davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Planting for Best Results.

The perfection Of planting consists
in placing the tree roots in connection
with the soil as nearly as possible in
the same direction as that in which
they were before removal and but
slightly-one or two inches-deeper
than the tree stood in the nursery.
If the season is very dry 1t will be
good plan to give each tree bucket
full or two Of water when nearly done
planting.
Planting should not be done too
early-not before the leaves will come
off easily. They must In no case be
left on the trees, even for an hour or
two after digging, as they carry off
moisture rapidly, and the trees would
soon be wilted to certain extent;
and to strip off the leaves by hand
before their office is completed is not
a good plan. The planting may con-
tinue as long as the soil works we'll
Gs not wet and sticky and the ground
not too hard.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Note. OF the Orchard.

The size Of an apple can be in
fiuenced to quite a large degree by
picking.
Pears and apples keep better If
picked little green. Some pears rot
from the core outward if allowed to
ripen on the tree.
Pillow the garden this fall and see
how it goes to be able to work the
soil which. in the early spring, had
this fall blowing.
Trees set out in the fall do better
when the winter is moderate, as the
ground is drier and the trees make a
greater growth the next season.
The fruit that brings the top price
is first-class fruit that reaches the
market in as good condition as it
leaves the orchard and packed in a
neat and attractive manner.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30

The sow, In order to produce q
large, healthy litter, should pc IN the
best possible condition. After she has
been bred, careful feeding and man
agement are necessary to develop sue
cessfully the litter she lie to produce.
It is we'll to keep a record of the date
on which the sow was bred. In order
to know approximately when the
Youngsters are about to arrive. The
CESSATION period Of pigs is 112 to lis
days. 1t is good policy to be on hand
in case the sow needs help, but she
need not be helped If she Is getting
along we'll. e
When the pigs are born during
warm weather they are less liable to
b,come chilled and will generally find
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
A Good Pig-wesning Trough Used At BeltsvilIe Md.

When tho afterbirth IL passed it
should be removed from tho pen at
once and buried or burned. There Is
good reason to believe that eating the
afterbirth is often the beginning Of
the habit Of eating pigs.
Great care must be taken to feed
the sow properly. If she is not being
properly fed the little pigs will show
it. If the pigs follow the SOW around
very much and pull at her teats, it Is
good sign that she is not giving
enough milk. and more feed should be
given to stimulate milk flow. When
sow is overfed. causing heavy milk
flow, securing is. generally produced
In the pigs. II this happens, cut down
the sows feed Immediately. Give the
sow Is to 20 grains Of sulphate OF
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Farmers Profits.

It Is susceptible Of proof that agri-
culture yields larger returns on the
capital employed and the energy ex-
pended than any other great division
Of human activity. 1t Is self-evident
that the individuality OF the farmer Is
less hampered than that OF the clerk
who is one Of q large office force or
the workman who Is but one cog in the
human machinery of some great in
dustrial plant.
1t is clear that, in most cases, the
blame for Improbable farming lies
at the doors of the farmers them
selves. It is seldom that a farmer
employs the care and intelligence of
tho manufacturer. or even of the
small merchant, in figuring costs, in
stopping waste, in striving for quality
rather than quantity, and in keeping
we'll informed regarding modern bust
ness methods.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30

their way to the teats unaided. In
extremely cold weather the pigs will
be in danger of being chilled unless
the hog house is heated. To remedy
this, place few heated bricks in the
bottom Of basket or small box,
cover them with chaff or straw, and
put a cloth over the top to keep In
the heat: unless the SOW objects too
seriously the pigs may be rubbed dry
with soft cloth and placed in the
receptacle as fast as they arrive. If
any Of the little pigs appear to be
lifeless when they are born, first see
that all mucus is removed from the
nose, then give the pig few gentle
slaps on the side with the hand. This
will start the pig breathing II there
is any life in the body. Give 1t q
suck of the sow's milk and place 1t
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30

fPgaH
ngandF GvenC

beneficial. It will aid wonderfully In
putting growth on the young pigs,
and the grain expense will be less-
ened. After litter Of pigs has been
weaned and are eating well, the most
difficult part OF their care 10 over
The feeding and management from
then on will depend much upon
whether they are to be kept for breed
ing or fattened for the market.
Young pigs, just after they are
taken away from their dam. should be
given their feed in such manner that
each individual pig gets its share.
The simplest way to accomplish this
is to allow the pigs to cat from a
properly constructed feed trough; one
that will keep the pigs out Of the
feed and will lessen the possibility Of
crowding.
weaving trough is used with good
results on the Government Expert
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Detailed Plan of Construction of Trough.

