davidaulloa/AmericanStories huggingface dataset:
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
The City's Influence


 Truck farming and market gardening tenc to occupy land adjacent to cities, and this tendency is usually attributed an easily available market for garden produce. That this is not the only req son, however, is brought out in a study Ky, the results of which have just been published by the department of agricul- ture in bulletin entitIed: Influence of a City on Farming" High land values, as we'll as handy market, were found to be an important factor in determn- ing the type of farming followed in this suburban area.
 It is shown that farmers near Lxouis- vile who. were making good interest on their investments at the time of the survey Q9l5) were those who had adapt ed themselves to the conditions created by their proximity to the city. The big farm, more or less diversified, generally the safest type where normal farm values prevail. was found to be wholly out of place near the city. Thus n farms of over 300 acres averaged only 4 per cent interest on capital invested, while 21 farms of under 30 acres aver aged per cent. None but the most intensive types of farming were found to be profitable where the market value Of land was greatly affected by present or prospective demand for city building sites.
 Of all the farms studied in this local ity those of the general mixed type were | the least profitable and the potato-truck type of farm the most profitable. Dairy farms ranked, second,
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11

The advantage of the ractor. like that of most other improved farm machin- cry lies not so much in the reduction ol the cost of performing unit of Work as in the fact that it permits one mar to do considerably more work in given time, according to FarmerS'< Bulletin 963 of the United States department or agriculture, which is report of the eX- periences Of over 600 farn1-tractor OWL CTS on repr esentative corn-belt farms in Illinois collected during 1917 and the spring of 1918. This has been true ol practically all improved farm machines
 the bulletin explains. Even the grain binder, generally considered as one Of the greatest agricultural inventions o, the century, which has increased about eightfold the acreage one man couid handle has not resulted in decreasing materially the cost of producing grain
 Men who hope to reduce greatly the cost of farming operations by the pur- chase of tractor should bear these facts in mind, the federal specialists point out. Judging by the experience or tractor users, it is not safe 10 expect any material reduction in the cost f farm operations per acre through the use of the tractor, but it is safe to ex- pect to be able to increase the crop
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
How the South Conserves

Approximately 200 00O 900 cans of fruits and vegetables were preserved for future use through the work of the home demonstration agents in the southern states in 1917. according to reports to the office of extension work south of the states relations service.
 Tn the regular home demonstration work S2.227 women did regular work In their homes for the benefit of them selves and their community clubs; 3S12 community clubs of women were or ganized for instruction; 73,306 girls were organized into clubs. The girls enumerated put un 12,S44,513 cans of fruits and vegetables. while the wom- ,,n put up 34,993.677 cans. These wom- }sn and girls also used the new home . drying process. taught for the first time last year. and thus preserved D. 5l1,SS1 pounds of dried vegetables and fruits. They pickled or brined veGe- tables to the extent of 1,178,6S3 gallons.
 Tn addition to this regular work the agents working in 1917 enlisted an emergency enrolment in the south of about 2.600.000 women and girls who undertook to raise gardens. and espe- cialIy to can and preserve for future uDoL
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
By Parcel Post

Creameries dairies and individual farms, in various instances which have
 been authenticated by the bureau of
 markets of the United States department
 of agriculture, have developed suc- cessful system of parcel post marketing
 for butter and cheese. The conclusion
 reached by specialists of the departmen, as result of number of experiment.
 al shipments is that well made butter, thoroughly chilled before shipping, may be marketed successfully by parcel post when packed in suitable container and
 where extremely high temperatures are not encountered. Shipments during ex- tremely hot weather frequently are unsat-
 sfactory.
 The bureau of markets received 454 shipments of butter, coming distances of
 from 1S7 to 5s6 miles, during various months of the year. Of these shipments 40, or 969 per cent, were recieved in satisfactory condition. The bureau re- shipped this butter to various state ex- pertinent stations and the shipments ar rivedsin good condition where the tenn peratlres and distance were not too greeat In general, shipments from Washington were successful when for warded as far west as Michigan and Indiana. Shipments into the south were successful shorter distances.
 Farmers bulletin 930. Marketing But
 ter and Cheese by Parcel Post issued
 
