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Show FARM AND GARDEN. MATTERS OF INTEREST AGRICULTURISTS. l'p-to-D- Itlull About it TO Cultiva- tion of tha Noil and Yield Thereof Horticulture, Viticulture aud flori- culture. Growing Cabbage. ABBAUE, po tat 008, next to i the most profitable crop the farmer can raise, writes C. Clover in Journal of Agriculture. They are good for the table, excellent food for fowls and cattle, and for several past years have been in greater demand in the country markets than almost any oth-- r vegetable. Of the three varieties the early, tbe medium and the late, I have been more successful with the latter, and found them more profitable and a surer crop than the other varieties. In consequence of their late growth and maturity they are less liable to be destroyed by the Insect pests, and they keep through winter decidedly better than the early or medium sorts. If it Is desirable to raise enough Bimply for family use, select a spot of good rich soil, throw on sufficient trash to burn the surface enough to kill the weeds and grass. Dig or spade it up three or four inches deep; pulverize by raking. Bow the seeda after mixing them with dry ashes. Rake them into the soil both ways. A dessert spoonful of seed is sufficient to produce plants enough for any ordinary family; but if it is desirable to raise them on a larger scale for market, the best soil on the farm should be chosen, and if not rich d enough, use barnyard manure aud make it so. The land should be well prepared and marked off three feet both ways. And where the marks Intersect make a hat hill of line soil, on which drop eight or ten seeds and cover very lightly with fine soil. Should more plants appear than is necessary, thin to one plant This method is seldom adopted by farmers, but it saves labor by dispensing with making beds and transplanting. I have tried four varieties of late cabbage the Flat Dutch, the DrumheaJ, the Mammoth and the Marblehead, which I prefer to all others, as the heads are mure firm and solid. But for planting as above suggested more seed is necessary. About eight ounces is sufficient to plant an acre. As soon as the plants appear above the surface, so as to be plainly seen, skim lightly with the hoe. When they become mure stocky run the cultivator between the rows and follow with the hoc, drawing the soil to the giant. If cultivated in this manner they generally head well; but under the most favorable circumstances some giants are slow in heading. Ia such cases I have used fine table salt, by sprinkling it in the heads it will sift down between the leaves and the dews and rains will dissolve it. I have never seen a plant fail to head after thus being treated. The Insect enemies are of four kinds. The first to commence their ravages is the flea that sucks the juice as soon as the plants appear above the ground. A mixture of equal parts of soot and lime will drive them away. The black gels in his deadly work as soon as the stem of the plant Is as large as a small quill, by gnawing It off at the surface of tbe ground. Many of them may be caught and destroyed by placing small blocks or ends of boards near the plants, under which they will burrow to protect themselves from the rays of the sun. By lifting the blocks they may be destroyed. It frequently occurs In dry weather that the crop is attacked by what we farmers call the Cabbage Louse, but is known to scienI tific writers by the name Apidae. have often seen the uulside leaves literally covered with them. Plenty of soot and lime. In equal parts, as above recommended for fleaB, is an excellent remedy. But the most rerlous obstacle to the growth of cabbage is the fly, which lays its eggs under and between the leaves, and after hatching develops into a worm and cats its way to the centre of the head. I have experimented with various remedies to check them, and the most effectual is to make a Btrong brine, as much would be necessary, and add to every gallon of e brine pound of the until mixture the soap Heat soap. Is dissolved : let It cool and It Is ready for use. A common prinhlcr answers a very good purpose for making the application. If the shove mixture is eupplemenled by dusting the plants wilh equal parts of pyrethum powder and flour It will add to Its effectiveness. Bear in mind the mixture should he applied two or three times. well-rotte- cut-wor- m one-four- th A Mew Mmli home-mad- Jiirliui. is my unpleasant duty to call attention to the presence of an injurious insect pest, which is committing great injury to the fruit trees In Cambridge and Somerville, and which bus been mistaken for the Gypsy moth by tbe citizens in that locality. I have carefully examined the caterpillars of this insect, sent to me by my anslstauts on the Gypsy moth work, and find them to be a common European species, known in England by the name of the Brown-ta- ll moth (euproctis chrysorrhoea). which is widely distributed in the old world, and which is very injurious to fruit and foreign trees. I have before me a copy of the law enacted In Belgium, many years ago, requiring the land owners to clear this insect from the trees and giving the best methods of accomplishing this work. Similar laws were enacted in France and other European countries at a much earlier date. The insect is now in the caterpillar state and its destructive capabilities are abundantly shown