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VOL. XXII. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., SATURDAY, DEO. 3,1887. NO. 49 Methods, Old and New. Editors Indiana Farmer: That agriculture in Indiana is feeling its way towards higher standards there are certain unmistakable signs. This journal is a proof and index of the fact, and an interested observer need not go out of his own district to note that there is a gradual progress from the old rude, unscientific methods to newer and more thorough ones. But the transition is slow, almost imperceptible. Established customs lay an iron grasp on people of all classes, and on none more firmly than the countryman, whose conservatism is a matter of frequent remark ; and hence it seems to be, as a rule, that our best farmers are those who have come from'older countries, bringing with them advanced ideas, while the typical Hoosier clings to the customs of his fathers with a grim tenacity, the shiftless habits of a past generation greeting one from all sides as he journeys through the land. Now in early days when ground was plentiful and fertile and produce of small value one could afford to plow over his fat soil in a hap-hazard way, letting crops grow as. they would—he was sure of enough for his own use, and that was the main requisite; but later on when this soil is sapped of its natural strength— when taxation on it is increased and there are new demands for cash—when, in short, the conditions of life out-grow the primitive state, the old methods will not make ends meet, and mean perpetual hard times and a very slip-shod existence. This will be admitted in theory, but the admission of a theory as one thing and the acting upon it quite another, and so, in spite of the hard experiences which result from non-adaptation of methods to conditions, there is a sluggish indisposition to adopt the most efficient remedy. Let us glance briefly at a few of the old inadequate ways that still linger in our midst. First, ahd most deserving of criticism, perhaps, is that of TILLAGE. It is conceded by our best class of farmers that, in the raising of a crop, one-half the battle is in thorough tillage. If the plow is the very corner-stone and starting-point of agriculture, so are the harrow, roller and other implements all important, and extra time spent in reducing a piece of ground to a smooth, pulverized condition will be well compensated for. Of course these implements are in general use but the conversion to them is oly an half-way one, and there is a popular impression that too much time devoted to finishing up fallow will not pay, many drawing the limit while the field is yet plentifully besprinkled with clods as large as the fist, and sometimes much larger. There is a wide-spread disposition to put crops in roughly and especially is this so with wheat. Too much can not be said in condemnation of that slovenly manner in which wheat is sown in rough corn ground which is not broken up and from which the stalks are not even cut. It is customary to break the stalks down with a pole during the winter and to clear them away as well as may be, but the removal at best is only partial, and such a field is never fit for a reaper to go into. There are always numberless stubs and stalks to choke the knives and strain the machine, to say nothing of the horrible uneven ness of the surface which will do more damage in one season to machinery than smooth ground would do in five. The man who "chucks" in his crop in this style is, in all probability, the one whose land is full of STUMPS, ROCKS AND OTHER RUBBISH. The stump is, indeed, a relic of primitive times, but the pioneer in suffering it to remain, had an excuse which we have not. In his day it was new, firmly rooted and only to be removed with great diffi culty, while ndw, in many cases, it stands half-rotted, shaking in its socket, and ready to be drawn by a lever and pair of horses. Incredible as it may seem not only these are suffered to remain till they moulder down with decay, but, not infrequently, even loose sticks, chunks, and whatever may happen to cumber the ground, are tossed into small piles and left there. Such things and rocks are the Scyllas and Charybdi of the husbandman, and, concealed by the standing crop or buried beneath the soil they lurk there from year to year, to the never ceasing destruction of plow points and machinery. Once "ejected," the fields would be clear from them forever more, but their prior claims to occupancy seem to be religiously respected. The person who, without argument, cannot perceive that it is, in many ways, economy to rid his fields of old stumps aud roots, and the plow-destroying boulders, will not, it is to be feared, be convinced by any exposition of the subject. Another method which savors of old time ideas is the disposition to take in hand * , THE LARGEST POSSIBLE AMOUNTOF