Bangor Chamber of Com
merce will render all assistance to make
this meeting grand success.
j. p. BUCKLEY,
Commissioner of Apricnlture
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
(ro BE coNTINUED.l
Wo.s Of the Promptsr.

In the production Of play there Is
an important person who Is never seen
and should not he heard BY the audi
ence. and yet he may speak more lines
than the principal actor It II the
prompter. Here Is description OF
q prompters labors. written BY one OF
the genus:
II, as prompter. had been kept very
busy throughout the piece. In addi-
don to keeping the actors on their lines
Il was my duty to make all the outside
noises. I had screamed 'Helpr ! had
shouted XIII himr had dropped
planks to cover up deficient pistol re-
ports. had thundered. hailed. rained.
sung like d woman. marched like an
army and howled like an infuriated
rabbls inflated BY drink. The lart
straw came when the hero. supposed
to be pursued by hounds. sidled to the
wings and hissed:
"'Bark. you fool, bark! Why don't
you bark. you idiotr" ~ Cincinnati
Commercial Tribune
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25


FELL OvER EACH OTHER
on his wheel juist after we're abed
and rides In about cock crow or
little earlier, and he's looking Ike
death and nothing short Of It."
But, where does he goT asked Nc
Lean IN astonishment.
"I'm no given to bearing tales out
Of school," said Sarah Duncan, but
In this case I'd tell ye II could.
What the trouble Is dInna ken. II It
is no stopped he's I'm for dreadful SICK
ness, and l thought ye could find out
and help hin. He's In sair trouble;
that's all l know"
Mclean sat brooding as he stroked
Nellie's neck.
At last he said: II suspect under
stand. At any rate. think can 1nd
ont. Thank you for telling me-"
"Ye'n no need telling once ye clap
your eyes on him." prophesied Mrs.
Duncan. Ills face Is all glist'ny
yellow and he's peaked as a starving
Gagged bird"
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25

No other one factor In the study OF
farming ID 80 profitable a. the study OF
the met h0ds Of successful farmers, pro-
yiding this experience is correctly Inter-
preted. But experience has . wide aP-
plication In general way and 10 most
valuable uuder local and moro or less
similar conditions.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25

Too much care cannot be taken with
soiled eggs. Wash them as soon as they
are brought In. Don't wait until you
are taking them up to take to market.
The thin egg shells absorb the dirt and
carry IL through to the white and yOlk.
The egg 10 the cleanest article Of diet
when it Ia clean but the shell is porous.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
SOCIALIST.
United States Senator
Fred A. Manter, Skowhegan,
Candidates for Representative to the
Legislature nominated In the county are
as follows:
REPUBLICAN

REPUBLICAN
Walter g. Morse, Rumford.
George L. Wilder, Oxford.
Alton G. Wheeler, Paris.
Otis N. Richardson, Canton.
Almon r. johnson, Brownheld.
Ernest c. Bowler, Bethel.
Nathan G. Foster, Mexico.
DEMOCRATIC
Ernest Lester Cowan, Rumford.
Samuel Il. Eaton, Oxford.
John s. Brown, Paris.
Converse s. Childs, Buckheld.
Burton w. Goodwin, Mexico.
William P. Brooks, Brownfield.
Fred Lee Edwards, Bethel.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
No. Even . One Center

Ella-He sticks like postage stamp
but he isn't worth q cent stei'a =
Then he can't be like postage stamp
New York Press.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
er..k,... Food Li..r..urs.

-Rrowne-There's lots Of food Tor
thought in this magazine story.
Greene-Fuli of meat ehf Browne
No IT'S q serial.-Judge.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
REPUBLICAN,.

REPUBLICAN,.
United States Senator
Edwin C. Burleigh, Augusta, 81
Herbert NJ. Heath, Augusta, 11C
Frederick A. Powers, HoultOn, &c
Governor
Frederic E. Boothby, Portland, 25
William T. Haines, Waterville, 104
Albert q. Shaw, Bath, Al
State Auditor
Timothy F. Callahan, Lewiston, 152
Congress, 2nd District
William B. Skelton, Lewiston, 161
Senator
Albert ]. Stearns, Norway, 16l
C. Everett Stuart, Hiram, !
C. Guy Buck, Paris,
County Attorney
Frederick R. Dyer, Buck6eld, 162
Judge of Probate
Addison E. Herrick, Bethel, 16O
Luther B. Dana, Portland, l
Register of Probate
Albert D. Park, Paris, 159
F. Taylor, Paris,
Sheriff
j. Melvin Bartlett, Stoneham, 1873
Harry D. Cole, Paris, 4
W. o. rockingham, Paris, 3
County missioner
Wellington H. Eastman, Sumner, 156
County Treasurer
George NJ. Atwood, Paris, 166
George q. Clifford, Paris, l
L. s. Sessions, Paris, l
Representative to the Legislature
Alton C. Wheeler, Paris, 1856
John S. Brown, Paris, 2
James S. Wright, Paris, j
DEMOCRATIC.
United States Senator
Obadiah Gardner, Rockland, ~
Governor -.
Frederick W. Plaisted, Augusta, 80
VIM. T. Haines, Waterville,
State Auditor
Lamont A. Stevens, Wells, 20
Congress, End District
Daniel j. McGillicuddy, Lewiston, 81
Senator
j. Everett Stuart, Hiram, 80
County Attorney
Albert Beliveau, Rumford, 2S
Judge of Probate
Thomas S. Bridgham, Buckfield, 81
Register of Probate
William A. Lewis, Norway, 81
Sheriff =.
William o. rockingham, Paris, SO
County Commissioners
Richmond L. Melcher, Rumford, 81
County Treasurer -.
Howard D. Smith, Norway, 81
Representative to Legislature
John s. Brown, Paris, ~
Samuel d. Eaton, Oxford, !
Alphonzo s. Fuller, Oxford, l
SOCIALIST.
United States Senator
Fred A. Manter, Skowhegan,
Governor
George Allan England, Woodstock, q
State Auditor
Il. Jacob P. Enemark, Portland, 2
Congressman:
Cd District
Walter R. Barlow, Bath, 3
For Register of Deeds in the Western
District, Dean A. Ballard Of Fryeburg
received the Republican nomination, and
William Gordon OF Fryeburg the Demo
cratic nomination, theirs being the only
names printed on the ballot.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25

Opportunity b Ike . pitched ball.
The time to hit It b before It passes
the plats.-Youth's Companion. {.
Oxford Democrat. [volume] (Paris, Me.) 1833-1933, 1912-06-25
RIaht 10 He Line

Mistress Why. Nosah. what are you
doing on that policsman's knssf Norsh
sure. mgm. hes a-esst1n' msr-Lop'
don T1t.RHA