 by the United States department of agriculture, gives detailed advice on methods which have been found advant- ageous. The bulletin urges that every care and precaution be exercised in mak- | ing the butter ane preparing 1t for shipment The shipping container should nroperly protect the butter, and packages should be posted as near to mail time as possible in order to obtain delivery In i the quickest practicable time. The postal regulations provide that when butter is so packed or wrapped as | to prevent damage to other mail it Will | be accepted for delivery either at .ne office of mailing or on any rural route starting therefrom. Butter Will also pc accepted for mailing to all offices 10 which, in the ordinary course or h,ail'
 ;t aan he sent without spelling when suitably wrapped or inclosed or when
 backed in crates, boxes. or other suit able containers. . If is well to stamp or write on pack
 ares of butter: sBUTTER-Keep away from heating apparatus
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
Joint Exhibits

The joint committee on governments exhibits, requesting the departments of agriculture, war. navy, interior ana commerce., the food administration ana the committee on public information, has adopted tentative itineraries Tor the display of exhibits representing the war time and other activities Of tne various federal agencies named It IS planned to divide the country into five circuits of larger fairs and expo sitions, and it is hoped to cover eacf. circuit with two baggage cars loaded with exhibits in August, Septemper October and November. The depart
 ment of agrculture exhibits illustrate the nature of it's work and the results achieved. They are all educational ln character. and spectacular displays or those of purely technical interest are rarely used The exhibits illustrate work of the weather bureau. bureau or animal industry, bureau of plant m dustry, forest service, bureau of chem istry. bureau of soils, states relations service. bureau of entomology, burear of biological survey. office Of puplir roads and rural engineering and bu- reau of markets.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
WILL SOLVE LABOR SHORTAGE PROBLEM
Your Cleaning Closet

A closeH cupboard. or wardrobe in tht kitchen Is the best place for keeping tht| cleaning utensils. A backstair closet ii| also a good place. One end of Dacb| porch may be inclesed and used for sucl a purpose. The closet should have pien- ty of hooks and racks for utensils and s shelf for cleaning materials.
 The housekeeper should choose utensili according to her own needs and accord. ing to the requirements of her house Those suggested below are inexpensive and will help to tighten the work ol cleaning:
 Bucket with wringer for mopping.
 A piece of inch board 15 inches square with rollers makes convenient plat. form on which to set the mop bucket and permits it to be moved easily with. out lifting.
 Wall mop made by tying bag mad. of wool or cotton cloth over an ordinary broom.
 A broom, with a hook screwed in thi end of the handle by which it can bt hung up.
 A long-handled dustpan.
 Several brushes for cleaning purposes
 Cheesecloth, worn silk, and flannelettt for dusters.
 Busters may be made by dipping pieces of cheesecloth in two quarts of warm water to which one-half cup of kero. sense has been added. These cloths should be kept away from the stove oI lighted lamp, as they are inflammable.
 A blackboard eraser covered with fan nelette for stove polishing.
 An oiled floor mop to use on oiled: oi polished floors Several makes can be found on the market, or one may be made of old stockings or any discarded wool en or flannelette material The material is cut into one-inch strips and sewed across the middle to foundation of heavy cloth. This is used in clamr mop handle. The mop is dipped into a solution made of one-half cup melted paraffin and one cup kerosene and al- lowed to dry. To keep it moist, it is rolled tight and kept in paper bag. away from stove or lamp.
 A carpet sweeper or a vacuum cleaner should be used in the daily cleaning of the carpets and rugs. A vacuum clean- er operated by hand or electric power removes practically all the dust and dirt from carpets and rugs in dustless man. ner.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
Preserve With Syrup