GROUND. As if many acres half worked paid better than half as many worked twice as well. As usually exemplified by these persons the ratio between the costs and returns of a large place is much less than that of a small place might be, or, in other words, eighty or a hundred acres poorly managed are less profitable than forty acres well managed, for it is a principle in economic industry, which applies in farming as elsewhere, that what is worth doing is worth doing well—that less is got out of ones material by "scumbling" over it than by working it for all that is in it. Our too-ambitious farmer can scare pretend to thoroughness, his economy being to hire as little as possible; but while he saves at the little spigot he wastes at the big bung-hole for his crops are poorly put in, poorly attended and poorly garnered, his profits being cut down accordingly. An important feature of the new methods should be the distinction between FALSE AND TRUE ECONOMY. To save money by letting soil go half worked rather than hire sufficient labor; by hiring a poor man at low wages rather than a good one at better wages, etc., is a false economy by which more is lost than is gained, and along with this, there customarily goes a great waste in matters where the dollars and cents, obscurely involved, are but indirectly apparent. It is this style of farmer, who, not infrequently, lets his best ground run to partial waste for lack of tile drainage, and who, because he has not the time, inadequately clears his fields and lets his wood lot remain a pit of unredeemed and useless wilderness instead of converting it into a pasture grove; who places only a secondary value upon manure, letting it go to waste rather than save it carefully and take measures to retain its strength; who does not realize that it is economy to keep stock warm and well littered in winter ; preferring to let his straw stack rot away by a slow process and finally haul- idg out the loose stuff containing not one tithe of the strength it would confer, if first used in the stables. Other extravagances of a similar nature might be cited, but it is unnecessary. One more, hew- ever, must b.e mentioned, and that is the incomprehensible waste in corn fodder. It is no unusual thing to see, even in the vicinity of Indianapolis, corn fields in which, after the ear is gathered, the cattle are turned in to forage among the dry stalks which have not been even topped. It is a common thing to see the fodder shocks, in many cases illy put up and beaten half down, stand through the livelong winter to be husked in the spring when the rotting, weather-beaten blades are fit only for manure. The reason for this, doubtless, is that fodder is not a very marketable article ;but it is excellent feed, and is it not palpable that if one gives it to his own stock he will have the more hay for market? On that hypothesis it should be gathered with as much care as hay. There are other old time customs still adhered to which might appropriately be touched upon, but this article is already swelled beyond its proper limits and must be brought to a close with the comforting reflection that the slovenly, inefficient agriculturist who will not conform to the growth of the times, must in the nature of things,be eventually rooted out- and his place supplied by a fitter exponent of the profession. G. 8- C. Indiana's Indian School. Editors Indiana Farmer: There are probably a great many people within the boundaries of our State who do not know that Indians, especially Indian boys and girls, come to our State to live. But such is the case and the particular spot chosen for their temporary home is four miles south of Wasbash City. This is known as Whites Institute, originally a farm owned by a Mr. White, which at his death a few years ago, was donated for "a school for Indians and whites." A board of trustees was appointed, the members of which were Friends, as are the members ot the present board. The institute is now aided by appropriations from the Government and also by donations from the Friends' Church. It is under the direct superintendence of Mr. and Mrs. Coppack who are always present to maintain its excellent order. There are at present 75 Indian pupils, representing 15 different tribes, and Iti whites. The farm in its natural features, is well fitted for agricultural pursuits, and nearly every branch of agriculture is taught. The boys are apt scholars and enter into the duties of the field with as much if not more,interest than the average white farmer boy. We were taken through the cellar and from the heaps of potatoes, Irish and sweet, rows of canned fruits and barrels of sorghum, we were led to believe that the institute is self sustaining in this respect. The dairy, too, comes in for its share of attention and as we entered the cool, clean milk room with its crocks of milk, the taste of