davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
UTILIZING PECAN-ORCHARD GROUND
BY w. n. HUT.

unoroken turf, and, from my expert.
ence. am very sure that this IL not
the condition conducive to large yields
or nuts. Professor Van Deman saya
nature plants groves, but man plant
orchards"
Where maintenance crops are
grown in pecan orchard, Judgment
should be exercised in not allowing
the rows to encroach too closely on
the trees, thus robbing them OF plant
food and moisture II this Ia done.
valuable time will be lost in gettinx
the trees into bearing. Maintenance
or cover crops should not be allowed
to grow nearer than feet to the tree
row. and of course no crop of any
kind should be planted in the tree roo
itself.
good farmer who recently, at my
solicitation, set out a pecan orchard
asked me one day to look at his treea,
because they did not seem to be doing
well. When I drove with him to his
place l had difficulty in finding his orr
chard, for the place on which he had
planted it was now q solid field Of tail.
waving corn. which looked - II it
would produce 100 bushels to the anre.
could not at first see q single pecan
Tree. but after locating the corn row
In which the trees were set was ablt
to find a number of dead ones and
some very small. living but discour-
aged-looking trees. They would have
had more chance Of survival In tho
struggle in their native forest than *
that jungle Of corn. The field Wa
planted solid with corn, there bsins
just one hill left out where ths pecan
tree stood. The trees we're cultivated
and intensely 30. but what chance haS;
they Of surviving. much less Of maxi
ing satisfactory growth I believe
that when Euclid, the mathematician
Of antiquity. said, 1T Is impossible tt
have two things In tho same space at
the same time" he was thinking espe-
cially of corn crop in q pecan or
chard. Corn is too tall q plant and
too gross a feeder to be used success
fully as a cover crop in any kind Of ~
orchard unless 1t 10 kept at reason J,
able distance from the trees. n
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
WHEN THE BOYS ARE INTERESTED

Inst as the organization OF sun
day-school is almost sure to result III
the formation of a church IN mere
tofore churchless neighborhood, so is
the organization of boys Corn
club" or Corn Contest" almost sure
10 result in the growth of cooperative
organizations among the farmers and
IN larger attendance at the Farmers
Institutes.
When the boy has been interested
In the work, the father Is sure to FOL-
low in his footsteps. Many times have
4 seen the boy prove father to the man
IN this work. While farmers insti-
:utes have failed to interest the farm
.r, his boys half-acre of corn has not;
and often he has felt a keener interest
n the contest than the boy has. He
las applauded the movement that
could lead his boy voluntarily to gath
or the manure about the farm and
haul it to the corn patch; he has ap-
preciated the interest on the boys
part tat has extended to other crops
of the farm: he has willingly taken
I his boy perhaps twenty or more miles
to the corn contest, and he has felt
just pride in tho efforts of his boy. IT
his so, has been the winner Of pre-
MUM. his pride and satisfaction have
overlooked; his neighbors have felt
the influence. and the movement has
grown in that district. Thus the good
influence has spread from son to faith
err: the best and most direct interests
of the farmer have been concerned.
and he has responded. Such d farmer
can never revert to the type that
knows 1t ALL" and that lives and la
bors apart from the world.
High records were made by the
state champions in boys and girls
club work last year. In the potato
club work IL State champions made
an average yield of 4S3.10 bushels per !
acre. at an average cost of $S2.35 and
an average profit of s242.S4
Four champions In kafir clubs made |
an average of IS bushels per acre, at
a cost OF 1886 and a profit of s34.19
In the home garden and canning
club work 10 State champions grew an
average of 2,0s1 pounds of vegetables /
per one-tenth acre, at an average cost /
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16

up trade in first-class ducks eggs
These eggs should be marketed fire.
quently. as they depreciate in quality
more rapidly than hens eggs. The
possibilities Of securing a market.
moreover, should be carefully investi-
gated, for it is only in certain places
that good prices can be, secured for
fancy ducks eggs.
On commercial duck farms most of
the Matching is done in incubators, for
the Pekin and Indian Runner rarely
sit. On farms where no incubator is
available, the eggs are usually Matched
under hens. The period of incubation
is week longer than that of hens
eggs, and. for this reason. the hen
must be we'll cared for. While ducks
are easier to brood artificially than
chickens, they My also be raised sue
cessfully under hens In the latter
case, it is better to confine the hens
and to allow the ducklings free range
Birds that are intended for sale as
green ducks, however, are not usually
allowed much range. but are fed heav-
lily and forced for rapid growth. The
breeders and brooding systems used
for chickens give good results in rear.
ing ducklings. although the latter do
not require as high temperature.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16