It Is well known to all of us that sugar conservation must take place. At the same time it is the desire of the food administration that as much as possible or at least the normal amount of canning and preservns be done For the purpose of aiding along this line, the home demonstration agents of the Alabama extension serv- ice nave compiled from the results CT their work several recipes that will enable one to can and preserve with corn, cane and sorghum syrups. Some of these recipes are as follows:
 Blackberry jelly: To one quart of ber- black berry juice tprepared as for jcl- ly), one cup sugar from the dripped cane syrup. Stir the sugar into the boiling juice, stir thoroughly and ceek rapidly until the jelly flakes from the spoon To drip the syrup, take the hardened syrup, wash in clear water, place in a thin bag and drain from two to four days. The sugar may be readily dissolved if crushed before add ing to the fruit juice.
 Blackberry Jelly: To one quart of ber- ries add half pint of water. heat thoroughly and strain through cheese cloth and then through flannel jelly bag. To one cup of juice add three quarters cup sugar and syrup in the proportion or haH sugar anu HAll syrup.
 Blackberry jam with syrup: To one pound of washed blackberries add quarters pound syrup Cook until the syrup is heavy. Ginger or cinna- mon may be added. Seal while hot. If the berries can first be put through a food chopper, the cooking will Se hastened.
 Quick jam: To one pound of fruit put through a food chopper, add three quarters pound sugar and cook 15 min utes after boiling begins. Stir con- stantly to avoid scorching.
 Peach butter: Three pounds ripe peaches, one pound apples (put through a meat chopper), one and one half pounds sugar, one and one-ndlf pounds cane syrup Cook until the product forms a smooth red paste.
 Grape juice: To each pound of grapes allow three quarters pound of syrup (equal weight corn syrup and sugar.. Proceed as usual
 Spiced apples: Peel and core the ap- ples. Drop into a boiling syrup of equal weight of corn syrup and sugar. Add ground cinnamon, ground allsplee or cloves in the proper proportion. Cook the applies slowly until soft. Pack the apples in jars and cover with the boiling syrup.
 Apple jam: To one pound of peeled and cored apples add three quarters pound of syrup (equal weight corn syrup and sugar), and the grated rind and juice of one lemon. Cook the ap- ples to pulp add the syrup and cook slower for 45 minutes.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
Velvet Beans for Steers

Velvet beans, the. great forage and feed crop of the south, is being given special attention by the animal husban ndry divi- sion. Investigations are being conducted by this division in cooperation with state agricultural colleges to determine the most economical form in which to feed velvet beans to fatten steers. The re- suits of practical feeding tests conduct ed during the past year have been com piled and are being distributed among farmers and feeders in sections where velvet beans areg rown successfully.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
Reached by Agents

The war emergency brought great increase in the number of farmers, farm women, and boys and girls in- structed by county agents of the United States department of agricul- ture and the state agricultural colleges in problems of greater food produc- ton and conservation.
 According to reports to the office of extension work south. of the states relations service, 3oS,723 farmers in the southern states were reached during 1917 with definite demonstrations in the growing of crops, raising and feed ing of live stock. marketing and other problems The number of acres coy cred by the crop demonstrations alone in 1917 was 2,S57,4S5. In addition to these a conservative estimate of the number of farms directly reached by the county agents in 1917 is 1,650,Ugo. The figures represent about 60 per cert of all farms in the south.
 Agents are giving advice and help in one way or another to nearly every one with whom they come in contact. and the direct and indirect influence of the county agents work and the proportion of the farmers reached Is thought to be much higher than the figures given.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
WRAPPING THE PRINTS
BULLETINS FOR THE WOMEN