good, sweet butter was suggested to our palates. The boys are also taught the use of tools, and carpentry, black-smithing, cobbling, etc., are carried on in quarters set apart for each. The number of pupils is divided for convenience in the school-room, one-half attending in the morning and the remainder in the afternoon. The school- house is a good brick of two rooms, standing in the midst of a pleasant wood a few rods from the main building. Here two pleasant ladies, Mrs. Webster and Miss Roberts, teach the Siouxs, Modocs and Comanches the three r's, readin', ritin' and 'rithmetic. We had only time to hear one class of three pupils read and spell from the Second reader. We were surprised at the reading of a little bright eyed Sioux girl who has only been in school two years. In this class was a young man of 23 whose ambition we hope will be crowned with success. As the Government does not pay the expenses of any pupil over 18 this young man is making his way by whatever he can do on the place. The work of the institute in all its branches is done by the pupils, who are sectioned off, each section doing its different duties in rotation. We arrived just at the noon hour, and after the meal was over were shown the system by which the dining room and kitchen work is done. Each girl on rising gathers up her dishes and also those of the boy who sat opposite her, carries them into the kitchen adjoining, and separates them. The knives, forks and tin-cups; plates and vegetable dishes; pots and pans being washed in separate sinks and by separate squads of girls. Not a word is spoken, and by the time the bell taps at one o'clock, every thing is done, properly and clean. The same system is carried out in the laundry, work-shops, etc. They are attentive in the school-room and being very imitative, learn to write sand spell rapidly. We noticed a ludicrous example of this trait while watching the girls washing dishes, and that was that some 6 or 8 of themwore that modern invention, a bustle, under their plain blue calico dresses. In their leisure hours the girls spend their time in sewing, washing and ironing. In everything order and neatness are displayed. Only one hour of the evenings is devoted to study, the rest can be spent as they wish. From the number of emptyflower beds in the yard and the conservatory full of bright flowers it must be a pretty home in summer. Mrs. W. made a trip to some of the western reservations last summer in search of pupils, and cited a case which shows the anxiety of some of the boys to reap the benefits of the school. On making application he was asked his age and said he was 19. She told him he could not be admitted if over 18. In a few days he returned, and thinking she had forgotten his face, gave liis age as 17, when asked. They all bring with them their queer Indian names which have their Engish meaning, but they are not enrolled under them and as long as they remain are known by Louise or John or Martha. We would have been glad to spend several hours there but a long drive was before us and we could not do so. J. P. Hon. J. M. Smith to be at Horticultural Meeting:. Editors Indiana Farmer: To those who are acquainted with Hon. J. M. Smith president of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society, it is only necessary to say thAt he is to be at our Indiana Horticultural Society meeting in the new State House, December 6th, 7th and 8th, to insure their attendance. Mr. Smith is probably one of the most successful and thoroughly practical small fruit and vegetable gardeners now living. What he may have to say during the meeting upon any topic which may be under consideration will have great weight, and should elicit careful attention. His special topic, on which he may be expected to deliver a regular address, will, as he writes me, be "Practical Horticulture among the Farmers." The class to whom he devotes himself, "the farmers" should not fail to hear hiin. W. H. Ragan. Greencastle, Ind. —We trust that Mr. Ragan's suggestion to our readers attending the meeting of our State Horticultural Society, to listen to Mr. Smith's address, may be generally complied with. For many reasons there should be a large attendance at this meeting. The addresses and talks of practical men like Mr. Smith are the most potent, for they will pay. The information gained from them can be converted into dollars and cents. Secretary Hobbs informs us that N. Ohmer, president ofthe Ohio State Horticulurtal Society, and Dr. V. M. Met- calf of Hopkinsville, Ky., will be present also. Dr. Metcalf will address the meeting on the subject of "Soils and Fertilizers.—Eds. The iron railroad bridge across the Missouri river a few miles below Kansas City is about completed. It is one of the big bridges of the world. It is 7,392 feet long, weighs 31,275 tons, is 50 feet above high water, and its towers are 200 feet high.