ment Farm at Beltsville.. Md. This
trough is large enough to hold a
quantity Of slop sufficient to feed 20
weanling pigs Weighing approximately
35 pounds. It Is only 8 inches deep,
thus enabling the pigs to get at their
feed very conveniently. The construc-
ton of the ridge pole together with
the partition pieces makes it inn
possible for the pigs to get into the
trough with their feet. 1t is a very
simple matter to keep the trough
clean, as there is plenty of room for
one to work conveniently with a
scrubbing brush on the inside of the
trough. Water applied freely, to-
gether with a vigorous scrubbing, will
keep the trough clean and sanitary.
The trough Is z feet inches in length
and weighs only 43 pounds. making
1t very convenient for one man to
handle. This trough, constructed as
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
The Estimated Cost
Of State Road;

Thu cost of road is dependent
upon not only the type Of construction
but the amount and character OF
grading to be done, the cost Of labor
and materials, the width and thick
ness of surfacing, the character and
amount of drainage required. and
other factors of equal variability.
Based upon general averages, 1t has
been ascertained by highway special
lists Of the department that under
average conditions macadam roads
can be built in southern states at from
at from $500 to $4,000 per mile, and
sand-clay and topsoil roads at from
$500 to $500 per mile. In New Eng
land and the other eastern states
macadam roads are reported at from
Sc, 900 to $4,000 per mile, gravel roads
at from $4,000 to $1,000, and btu
minous macadam from $4,000 to
$4,000, according to the character
of construction, whether surface
treated, penetration, or mixing
method. The bituminous type is quite
general in the eastern states. As
indicating costs In other sections Of
country, the state highway commits
stoner of~Michigan reported that in
1913 the average cost for macadam
roads was $4,000 per mile, clay gravel
roads $500 per mile, and concrete
roads about $4,000 per mile. The
average cost Of state highways con-
structed in Ohio two years ago was
1888. According to types, in 1912
the brick paved highways averaged
$14,650, per mile and the macadam
highways $3.50. In California the
first $50 miles Of tho state system OF
highways cost an average Of sS,143
per mile and consisted principally OF
thin concrete with q thin coat OF
bitumen. The maximum and mini
mum figures given are not absolute,
but are intended to present the usual
range Of costs. The rates given in
clude grading, drainage, surfacing, and
engineering costs.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Silage

An experiment conducted at the
Kansas Experiment Station shows
that silage reduces the cost of pro-
ducing butterfat from 80 cents to Fl
cents The herds in this case werg'
Of sufficient size to give reliable dat
and eliminate the difference thI3
might occur between two cows. tn,
lot, which were fed silage gave ~
pounds more milk in the summeArN
s5.6 more in winter per month IN
the herd which were fed dry >fess
The butterfat was also increased b
AS In summer and 40 in winter. The,
difference in the cost OF feed was even
greater. The silage-fed cows saved
80 cents per month in the cost of faAd
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30

iron (copperas) In her slop morning
and evening, and if necessary increase
the dose until results have been OBJ
tanned.
1t is very necessary that the little
pigs have plenty Of exercise and all
the sunlight that can be given them.
# they do not get exercise, they Will
get fat and lazy and the usual result
is the "thumps'' This Is caused by
the fat getting so thick around the
heart and lungs'that the pigs find 1t
difficult to breathe. They will be no.
ticed heaving at the flank and gasping
for breath. The best way to prevent
this Is to avoid overlooking and make
the young pigs take plenty OF exercise,
When the pigs are about five weeks
old. they will begin to taste some OF
their mothers feed. Do not be IN
hurry to wean them. Eight weeks is
young enough to wean them, II there
is skim milk for them. OF course the
size and development has great deal
to do with their weaving age. If skim
milk Is not obtainable. 1t Is better to
let the pigs nurse the sow until ten
weeks old.
Skim milk and corn, or skim milk
and shorts fed in the proportion Of
to 1, make an excellent ration for
weanlings. If skim milk Is not avail
able, mixture Of parts corn meal,
parts middlings. and / part tank
age, fed as thin slop, is very good.
Good succulent pasture - always
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Success Requirements
in Dairying

