The independent-reporter. [volume] (Skowhegan, Me.) 1909-1955, 1924-06-26
SPLENDID FIELD MEET
At MERCER

Mercer men and women to the
number of sixty attended the first Ex-
tension and Farm Bureau Field meet
ing to be held in that vicinity While
the women were holding their bust
ness meeting. County Agent Dunn
conducted a timber estimating demon
stration. Each man was given an
opportunity to scale pine for board
feet and hardwood for cords. The
estimates of the various men check
ing very closely.
At noon dinner was served by the
ladies', the committee being Mrs.
Presley, Mrs True, Mrs. Florian Yea
ton, Mrs. Geo. Campbell, Miss Lora
Campbell and Mrs. Chas. Varney. A
large part of the dinner was prepared
In fireless cookers recently completed
due to the cooker campaign. In the
afternoon Professor Simmons spoke
on the different crops methods en-
ployed at the University Farm. Here
an opportunity to a limited extent is
given to practice the theories which
are advanced for the betterment of
Maine Agricultural conditions. Most
of tha crops are grown to supply feed
for the 1875 odd head of cattle. The
land is clay varying from heavy to a
lighter clay loan. Ensilage is fer
tilted with 20 tons of manure for late
growth, 400 pounds rock acid phos-
phate for early maturely and 100
pounds of nitrate of soda for early
growth.
Fall blowing is carried on to aid in
better preparing the soil and also as
an aid in weed control. Manure is
applied in the fall as there is but lit
tie loss unless the manure is applied
in small piles. Oats and Canada
Field peas are seeded at the rate of
two bushels and one peck of oats to
a bushel of peas. Japanese Millet is
also given extensively as the average
crop Is from SO tons per acre and on
exceptional years runs much higher.
The land is prepared similar to corn
land and takes the place of corn in
rotation. Fertilized with 20 tons
manure and 500 pounds acid rock
phosphate. Timothy and clover are
sown at the following rate, pounds
medium red which does best on dry
land or in dry seasons, 5 pounds
alsike which is just the opposite and
1 peck of timothy clover is harvested
before the heads become brown and
the second crop is cut and put in the
silo. Buckwheat and rye are plowed
under for green manure. Other in
teresting practices and experiments
were discussed after which questions
were asked and answered.
The meeting was success due to
the efforts of Mr., and Mrs. Frizzell.
No story is complete without the set
ting so a description of the Frizzell
homestead would not be out of place.
The farm and home is situated 2
miles from Mercer on the Norridge-
wock River Road. The house is in
a commanding position surrounded by
maple, elm and willow trees, neat
lawns and we'll kept fences. IT'S
acres comprises the present farm
which is part of that claimed from
the timber lands by Mr.. FriZzelfs
father in 1906 and the adjoining place
bv his grandfather in 1777 Some of
the original buildings are still stand
ing and in wonderful state of pres
ervation, due to the care given them
Moreover, Mr.. Frizzell Us one who be-
lieves that Extension work has a
place In Maine as do many others.
Just attend a meeting of this sort and
you will be convinced.