The number Of commercial duck
farms in the country is increasing
somewhat. it is said. but the produc-
ton of ducks on general farms is de-
creasing, especially in the Middle
West. The last census reports show
that ducks were kept on only 7.9 per
cent Of the farms in the country. The
demand for ducks eggs is more linn
tied than for hens eggs, and the de-
mand for table ducks at good prices is,
to great extent, confined to the large
cities and is not nearly as general as
the demand for chickens or fowls. For
this reason it is advisable to study the
market conditions before making any
large investment in ducks.
On the other hand, It is said that in
tensive duck farming on large scale
has been more successful than inten-
sive chicken raising. The Rekin ducks
which are kept extensively by COM
mercial growers are less subject to
disease than chickens, and artificial
methods Of Matching and rearing have
been used very successfully with them.
On general farms ducks can be raised
with success and at q profit. thu ugh as
a source Of income they do not appear
to be as well adapted to average farm
have rarely given the necessary care
to the feeding and markell. : OF their
ducklings to secure any large ssre Of
the trade in fancy green ducks.
1t is this trade which attracts I. :
commercial duck farmer. green
duck is a duckling which is grown
rapidly and marketed when from s to,
IL weeks old. weighing at that time
from Az to pounds. This rapid
growthSis made possible by an album
dance Of care and good feeding. The
highest prices are paid early in the
spring, but, as has already been said,
the demand Is chiefly from the large
cities in the East and on the Pacific
coast AS a matter of fact. many
farmers market their ducks in the fall
at lower price, per bird than green
ducks bring in the spring.
The Pekin breed of duck is kept al
most exclusively by producers of green
ducks. 1t is estimated that the cost of
raising 10-weeks-old Pekin duck is
from 5 { to cents pound. In the
wholesale market. when marketed
from April to November, they bring
between /. and 80 cents pound. The
cost of picking them is placed at from
5j'to cents each. but this Is pract.-
tally covered by the value of the
feathers. which bring from 40 to so
cents a pound when cured. Each
duck yields about ounces of market
able feathers. 3E3t.1 Is
Ducks may be fed on the rations
recommended foS fowl and chickens,
but better results are usually secured
by feeding more green and vegetable
feeds and larger proportion Of mash.
Ducklings do not need feed until they
are from "a to Sc hours old. After
this they should be fed for the first
week five times day: after that. four
times a day until they are or 3 weeks
old. and thereafter three times daily
until they are marketed. The first ra-
ton should consist of mixture which
contains equal parts by measure of
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
SHOW GOOD RESULTS.

That Kafir corn and milo maize
are not properly appreciated in feed
trade is the conclusion of the Texas
station in feeding tests. These grains
contain considerable less fat or oil
than corn land in other constituents,
the differences are not important. The
protein and fat of Kafflr corn are much
more easily digested than the same
constituents in Indian corn. In
feeding test the Kaffir corn produced
greater gains than milo maze, with
Indian corn in third place
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
WINTER FEED FOR BIRDS.

Berries that hang on the trees and
bushes during the winter are especial
1y desirable. They provide food at q
time when 1t is scarce, and the spare
time of the birds that winter with US
is mostly spent in hunting for insects
that hibernate on trees. The good
that can be done by providing food in
this way cannot be over-e stipated.
Any man who allows birds to- be shot
on his farm is losing money. just as
surely as If he allowed his crops to so
to waste some other way.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16