Now that tho cost OF COW feed y
soaring sky high and tho dairyman Il
depending on the profit from his GOV
for his living 1t 10 self-evident fa ~
that he must know what he Is thin,
ing about. One thing is certain, the
poor feeder to the poor COW Is not IN
the race and the sooner he gets ont
the better, even II he must hire oht
to work for the man who knows now
to do his own thinking
Under the strained circumstances q
these days, to succeed in dairy wore;
you must know how to think al
that means that you must have PIT
yourself through some process OF
training, either on your own hook "'
by proxy, that is. with the help
school or working for some pract
dairyman. 1t does not matter at
how you get your information. just
you get 1t, but to begin dafrying with
out 1t Is as hopeless as to Jump mi )
deep river without knowing how 10
swim.
For instance, you should knew that
there is vast difference so far as
the profit in dairying Is concerned be
tween raising your own cow feed ar-t
buying it from the store. There
also great difference between fer
ing big ration to good COW =
poor cow The good cow has j
magic gift Of turning whatever
eats into dairy products while
poor dairy COW Is one that has
latent power in her makeup that :
of NJ nc
She may make it into beef or we IL.
many of them that do not seem u
have any objec. life except only
to live and eat. There are altoge'h :
too many of that kind of cows eati !;
their heads off in all the dairies NJ
the wonder is how the average dairN.
man can have the patience to keep
them going.
To keep out Of this class Of dairr
men you must brush up your bra n
power. Learn to read and TO study,
If you are young then there is no es-
cuse for you to be afraid cf books.
All young people must make the.
selves familiar with the hooks t. Z.
relate to the business they or !.
to follow In life, and especia ~ }.
dairyman in these days. If "cft ma.
too lazy or Indifferent to r>a! |
study then let me tell you taet -
try to make q dairyman Of 'oa1' :
will simply be waste Of tire :
you had better use in worssi.3g |.
some other man who IS not afrs |
to use his brains to the best a.
vantage.
Herein lies the difference, betw e \
an up-to-date man and back MI Z.
Der - between the bright, ene- e.
man and the slow coach who la
desire to be abreast with the t: Z
For instance, the earnest young M !
who desires to learn dairying viii .
doing the ordinary farm <work-h y
easy Cor him to grapple with The M t
Important Of all dairy work in pr
ducing the economical dairy rata
from the crops Of the farm. Let ri !,
figure that out and his dairy educa-
ton is half learned.-C, S. Miller.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30

its family tho prairie chicken Is very
prt ,ific, and If adequately protected
would soon become numerous In Its
old haunts. The bird is easily do
mesticated hence is eminently suited
for propagation on preserves. AS the
increase Of game in this manner Is
tho only way to preserve 1t indefinitely
and at ths same time allow hunting,
the plan should be actively put into
operation by those most interested in
tho preservation Of game-the sports
men.
The prairie chicken Is valuable not
only as game. but as an efficient de-
stroyer Of farm pests. and any farmer
would profit by having these birds
reared on his place. Almost IS per
cent Of the birds food consists OF
weed seeds, including those Of such
pests as foxtail grass. smartweeds,
and ragweed. The prairie chicken
eats a great deal Of grain. but takes
most Of IT from stubble. The bird Is
fond Of such mast as hazelnuts and
acorns. Nearly Is per cent Of the
birds food consists Of insects, the
bulk of them being grasshoppers.
Among other pests eaten by this
species are the Colorado potato beetle.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Feeding During Noting limo