Object Description
Title | Indiana farmer, 1887, v. 22, no. 49 (Dec. 3) |
Purdue Identification Number | INFA2249 |
Date of Original | 1887 |
Subjects (LCSH) |
Agriculture Farm management Horticulture Agricultural machinery |
Subjects (NALT) |
agriculture farm management horticulture agricultural machinery and equipment |
Genre | Periodical |
Call Number of Original | 630.5 In2 |
Location of Original | Hicks Repository |
Coverage | United States - Indiana |
Type | text |
Format | JP2 |
Language | eng |
Collection Title | Indiana Farmer |
Rights Statement | Content in the Indiana Farmer Collection is in the public domain (published before 1923) or lacks a known copyright holder. Digital images in the collection may be used for educational, non-commercial, or not-for-profit purposes. |
Repository | Purdue University Libraries |
Date Digitized | 2011-02-22 |
Digitization Information | Original scanned at 300 ppi on a Bookeye 3 scanner using internal software. Display images generated in CONTENTdm as JP2000s; file format for archival copy is uncompressed TIF format. |
Description
Title | Page 1 |
Subjects (LCSH) |
Agriculture Farm management Horticulture Agricultural machinery |
Subjects (NALT) |
agriculture farm management horticulture agricultural machinery and equipment |
Genre | Periodical |
Call Number of Original | 630.5 In2 |
Location of Original | Hicks Repository |
Coverage | Indiana |
Type | text |
Format | JP2 |
Language | eng |
Collection Title | Indiana Farmer |
Rights Statement | Content in the Indiana Farmer Collection is in the public domain (published before 1923) or lacks a known copyright holder. Digital images in the collection may be used for educational, non-commercial, or non-for-profit purposes. |
Repository | Purdue University Libraries |
Digitization Information | Orignal scanned at 300 ppi on a Bookeye 3 scanner using internal software. Display images generated in CONTENTdm as JP2000s; file format for archival copy is uncompressed TIF format. |
Transcript | VOL. XXII. INDIANAPOLIS, IND., SATURDAY, DEO. 3,1887. NO. 49 Methods, Old and New. Editors Indiana Farmer: That agriculture in Indiana is feeling its way towards higher standards there are certain unmistakable signs. This journal is a proof and index of the fact, and an interested observer need not go out of his own district to note that there is a gradual progress from the old rude, unscientific methods to newer and more thorough ones. But the transition is slow, almost imperceptible. Established customs lay an iron grasp on people of all classes, and on none more firmly than the countryman, whose conservatism is a matter of frequent remark ; and hence it seems to be, as a rule, that our best farmers are those who have come from'older countries, bringing with them advanced ideas, while the typical Hoosier clings to the customs of his fathers with a grim tenacity, the shiftless habits of a past generation greeting one from all sides as he journeys through the land. Now in early days when ground was plentiful and fertile and produce of small value one could afford to plow over his fat soil in a hap-hazard way, letting crops grow as. they would—he was sure of enough for his own use, and that was the main requisite; but later on when this soil is sapped of its natural strength— when taxation on it is increased and there are new demands for cash—when, in short, the conditions of life out-grow the primitive state, the old methods will not make ends meet, and mean perpetual hard times and a very slip-shod existence. This will be admitted in theory, but the admission of a theory as one thing and the acting upon it quite another, and so, in spite of the hard experiences which result from non-adaptation of methods to conditions, there is a sluggish indisposition to adopt the most efficient remedy. Let us glance briefly at a few of the old inadequate ways that still linger in our midst. First, ahd most deserving of criticism, perhaps, is that of TILLAGE. It is conceded by our best class of farmers that, in the raising of a crop, one-half the battle is in thorough tillage. If the plow is the very corner-stone and starting-point of agriculture, so are the harrow, roller and other implements all important, and extra time spent in reducing a piece of ground to a smooth, pulverized condition will be well compensated for. Of course these implements are in general use but the conversion to them is oly an half-way one, and there is a popular impression that too much time devoted to finishing up fallow will not pay, many drawing the limit while the field is yet plentifully besprinkled with clods as large as the fist, and sometimes much larger. There is a wide-spread disposition to put crops in roughly and especially is this so with wheat. Too much can not be said in condemnation of that slovenly manner in which wheat is sown in rough corn ground which is not broken up and from which the stalks are not even cut. It is customary to break the stalks down with a pole during the winter and to clear them away as well as may be, but the removal at best is only partial, and such a field is never fit for a reaper to go into. There are always numberless stubs and stalks to choke the knives and strain the machine, to say nothing of the horrible uneven ness of the surface which will do more damage in one season to