and beth rain. and timber growing
are pia"tir. d on arabic land where no
rough IAN occurs on the farm or in
the community
In a cattle IA sing district and where
dairNng is practiced. pastures are IN
A demand either for home use or to rent
Z If the woodlot has grass, or can be
q made to produce grass and forage
srazir will generally be crowded into
IL. The question g whether grazing
damage the woodlot and whether, II
B 1t does there may not be certain ad-
4yantages which outweigh the damage
done.
Two advantages are claimed to re-
suit from grazing in forest areas
tfavofab BILE terminating conditions In
the soif cover and protection from fire.
Where there are extensive forests with
,Btavy grass and weeds, or the timber
Ira IS are interspersed with range
!;,leas, there is possibility Of some
fire protection from grazing through
.,f the crop of inf1am-
,iirab,e forage. In small isolated wood
Nthis does not apply. Where woodlots
: 1OTTl CONTINUOUS elilps hioh6 AuSCo'
grazing might occasionally afford some
fire protection, but practically its value
Is negligible.
AS to he beneficial effect on seed
red conditions. there is wide differ
.enee Of opinion. Where there is a
heavy leaf litter or grass sod, intermit-
tent grazing may serve to break the
cover and let the seed reach mineral
soil. In some cases there Is the fur
Their advantage that young seedlings
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
IMPROVED ROADS LOWER HAULING COSTS
Considerable Money Build s
More Expensive the Farmer

+
40 cents to 20 cents, with a net toa-
mile saving Of 1915 cents The gross
annual saving for the county was
$59,400.
In Franklin County, N. z, bonds to
the amount of 100000 were issued,
and 1875 miles of road were improved.
Average loads increased from about
2,400 pounds to 5.557 pounds. Ton.
mile costs dropped from 30.3 cents to
SO cents, and the net ton-mile saving
was ILL., cents. The gross annual saw
ing in the county for hauling charges
has been approximately $4,000 since
the roads were improved.
In Dallas County, Ala, $366,s77 Sc
cured from the bond issue was used to
improve 101 miles OF road. Average
loads increased from 1900 pounds to
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16

Improvement of roads in selected
counties in different sections of the
United States resulted in the aggre-
gate, in a total gross annual saving IN
hauling costs Of $627,409, according to
recent economic studies made by the
Office of Public Roads and Rural En-
cheering of the U. S. Department of
Agriculture The cost of haulage for
the group Of counties is lower since
the roads were improved. twas found.
even when charges are made in the
comparative computations for interest
on bonds and annual maintenance
costs. The results of the studies,
which extended from 1905 TO 1915,
and which included other effects of
improved highways than those on traf-
fic. are here given.
The eight counties in which the
studies were made are Spotsylvania,
Dinwiddie.. Lee and Wise Counties,
Va; Franklin County, N. Y; Dallas
County. Ala. Lauderdale G0unty
Miss, and Manatee County, Fla. These
counties were selected because they
had just issued bonds for road inn
provement when it was decided to
make the studies, and 1t would there
fore be possible>to cover the road inn
provements from outset to completion.
The average gross annual saving in
hauling costs due to the road improve
menIs in these eight counties was
found to be 17.9 cents per ton-mile,
while the net saving was found to be
11.6 cents. The investigators point out
in their report that an actual cash saw
ing to the amount indicated is not eff
fected, but that this is the Indicated
saving when the time Of workers and
use of draft animals and equipment
are given cash values at the rates pre-
vailing in the several communities.
Effects BY Counties.
In Spotsylvania County, Va, a bond
issue of $4,000 was provided and 76
miles of road were improved. The
average loads hauled in a two horse
wagon increased materially after the
roads were improved, and ton-mile
costs dropped from 80 cents to 1877
cents. This meant gross ton-mile
saving OF 1873 cents. or a net ton-fnile
saving, when charges were made for
interest on bonds and maintenance of
roads. of 14.9 cents. The gross total
annual saving in the county is there
fore. approximately s150,000; and
when deductions are made for interest
and maintenance costs. the annual in
Dictated net saving is $130.670.
In Dinwiddie County. Va, bond is
sue of 100000 was provided. and the
State contributed. in addition, nearly
$4,000 worth of convict labor. The
improved road mileage at the compile
ton of the study was 101 miles. Aver
age loads for two-horse wagon in
creased from about 2,00O pounds to
about 5000 pounds, and ton mile costs
decreased from 80 cents to Is cents.
The net ton-miTe saving is 1877 cents,
and the indicated gross saving for the
county is $124,970.
In Lee County, Va, fund of s364,-
900 was provided by bonds. and the
State contributed labor worth, more
than $4,000. Ninety-nine miles OF
road were improved. Average loads
increased from 1900 to 1000 pounds.
and ton-mile costs were reduced from
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
USING W0ODL0TS FOR GRAZING PURPOSES
ton-Light Grazing Unlikely to Do Great Damage

