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Show WORK FOR IDLE DAYS. I. In the winter our boys and men, who farm during the summer, waste many days that could be profitably employed. There is always plenty of work to do around home, if the person will only look for it. In the granaries will often be found places where mice, chickens, &c. are eating and wasting grain; or the roof and sides are defective and let water in to destroy the contents. About the stables harness will be found lying on manure heaps, when a few minutes would suffice to put up pegs on which to hang it. The curry comb and brush can never be found because there is no place to keep them. The horses and cattle are allowed to eat from the stacks, or from overfilled mangers, and waste more than they eat. It would not take long to make a good rack or manger, so arranged that the feed could not be trampled under foot. In many yards a few animals waste enough to feed twice their number, and the owner seldom thinks that he is losing money. In seasons like the present hay and other kinds of feed are valuable, and will command a fair price in cash. It always pays to keep stock of any kind warm in cold weather. The process of growth can be carried on only at a proper temperature. This heat must be kept up and when the animal is exposed to severe cold, the material which would make flesh and bone is wasted to sustain life. There are many days in winter when sheds and barns could be put up. If not able to build a barn, a rough frame shed covered and surrounded with straw will be very useful. Such work need not be left for warm weather, for then there is too much to be done, and this will be neglected. If the sheds cannot be used this season they will be ready for next, and the owner could feel satisfied with having ever so little done. The milder days will give a chance to repair fences around lots and fields, so that gates are in order, and that bridges are where they are needed. Plows, harrows, other implements and tools, that will be wanted as soon as spring opens, should be thoroughly examined, repaired, cleaned and put in sheltered places ready for use. There are large quantities of manure around the yard that would be better away. The stock would be more comfortable in a clean place; and the land would be greatly benefited by the addition of so much fortifying material. These and many other things can be done now, and will be appreciated in the rush of next season's work. |
