The Sauk Centre herald. (Sauk Centre, Stearns County, Minn.) 1886-current, 1917-05-03
TO live and work in the soil, bringing

to live and work in the soil, bringing
about beneficial changes; 60 increas-
es the water holding capacity of the
soil "a assists in keeping light soils
from blowing and washing and heavy
soils from baking (5) deepens the soil
and Co aids in drainage. The deep
roots penetrate the subsoil and break
it up. This is one reason why soil
that has produced clover often be
worked earlier in the spring than soil
that has not produced this crop.
The clovers belongs to class that
have the power of acquiring the free
nitrogen from the air with the aid of
bacteria living in the nodules on their
roots. The nodules are found on the
tender roots. During the latter part
of the season most of the nodules de-
carry and nitrogen inthem becomes
available as the plants die or are
plowed under. Practically all Of the
grain and cultivated crops grown in
the state do not have the power Of &C
curing the nitrogen of the air for use
in their growth. Their only source
of supply is the nitraates in the soil.
Constantly drawing on the soil nj
trates without putting any back de-
pletes the supply. A clover or other
leguminous crop should be grown fire.
quently on each field to aid in restor-
ing nitrogen to the soil.
Results at the Minnesota Expert
ment Station show that in continuous
wheat farming the sowing of six
pounds of clover every spring with
the wheat and blowing under the Glow
er in the fall, has given an average
annual increase, during a period OF Is
years of nearly &c bushels per acre.
Still better results have been obtained
where clover is used in four or five
rotations with grain, cultivated crops,
and the use of farm manure. On heavy
soils clover should be grown in four
or five year rotations while on lighter
soils and soils badly in need of vege-
table matter, it may be more benefit
cially grown in three year rotation.
Sheep Make Good Helpers on the
Farm
Sheep are good farm help. They
will range a farm from early spring
until late fall feeding off weeds and
growths that other stock will not
touch. A small flock will NOW the
orchard and keep down the weeds
about windbreaks, fences and build
ings. All of this is simply incidental
as the wool clip pays for the flock's
keep. The mutton return is the main
source of profit. Besides the high
value of farm land, which compels
farmers to fence their acres for hogs
and other stock, lightens the added
expense in keeping sheep.
This year with wool at 10 and Is
cents a pound above normal prices
and mutton higher than it has ever
been, any farmer is assured handsome
returns if he gives his flock reason
able care.
Local Men Offer Pig Prizes.
Local men are showing their inter-
est in increased agricultural produc-
ton by offering prizes in the boys and
girls pig and potato contests I'M
der the direction of the high school.
More offers of prizes would be appre-
ciated.
Frank Connolly of Mccormick lake
breeder of pure bred Duroc Jersey
hogs, has offered two Duroc Jersey
pigs to the two contestants having
the highest standing with this breed
of hogs. These contest pigs need not
be pure bred Durocs but must show
predominance of Duroc Jersey breed
ing.
Ben Dicks, the local representative
of the Heinrich Chemical Company Of
fers $40 in cash to the three contest
ants standing highest in the pig con-
test. The money will be divided ss
follows: LIST, SIS; End, So; 3rd, So. To
be eligible to this prize the pigs must
be fed Heinrich Hog Conditioner
throughout the time of feeding. About
SOC worth of the conditioner will be
sufficient for the summer. At the end
of the contest, if you do not win one
of these prizes, Mr.. Dicks says he will
return to you the money spent for this
hog powder. For further particulars
see Mr.. Dicks.
Raise Pig.
If you wish to own an auto
That will travel fast and far;
If you have a great desire
For splendid private car,
Raise pig. 4
If you're sick of serving others
And are looking for a change;
If you wish to gaze at wonders
That are far away and strange,
Raise pig.