are benefited by having the shade of a
I heavy forage cover reduced. Under
favorable natural conditions, good
may result from adjusting the grazing
to the requirements of the trees for
vigorous growth. The difficulty lies in
the practical application of inter-
rupted grazing. The use Of the wood
lot FOR grazing purposes Is apt to be
larly if it is found to be profitable; and
later damage. ii,
The damage done by grazing falls
into two main classes, browsing and
trampling. In browsing, the foliage,
bark, and stems are damaged and de-
stroyed, many of the young seedlings
are uprooted and killed outright, and
others are SO damaged that they die or
make defective trees. Trampling
packs the ground so that reproduction
starts with difficulty, and it kills seed
lings, and damages mature trees by
laying bare the roots and packing the
ground around them. The amount Of
damage. Of course, depends on the in
tensity OF the grazing. Light grazing
will not do great damage except under
very unfavorable conditions or when
thel trees are young.
Whether it is profitable to put stock
into the woodlot depends upon other
ron iderations besides the production
OF umper The woodlot always affords
some feed and room for the stock to
range around. protection from the
storms Of winter. and shade through
the summer heat. The value of the
feed is iappreciable; in parts of Penn
sylvania, Connecticut, and Vermont, it
ranges from 10 to rs cents per acre
through five months grazing period,
and in the central part of Indiana
reaches over 81 per acre. This is due
to the fact that in the latter locality
the woodlot is usually open and ham
died to promote the growth of forage,
many of the woodlots being really
shade pastures and not timber produc-
ing woodlots.
Timber returns from the woodlot,
however. range from SO cents to $3.50
per acre, and where there il steady
market for the surplus above the farm
needs the returns from timber produc-
ton in the woodlot should exceed
those yielded by grazing. With a fully
stocked stand Of timber. there is little
forage Of value produced. 1t is only
under unfavorable conditions OF loca-
ton or stocking of the woodlot that
good forage is yielded and grazing be-
comes of value.
In conclusion. it may be laid down
that If the welfare of the woodiot
alone is desired. grazing has no place
in It, Light grazing may be permitted
II other considerations make it neces-
sary, but it is better to keep stock out
II possible or practical From the
standpoint Of stock raising or dairying
1t may become desirable to do some
grazing in the timber areas on the
farm or to- use their protection. If
protection only is wanted. a small part
of the woodlot can be fenced of for
the purpose. In any event. II the
woodlot Is to have a permanent place
on the farm the grazing should be as
light as possible and adjusted to the
needs of the timber.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
Docs Road Lake This RAN Past YouS
Farm?

$500 pounds. and ton-mile hauling
costs fell from 80 to Is cents. The net
ton-mile saving was 1919 cents. It IL
estimated that the county SAVES m.
nually $4,000 gross in hauling costs
as result Of the road Improvement.
In Lauderdale County, Miss, $780,.
900 worth Of bonds was issued, and %
miles Of road improved. AvsraSs
loads increased from 1900 to 2.50e
pounds, and hauling costs dropped
from 81 to 20 cents per ton-mils. This
brought about net saving OF 80 CENTS
per ton-mile when all annual charges
against the road improvements were
considered. The annual gross saving
to the county is approximately $4S..
400.
In Manatee County, Fla, 3252,toe
obtained from bond issue improved
SO miles of road. Average loads In.
creased from 1900 pounds to 1900
pounds, which resulted in . reduction
Of ton-niile hauling costs from 4S to
20 cents. The net saving per ton-nils
since the roads have been improved -
1914 cents. 1t is estimated that the
county saves annually in gross haul
ing costs $s2,57s.
In Wise County, Va, $1,oS1, 57S.S4
was provided for road work by bond
issue, State contributions. and In other
ways. From this fund IS miles Of
road have been surfaced and 66 miles
graded. Average loads have increased
from 1900 to $500 pounds and tom
mile hauling costs have been reduced
from 81 to % cents. The gross saving
to the county, when hauling costf
alone are considered, is approximately,
$4,000 year.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16

Farming, grazing. and forestry are
the rec principal uses of land fol-
crop production. Farming is the most
intensive, and forestry Is the least
with grazing midway between. In
most systems of diversified farming
they are mixed, particularly cultiva-
ton and grazing. Where it is possible
grazing and timber growing are re.
s:ricted to the parts of the farm not
suitable for cultivation but grazing In
most farming s---stems is permitted or
cultivated land to improve its fertility
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
MONEY IN SHEEP RAISING.