"House Rats and Mice,'' Farmers Bull letin S96.
 ..Fleas and Their Control" Farmers Bulletin s97.
 The Silverfsh or Slicker; An Injuri- ous Household Insect Farmers Buile- tin 99a. e..
 PRESERVING
 Preparation of Vegetables for the Ia ble," Farmers Bulletin 256.
 Use of Fruit As Food" Farmers Bull letin 293.
 ~Muscadine Grape . Syrup" Farmers Bulletin 75S.
 Home Canning by the One-Period Cold-Pack Method" Farmers Bulletin S39
 Home Canning of Fruits and Vege- tables" Farmers Bulletin S53. ! Home Preservation of Muscadine Grapes" Farmers Bulletin S59 1 Fresh Fruits and Vegetables as Con- servers of Other Staple Foods," Farm CTS Bulletin S71. Home Storage of Vegetables Farm CTS Bulletin S79. "Salting, Fermentation and Picking of Vegetables Farmers Bulletin SSl.
 Home Made Fruit Buttess," Farmers Bulletin 300. "A Successful Community Drying Plant" Farmers Bulletin 916 HOME CONFERENCES
 use of Paint on the Farm Farm CTS Bulletin 474 .Ice Houses" Farmers Bulletin 4lo. Lawns and Lawn Soils' Farmers Bull
 etin 494.
 "Far1n Kitchen as a Workshop Farm CTS Bulletin cor. < Home Made Fireless Cookers ano Their use,''. Farmers Bulletin I'll. Modern Methods of Protection Against Iightning," Farmers Bulletin S42. .'Removal of Stains From Clothing ana Other Textiles," Farmers Bulletin sol. ''Farm-Made Conveniences, Farmers Bulletin 927. lighthouses and How to Build Them Farmers Bulletin 609. . "Canaries: Their Care and Manage ment." Farmers Bulletin ITO. '.The Community Fair" Farmers Bull letin S7o. | Fire Prevention and Fire-Fightlng or 1 the Farm Farmers Bulletin 904. Some Common Disinfectants,' Farm CTS Bulletin 9a6 1 Other circulars issued by the depart lment for free distribution on request art entitled "Cottage Cheese Dishes, Use l of Peanut Flour to Save Wheat" ant ! Use Potatoes to Save Wheat" Thes' contain new recipes for the use of these products.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
Wheat Grades

Federal standards for wheat have resulted in high grades for the north west wheat crops of 1917, ,yaccordins to figures compiled by the United States department of agriculture. The report shows that 58.9 per cent of the entire hard spring wheat crop marketed up to March l, 1918, received better grades than No. ? northern spring. This 5S9 per cent or 44,524 cars, rep resents premium grade wheat over tho contact grade, while under former standards only IS per cent during the best yea of the last 10-year period, received grades higher than the form CT contract grade, and the average for 10 years was only 3 per cent. The federal, No. northern spring grade, 1t is pointed out, corresponds in quality to the former No. 1 north ern of the Minnesota standards. and the trade adopted bt the federal No. 2 grade as the basis or contract grade, as against the former Minnesota No. 1,
 That country elevators are not un- uergr@ding the farmers wheat is ip- dicated by published figures showing the per cent of the crop falling into each grade at country elevators, and the per cent of the crop by grades as received at terminal elevators. Tie SCdihety ClCNdlOTS CONcTeu DY LHe IlS- ures include elevators in Minnesota, North Dakota, South Dakota and MoE- tana. InsMinnesota 54s per cent of the wheat received at country elevators was graded No. l, while the figures for North Dakota show 7S.4 per cent, and the average for all four states was s4,7.
 The amended standards for wheat. which become effective July Is, 1918,
 
 standards The weight per bushel re- quirement has been reduced, a larger per cent of moisture is allowed, and larger amountsaof damaged grains and foreign material are permitted. The restrictions on admixtures of other classes of wheat are more lenient. De- tails of the amended grades and the results of the application of fede1 al grades can he found in markets serv- ice and regulatory announcement No. 36 just issued by the United States de- partm ent of agriculture
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11

There is no secret in making good but ter. With proper care and attention to details good butter can be made in any home The quality of the butter is de- pendent upon the intelligent use of equip n.ent rather than the kind, although suitable equipment is time saving and la Dor saving and can be purchased or made at nominal cost
 Milk vessels should be of high-grade tin with all joints and seams smoothly soldered so that there will be no crev ices in which dirt may accumulate. A convenient milk can to use Is the three gallon shotgun can. It should have smooth, heavily timed interior. to pre- vent rusting and difficulty in cleaning. All butter-naking equipment should be thoroughly scrubbed with brush in hot water containing salsoda or washing pow ders. Never use dishcloth or soap. h. expensive stiff fiber scrub. brushes or vegetable brushes can be Purchased at any grocery or hardware store. After equipment is washed it should be scalded or steamed. A home made sterilizer will be found most convenient and helpful
 NEVER TOUCH WITH HANDS
 A medium-szed dipper strainer with d fine meshed gauge has been: found to be very satisfactory. It should be smooth and free from seams. Butter shop1d not be touched handled with the bare hands It injures the quality oe the butter and is very insanitary Woo den ladies can be easily whitfield from maple, ash, tor poplar or bought at small cost. A thermometer is abso-
 utely essential to successful butter mak- ing. Controlling temperatures is second only to keeping equipment clean. A floating dairy thermometer can be or lcred from any dairy supply company In making butter the salt should be uniformly distributed and the granules presse, together into a close- grained mass and the surplus water worked out. This car be most easily accomplished 1y the use of a V-shaped lever butter worker made of one-inch material. This worker is made of maple, ash or poplar the material of which all wooden butter
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
Feed Corn Nitrogen.