by the defoliated pear trees along Somerville avenue and adjacent streets. Tbe adult moth is white, with a dense reddish brown tuft of bair near the end of the body, and tbe wings expand about one Inch and a half. These moths fly chiefly in the night and lay their eggs in July in clusters of about 2uO or 300 on the under Bide of the leaves. In a short time the eggs hatch and the young caterpillars spin compact webs at the tips of the branches. Within these webs the caterpillars spend the winter, emerging early In May, when they commence to feed voraciously on the foliage. Tbe caterpillars are quite hairy, dark brown, with a row of white spots along each side. I do not know how this insect came to this country, but as there are nurseries and greenhouses in the immediate vicinity of the Infested area, where foreign plants have been handled to a considerable extent, it is quite possible that the pest may have been imported on some of this stock. I would advise the owners of 'infested trees to spray them with PariB green In water in proportion of one pound to 150 gallons, or, what will be more effective, with arsenate of lead, in the proportion of five pounds to 100. The Massachusetts Gypsy moth committee held a meeting to consider the best way of dealing with the enw enemy, but not much can be done now because all the funds of the committee were appropriated exclusively ton fighting the gypsy moth. Possibly an effort will be made to get a special appropriation In order to attack the invaders at the earliest possible moment, but on account of the lateness of the session, if fpr no other reason, the task of putting a bill through is acknowledged to be difficult. Keeping L'p Calve. The practice of keeping calves housed the first summer of their lives is becoming more and more general each year among progressive dairymen and beef raisers. Those who are endeavoring to find profit in either of those branches of stock raising are finding out that protection from heat, flies, and dried pasture is about the cheapest and most effective plan to adopt. No doubt one principal reason wby more calves Are not housed, says Farmers Advocate, is that it would involve a certain amount of regular labor in the shape of choree" which so many object to in the summer season; but unless we take a lively, practical, and Interest in cur business in these times we cannot hope to reach the goal of greater profits in our business. The aud enterprising competitors who du things because they should be done and not draw the line at a point w here an undertaking adds to or takes fiom a little of present personal comfort, are the ones that wear the hopeful expression today and declare that the times are mending. There Is no question in the minds of those who have tried both plans Lut that indoor summering has great advantages over pasturing after the third week In June. Sj far as turning the calves out a few weeks on the fresh pasture before the heat and flies become harmful Is concerned, there can be no great disadvantage, provided tbe calves are not and lens than six or seven weeks the pasture is abundant and of good quality. Perfect liberty at this time, along with fresh grass or clover, skim milk, and a lick of oat chop, oil cake, or the like, will start the youngsters in the way to be profitable feed consumers. So long as these favorable conditions exist in the pasture lot there Is no advantage in making changes, hut wben the time comes that a cool, dark stable and mown clover or oats and tares would give the calves greater comfort, just at that time should such conditions he administered. This is more particularly applicable to calves that are to become heelers, because we warn to sell for money some time In the future every pound of gain our feed has made and not allow any of it to be lost after being once beneath the skin. With dairy calves rapid development, when of a muscular character, is very Important. A stunted anim.il is always much less profitable thin it would have been had Its growth been continuous, because its digestion .will be stronger and it will become a larger, g beast, with greater caservice. for pacity wide-awa- ke ol-- l and disastrous insect pest hsa made its appearance in Massachusetts and is causing a sensation In the state. It is of a caterpillar species, and Is a voracious feeder on the foliage of trees, preferably fruit trees. The following statement has been Issued by Prof. C. R. Fernald, entomologist to the Hatch If yon would be successful, undertake experiment station at the MassachuIt more than you can carry out. no College; Agricultural setts A new better-lookin- DAIRY AND POULTRY. a tool hen, and should be broad and Tbe plumage Is of tho sums reddish-browcolor as the back. Tbs penciling on tbe breast is perhaps a little more distinct and open than on the back; the outlines of the penciling should be sharp and conform to ths shape of the feather. Tte body is broad aud deep behind and same plumage ns i he breast The fluff is very abundant, covering the posterior portion of the bird and standing out about the thighs. Wings are small and the primaries fold closely under the secondaries; the bows are covered by the breast feathers and. the fluff conceals the points, Tbe primaries are very dark brown or blackish-brow- n In color; tbe inner web of the secondaries is a blackish-brow- n and the outer web is a