Hens should be fed literally during
the melting season. Partially starving
the hens to make them lose as far
as possible all their feathers at one
time, thus straining the vitality Of the
fowls to provide entire new growths
Of feathers SO quickly. is not good
practice.
The method may be good when fol-
lowed by an expert, but ordinarily it
Injuries the flock. AS rule, a reason
ably long melting period, during which
time the birds are we'll cared for, pro-
duces the best results. Sunflower
seed, oil meal and other oily feeds fed
during the melting season aid in the
growth of feathers.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30

cheaply and as durably as possible, Is
sufficiently strong so that the pigs can
not break 1t to pieces.
Lumber seven-eighths inch thick Is
used IN constructing the trough, with
the exception Of the floor and ridge
pole. The floor Is made from 1-inch
stun, while tho ridge pole can be
made from a piece of lumber In
ches square dressed.
The following bill Of material Is
necessary, to construct the weaving
trough:
One piece l inch by l foot by IL
Feet for the floor and ends. The end
pieces can be dressed down to seven
eighths inch.
Ono piece seven eighths by in
ches by 1s feet for the two sides.
One piece 2 inches square by 8
feet. dressed, for the ridgepole
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
How to Build
Concrete Tanks

Careful selection Of sand and
gravel IL the first necessity In the con-
struction OF a concrete water tank for
the farm" says T. r. Sewall, of the
Northwest School of Agriculture at
Crookston. Sand should be clean and
sharp, containing not more than three
or four per cent Of clay. If it contains
more clay 1t should be washed. Gravel
should also be clean and not more
than three-fourths of an inch in diam
eter for small tanks or one inch for
large tanks. good mixture for tanks
raay be made of one part of Portland
cement; two parts Of clean, coarse
sand; and three parts Of screened
gravel
The cement, sand, and gravel
should be thoroughly mixed dry by
turning with shovel or hoe. Water
should then be added, a little. at a
time, until the moisture is mushy but
not sloppy. II too much water is used
and the forms are not tight, part of
the cement will leak out with the
water and the concrete will be weak
ened.
In making a large tank, or one
that is going to be moved from place
to place, q reinforcing OF iron rods or
wire mesh is required. though old
wagon tires or pieces Of scrap iron are
often used. It Is important that the
wall reinforcing be made continuous
around the corners.
The tank, II a large one. should
rest on its own foundation and have
q concrete floor surrounding It, This
floor will keep the tank more sanitary
and also keep the water, spilled by
!. the cattle, from undermining the tank.
The tank may be cast upside down
~ Mt, using wooden core, and an out
o il.ue form. The outside form is made
light up and down, while the inside
hed, is made wider at the top than the
y }5m. Then If the water should
aNeeke in the tank the ice will slide up
the isloping sides and be less likely
to crack them"
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30

One piece even-eighths by IN in
ts.es by Is feet for the partition pieces.
Total number Of board feet. 20.
Thirty-six screws OK inches. No.
% to fasten the PARTON pieces.
Fifty-two nails 6 penny; IA used
to fasten each end piece to the ridge
pole sides and bottom; IL used to
fasten each side piece to the floor of
the trough.
A weaving trough constructed like
the one described in this article will
aid each pig to get his share Of feed
and will also insure comfort to the
pigs while eating. A feeder can
handle well-built trough and carry 1t
from place to place much moro easily
than he can a clumsy, poorly con-
structed one.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30

In the receptacleNdescribed. The pigs
will not suffer If they do not suck for
a few minutes after narrowing.
Before placing the pigs with the
SOW, cut out the eight small tusk-like
teeth. There are four Of these on
each Jaw in the rear Of the mouth.
These teeth are very sharp, and II
left in the pigs mouth they will likely
cause tearing Of the sow's udder, and
the little pigs cut one another's
mouths while fighting for a teat.
These teeth can be removed with bone
forceps, wire nippers, or knife.
Never pull out the teeth. Always cut
or break them off. After this opera
tion place the pigs with the sow. care
being taken that each one gets to a
teat.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Woman's Experience
With Bronze Turkeys