Native or western ewes crossed with
good mutton ram produce good mar
ketab1e lambs and with present prices
ofNwool, the fleece will more than pay
the cost of keeping the ewes. Native
ewes will be high in price.
Western breeding ewes can be pur-
chased in carload lots at any of the
stock yards. One hundred and thirty
to one hundred and forty will Be re-
quired to make up a carload.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
A North Carolina Corn Club Champion.

A North Carolina Corn Club Champion.
Of s40.64 and an average profit Of
sS5.12.
In the homecoming work three
State champions canning average was
215 quarts Of food products, with a
total cost of s22.47 and profit Of
s50.32. These products sold at high
prices, due to their exceptional quality
as home-canned products.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
ARE BUZZARDS A MENACE OR A HELP?
BY ". Il. McATEE.

stroyed in the digestive tracts of other
carrion-f feeding animals. as the dog
cat, hog. chicken, or opossum.
1t is true that buzzards may carry
the germs of anthrax or other stock
diseases on their plumage, feet, OF
bills. and thus distribute them; but all
the other apimals just mentioned may
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
INJURIOUS INSECTS EASILY
KILLED IN FALL.

Take advantage of the bugs in their
winter quarters, the remnants of old
plants. the trash and litter about the
garden and orchard. Burn out the
fence rows, destroy the trash and lit
ter wherever 1t has accumulated by
burning 1t or blowing 1t under. Cut
out the dead trees and limbs In the
orchard and make them into fire
wood.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
"HAND, MEASURE.

Every one should know that the
hand. term commonly used in de-
scribing the height of a horse. is one
third Of foot, or four inches.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16

Under the Federal-aid road act,
within the next five years $4,000, 900
will be spent by Federal and State
governments in improving rural
roAds-
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16

Do not keep fowls that have weak
stamina or are in any way deformed.
Such birds will necessarily be inferior
layers.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
LIONS ARE LErr.HANDED.

A famoue explorer. says all lions are
He has noticed that
whenever one of these beasts desires
to strike blow 1t always uses the left
paw.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16

Selling from cars is a great aid In
disposing of the surplus fruit.
Ottumwa semi-weekly courier. [volume] (Ottumwa, Iowa) 1916-1918, 1917-01-16
LITTLE PRUNING NECESSARY.

An old tree that has been systsmat.t
ically pruned from year to year will
require very 1.-THE pruning to keep Il
in good bearing condition and - III
same time make 1t vigorous
The Oklahoma City times. [volume] (Oklahoma City, Okla.) 1908-1984, 1917-06-02
"Y' Secretary EG +
Urges Workers in
State toBuy Bonds

Buy a liberty bond, and urge every
member OF your local association 10
subscribe for one or more OF these bonds
and to ag,tatc the cause, Is the me, sage
that has been sent broadcast 10 every
y. NJ C. A secretary in the state b.
Alfred u Booth state secretary. IN the
following letter written yesterday al
tcrnoun
In this time OF national crisis lei me
urge upon you the wisdom OF placing
every facility OF Your association at the
disposal OF our government One Of
the ways III which we eau be Of real
.belp is TO urge upon all Young met
with whom we come in contact that thcy
subscribe for a liberty war bond For
years We have preached the doctrine
OF thrift As well as patriotism What
better way to encourage thrift nu the
part of our young men than io induce
them 20 become q partner with the gov.
crumcnl through subscription to n
liberty hondy
Let me also urge that YOU render all
possible service 10 men ON guard du'v
and recognize the uniform rs 'mcm-
bcrshIp ticket good ior baths. games.
etc. Il possible let Us furnish such
privileges free or II charge ior soap
and towels /, made, could We not keen
this fee within the s cent limu ?"