blackish-brow- n penciled with a lighter brown. The coverts are similar in color and penciling to the plumage of tbs breast. Tall Is small, short, and carried almost horizontally. The tall Is partly enncealed by the cushion. In color the tall is black except the two miAn tail feathers, which are penciled. TJie tail coverts are penciled same as and body. Thighs are large and Well covered with soft feathers; the feathers on the lower part curve inward around the hock and hide the jornt on the outside. The feathering ol the thighs is of the same shade and color as that of the body. Shanks are short ai.d yellow and heavily covered with fet.ibers of same color as thighs. The toes are well spread and yellow in color, the outer and middle toes being feathered throughout their entire length. Black Cochins are much more easily d raised than are either of the varieties. Being of one color, the care bestowed in breeding particolored or penciled birds Is not neceesary, and the lime may he spent in furthering their general utility In egg production. A one colored bird Is tho more practical bird for the farmer and market poulterer. The Black Cochin Is of a rich gloBsy black plumage throughout The White Cochin is pure white massive. n INTERESTING CHAPTERS FOR OUR RURAL READERS. How Kareafal Firmer Oprriti This' Depart uant of I he Farm -- A Frw Hint I to tin if l.lvi Slot'k oil Poultry. lir A I llelfflmu rriuirrjr. T may be of interest to note the rules enforced In a Belgium which lows: creamery, are as fol- 1. Each patron deflates twice a year, January and July, how many cows he owns. 2. The management has the right at any time, without notice, to send a veterinarian, an agricultural engineer or a delegate, to Inspect the health of cows, the sanitary condition of stable, utensils, etc.; also to have the cows milked in their presence and take samples for analysis. 3. The milk must he delivered as it comes from the cows at least once a day. 4. Milk showing less than 2.4 by the Gerber or Babcock test may he re- fused. 5. Milk from sick sows, milk from cows having calved within eight days, from cows due to calve within three weeks, milk with any abnormal odor or taste, Is not received. It Is also prohibited to deliver milk from other patrons os If coining from the deliverers farm. 6. If any patron desires to increase or decrease bis delivery by 100 pounds per day, he must give notice two weekB before. 7. The greatest cleanliness must be observed in milking, as follows: The cows bags must be washed, tbs first t above-name- Hog In Nummih' The hog may be kept growing and thrifty through August as well as May, provided the May conditions are furnished, and this Is possible on most farms, writes J. A. Doble In National Stockman. One of the most important of these is pasture. It is possible to grow hogs successfully by soiling, but it requires more attention and work than most farmers are willing to bestow. A grass run affords the growing pig that exercise so necessary for his proper development, and the succulent grasses are rich in the muscle and Grass and material. clover are loosening to the system, and are just suited to his wants in dry, hot weather. It matters not how well cared for in other respects, the pig will never be thrifty in summer unless he has plenty of pure, fresh water. This important point is, perhaps, more often neglected than any other. Slop will not answer the purpose of drinking water entirely, though it is, of course, a partial substitute. The man who has never had the job of carrying water In a pail to a bunch of hogs has no idea of the amount they will drink on a dry, hot day. The man who will pen i:p bogs, or any other animals, in a lot or field entirely destitute of Bhade ought to receive the attention of the humane society. Such protection from the sun as a wire fence affords is hardly sufficient. Shade trees here and there will do fairly well, but nothing Is equal to a wood lot. if the ground be low and damp, aud is covered by a dense undergrowth through which the sun never penetrates, so much the better, but shade of some kind they must have in order to thrive and grow. Some good hog growers believe that hog baths are unnecessary. Others believe that a wallow of mud Is better than none. I know from long experience that the bog will do tolerably well without any bath except rain, provided he has damp earth and dense shade. He will do still better if he can have a bath of clean water at will. But rather than allow him access to a foul wallow of thick mud I would prefer that he never see water except to drink. In these times we must look carefully to these little details If va grow hugs at a reasonable proilL bone-formi- ng llunr. Watering Work In the beginning of the working ser-son In the fields I would like to make a suggestion In the Interest of the farm horses and their owners. 