Many acres of late corn have been planted in the state. This is well, be- cause it will add considerably to the sum total of food and forage. and both of these are needed in the largest pos sible quantities.
 To get the best results from this late corn it must grow off rapidly. Most late corn was planted after small grain, and to bring it to the silking and roasting ear stage about the time the equinoctial rains appear in Sep tember, rapid growth is necessary. Usually we have dry spell both be- fore and after the equnoctial rains, and therefore, everything should De done to bring this late corn to the silking and roasting ear stage about the time these rains appear.
 To do this in the most effective man ner possible, feed the corn compara- lively large quantities of nitrogen and in as available form as possible. Sul- phate of ammonia and nitrate of soda are both ideal for this purpose. be- cause they are very rich in nitrogen and almost immediately available. Sul- phate of ammonia contains about 21 per cent nitrogen. and the nitrate of soda from 15 to 16 per cent. On &C., count of the high nitrogen content, 75 to 100 pounds per acre will do much good.
 Apply to the corn as soon as it Is large enough to work well because what is desired is to push this young corn off as quickly as possible. If neither the sulphate of ammonia nor the nitrate of soda can. be secured, scrape all of the lot and stable manure about the place and use it. Apply these rather close to the corn, and cover by cultivating the corn If the corn should reach considerable size before these are applied. do not rut quite so close to the stalk, as the feed roots get nearer the middle as the corn becomes larger.
 2 The nitrate of soda and sulphate of ammonia, or good application of stable manure may mean the differ ence between failure and good crop
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
Women to Make Sugar

Women in Uinta county, Utah, are go- ing to make sugar at home. The great interest taken in sugar beet production for sirups by the women of that county has led to the planting of from 70 to 100 pounds Of sugar beet seed Tnis IS the direct result of the work or the county home demonstration agent, wno has demonstrated the use ana nans .. of the sirup to each or the 10 oieai.s -.,,. t;o,s in the county with whom sne worlrs The women have also made pe- tween 2oO0 and 25Co pounds Of potato starch. averaging 25 pounds to lour bushels of potatoes. This means the SAY irs of 4oo bounds of potatoes that other wise would have been wasted.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
More Extension Workers

During May 515 extension workers were added to the force now aiding the department of agriculture in its food nroduction and conse tvaticr pro- gramme. This brings the total num- Der of workers to 6166, an Increase of over 4000 doing similar work on July of last year. Most of the additions made in May were in emergency work In this classification there were cn June 1, 2129 county agents. 1900 home demonstration agents and 551 boys and girls club workers. making total n the emergency work alone of 45S0 compared with 4n3S in the work on May 1.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
Premiums War Stamps

Nearly half of the premiums to be awarded by the 1918 Kentucky state fair will be paid in War Savings Stamps, according to information re- ceived by the department of agricul- ture from authorities of the state board of agriculture of Kentucky. The price list for the 1918 fair totals $7S.- 900. of which it is estimated that $s5.- coo will be paid in War Savings Stamps.
The Birmingham age-herald., 1918-07-11
Men Teach Home Canning

In addition to the 600 men leaders of boys and girls club work in the north and west, there are as many county agri- cultural agents who have learned to demonstrate canning effectively through ous their counties. Many of these have become expert canners. In several h. stances county agents have been offered positions in commercial food concerns to supervise and direct the work of food c1flyervation.