Bronze turkeys have given me the
best results and are raised most ex-
clusively here. They will grow the
largest in the shortest time. They ma
ture early, are more hardy and domes-
tic IN their habits than other breeds.
To be profitable turkeys require much
care and attention when young and
should be kept from other fowls.
Young turkey hens lay more eggs
and generally hatch more OF them
than older hens, but the gobblers
should be two years old and of en-
tirely different blood. To have thrifty
young poults. the tom should be
changed every year, always using
Thoroughbred. When my hens begin
to lay, I keep them confined In boxes.
having a box for each hen, have the
hens marked with different colored
strings, always putting the same hen
In the same box. After a weeks
time, each hen will have become ac-
customed to her, box and will go
there each day to lay. In this way l
I, co not lose any eggs.
gather the eggs each evening and
keep them side by side In fiat boxes,
in a cool place, as it is important that
they do not become chilled. About
40 degrees is right It Is also quite
important that they be turned three
times week. Eggs so kept will hatch
If five weeks old, and In that time a
large number can be occurred and per-
haps there will be three or four tur-
key hens wanting to sit. If one should
get broody before the rest, let her sit
awhile, even a week. until there are
others with the same notion.
1 always set as many eggs as pos
sible, at one time. If I have moro
eggs on hand than the turkeys can
cover, putting IS under each hen, I
put the rest under chicken hens. Each
hen can cover IL eggs. I try to have
my flock all Matched at once, as 1t
lessons the trouble in feeding. OF
course there will be some hens still |
laying. In this case, save the eggs
until you have a large number; then
proceed as before. Each hen will be-
gin sitting in her box, which Is con-
structed without a bottom, as the
moisture from the ground will insure
a good hatch. Have in the nest a
plenty of straw or hay to keep the
eggs from rolling out and getting
chilled.
Keep the boxes fastened at all
times, that the hens may not be dis
turbed, except about an hour in the
afternoon. Then when the hon comes
off for food. It is we'll to guard the
nest from dogs or chickens. Sprinkle
sulphur in the nest and on the hen {
every week, to kill lice. During the /,
last week Of sitting. sprinkle the eggs |
three times with warm water. When 6
1t is possible, examine the nest while
and remove the Shells When
all have Matched, the same box may
be used for coop, II 1t Is a large
one. It Is mystery to me more ,
people do not raise turkeys. They {
are mortgage nfters If handled cor ,
Warnock, Mo.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Runled Grouse.
Ensilage for Lambs

Lambs that are being fattened need
some kind Of succulent food, and for
this purpose corn-ensilage is good
substitute for roots. The expense of
growing, and the additional labor re-
quired in caring for them, make the
growing Of root crops Improbable for
many of the flock owners, especially
when ensilage can be produced more
easily and for less cost per ton.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30

Take a hand IN politics. Get next
to what the politicians are doing and
learn in advance who Is likely to be
nominated for town and county OFF,
GERS. If there is bad man in the
lot turn out and help to beat him.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Paint

A dwelling that is kept painted and
repaired and surrounded by well-kept
lawns neat. substantial fences, nice
dry, well arranged walks and neat
flower beds is a pleasant sight to look
upon, and indicates that the owner Is
living for the sake Of enjoying life
ard not working his life away for the
mere purpose of boarding few dol
lars.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Fertilizing Potatoes

II fresh manure is to be used, II
SHOULD be applied the fall before, but
we'll rotted manure may be applied in
the spring. Lime should not be APP
piled directly before the potato crop.
Experiments indicate that sulphate Of
potash produces a better quality Of
crop than the muriate. Potatoes
which have greater value per acre
than other crops will respond profit
obly to heavier applications of fer
tilizers than will other crops.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
Destroy the White Grub

Damage from white grubs in 1912
was estimated at $12,O00,000. It bids
fair to be greater next year and in
l917-191s. unless extra efforts are put
forth to get rid Of the grubs now and
next spring. Three means Of keeping
them in check are suggested: Pillow
in the autumn, destroy May beetles in
the spring, rotate crops.
Ottumwa tri-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1903-1916, 1915-11-30
P1ant Trees

There is nothing better on the farm
lawn than native trees. They thrive
admirably. and In every community
there are those well worth attentlon.
The maple in some form Is Wioeiy
disseminated. Its leaf Is graceful IN
outline, the flowers and fruit are
dainty, and the tree is charming IN 1ts
autumn dress.