1 do not believe that It is right or profitable to make a horse work five hours In hot weather without water. When an animal is suffering the tendency Is to lute in weight, aud that a heated horse does suffer when deprived of water for a number of hours Is evident to all who have tried to restrain our teams from drinking when the stable is reached at noon or night. At ten o ciock ia im forenoon and four in tho afternoon, or near those hours, water should be It pays me to stop my wors of a mile and tak the team for water, if none is nearer at hand. The animals are refreshed, suffering la prevented, and more work can be dons upon a given amount of feed. Best of all, the driver feels more like a Christian. A small barrel swung upon a with a bent axle of two pole attached, can be used for fields remote from water. The cart can 1st drawn behind wagon or cultivator qrr drawn direct by horses when no implement need be taken. For young horses especially water should be kept in the field. When this humane plan la adopted it should be adhered to strictly. Ex. fus-nisli- one-four- th cart-wheel- TRIO OF BLACK COCHINS. quirt of milk thrown away, all utensils kept perfectly clean, milk removed from the stable immediately after milking, strained, and night and morning's milk not mixed." 8. The receiving hours are fixed by the management, but two days' notice given of any change. 9. The management determines the manner of taking samples. 10. Patrons have a right to be present during the testing. are mado twice a 11. Payments month. 12. Cnt.ll notice is given, the patrons must take bach the skim milk. 13. All milk deliveries must follow instructions of the dairymen. 14. It is not allowed the patrons to use any of the utensils in the creamery unless necessary, and the user id responsible for damages. 15. The dogs used in hauling the milk must be provided with muzzles, and owners are responsible for any results for not doing so. The breaking of any of the rules Is in plumage. The standard weight of Cochin Buff, Partridge and White cocks is 11 pounds; hens, 8Vs pounds; cockerels. 9 pounds; aud pullets, 7 pounds. Black Cochins are of the same weight, excepting cocks, which should weigh 10 ft pounds. Tin Frail t In Foullry. The farmer who despises the hens is making a big mistake, no matter if he is a big grain farmer or big stockman, writes I). A. N. in Colmans Rural World. Appearances are deceitful, and tho last few years, yes, for many years, the breeder of fowls has made indefinitely more money for the amount of money, care and thought ho has put Into hs business than some of his more pretentious brethren. I do not see that tho prices of fresh eggs and market poultry have fallen much fur the average of the Year, notwithstanding the low price of corn and cat3. Western farmers had better convert mure of this grain Into poultry prodfollowed by a fine of 20 cents; If re- ucts. Manufacture the raw grain Into Manpealed within six months, 40 cents; the finished poultry commodities. and the third time expulsion may fol- ufactured articles naturally bring larger prices than the cruder products. low. The great point in producing poultry pnslurts for critical city markets Is to Rtinilird Varieties of (lilrliena. A poor article always The plumage of back and cushion ia a raise the best. reddish-brow- n in color. Each feather Is disappoints both buyer and seller. Away wilh dunghill fowls. Breed the variety of poultry that best ills the purpose you have In view. Plymouth Hocks aud Wyaniloties are .superb breeds to cultivate tor mnrket poultry. Leghorns are fine layers, but of small value for rooking in a pot. Tho American Wyandotte of a healthy strain doubtless comes ss near a good layer and fine market bird as any Blnglc breed. If a man is to make a specialty of giving the market fresh eggs, let him be sure the eggs are fresh, and that they reach the market fresh. If he sells dressed fowls, let him be sure FEATHERS OF PARTRIDGE COCHthey are fat, plump and well dressed. IN HEN. In this way trade will grow on one's the hands. penciled with a darker brown; outlines of the penciling conform to the shape of the feather. The breast The older a man gets, the more of is one of the most Important points of fool he thinks a boy is. s, Horses. The nature of farming is such that at times horses must be worked very hard in order to do the work at the proper time, amt at other times, the farm horae has comparatively little to do. This can not be helped. When the horsei work hard, owners aim to feed all they will eat without waste, and then they can nut keep them In flesh. Should they feed them as heavy when idle, it would well nigh ruin them. The farmers judgment is needed here as much as In any part of the farm management. It ia all right to feed a horse the same ration the year through if he has steady and uniform work, but when he works hard for severul months and then doea but little for a time, this can not be done, and it requires judgment in increasing and diminishing the ration to suit the work. Ex. Hard-Work- ed I hot Milk as Nutriment. If any one doubts the nourishing properties of milk, let a test bo made of the following preparation of it. When very weary or weak from exhaustion, heat some milk lo the scalding point until a thin skin begins to wrinkle upon the surface, and then drink it as hot as possible. It refreshes almost Instantly, nd restores the exhausted vitality to a surprising extent as soon us It Is taken. It is mure nutritious than any uf the beef tens made from incat extracts or even from fresh beef. Ex. Feed of Sows. Too many men allow their brood sows and stock hogs to run together and partake of the same ra- tion. Corn alone is tho food of thousands of slock hogs, but such a diet for brood sows will knock tho profits off the pig crop much oft oner than many suppose. Ex. Eustls, Me., News ports that sheep. hears Is filled with re- are thicker than - |