machinery than smooth ground would do in five. The man who "chucks" in his crop in this style is, in all probability, the one whose land is full of STUMPS, ROCKS AND OTHER RUBBISH. The stump is, indeed, a relic of primitive times, but the pioneer in suffering it to remain, had an excuse which we have not. In his day it was new, firmly rooted and only to be removed with great diffi culty, while ndw, in many cases, it stands half-rotted, shaking in its socket, and ready to be drawn by a lever and pair of horses. Incredible as it may seem not only these are suffered to remain till they moulder down with decay, but, not infrequently, even loose sticks, chunks, and whatever may happen to cumber the ground, are tossed into small piles and left there. Such things and rocks are the Scyllas and Charybdi of the husbandman, and, concealed by the standing crop or buried beneath the soil they lurk there from year to year, to the never ceasing destruction of plow points and machinery. Once "ejected," the fields would be clear from them forever more, but their prior claims to occupancy seem to be religiously respected. The person who, without argument, cannot perceive that it is, in many ways, economy to rid his fields of old stumps aud roots, and the plow-destroying boulders, will not, it is to be feared, be convinced by any exposition of the subject. Another method which savors of old time ideas is the disposition to take in hand * , THE LARGEST POSSIBLE AMOUNTOF GROUND. As if many acres half worked paid better than half as many worked twice as well. As usually exemplified by these persons the ratio between the costs and returns of a large place is much less than that of a small place might be, or, in other words, eighty or a hundred acres poorly managed are less profitable than forty acres well managed, for it is a principle in economic industry, which applies in farming as elsewhere, that what is worth doing is worth doing well—that less is got out of ones material by "scumbling" over it than by working it for all that is in it. Our too-ambitious farmer can scare pretend to thoroughness, his economy being to hire as little as possible; but while he saves at the little spigot he wastes at the big bung-hole for his crops are poorly put in, poorly attended and poorly garnered, his profits being cut down accordingly. An important feature of the new methods should be the distinction between FALSE AND TRUE ECONOMY. To save money by letting soil go half worked rather than hire sufficient labor; by hiring a poor man at low wages rather than a good one at better wages, etc., is a false economy by which more is lost than is gained, and along with this, there customarily goes a great waste in matters where the dollars and cents, obscurely involved, are but indirectly apparent. It is this style of farmer, who, not infrequently, lets his best ground run to partial waste for lack of tile drainage, and who, because he has not the time, inadequately clears his fields and lets his wood lot remain a pit of unredeemed and useless wilderness instead of converting it into a pasture grove; who places only a secondary value upon manure, letting it go to waste rather than save it carefully and take measures to retain its strength; who does not realize that it is economy to keep stock warm and well littered in winter ; preferring to let his straw stack rot away by a slow process and finally haul- idg out the loose stuff containing not one tithe of the strength it would confer, if first used in the stables. Other extravagances of a similar nature might be cited, but it is unnecessary. One more, hew- ever, must b.e mentioned, and that is the incomprehensible waste in corn fodder. It is no unusual thing to see, even in the vicinity of Indianapolis, corn fields in which, after the ear is gathered, the cattle are turned in to forage among the dry stalks which have not been even topped. It is a common thing to see the fodder shocks, in many cases illy put up and beaten half down, stand through the livelong winter to be husked in the spring when the rotting, weather-beaten blades are fit only for manure. The reason for this, doubtless, is that fodder is not a very marketable article ;but it is excellent feed, and is it not palpable that if one gives it to his own stock he will have the more hay for market? On that hypothesis it should be gathered with as much care as hay. There are other old time customs still adhered to which might appropriately be touched upon, but this article is already swelled beyond its proper limits and must be brought to a close with the comforting reflection that the slovenly, inefficient agriculturist who will not conform to the growth of the times, must in the nature of things,be eventually rooted out- and his place supplied by a fitter exponent of the profession. G. 8- C. Indiana's Indian School. Editors Indiana Farmer: There are probably a great many people within the boundaries of our State who do not know that Indians, especially Indian boys and girls, come to our State to live. But such is the case and the particular spot chosen for their temporary home is four miles south of Wasbash City. This is known as Whites Institute, originally a farm owned by a Mr. White, which at his death a few years ago, was donated for "a school for Indians and whites." A board of trustees was appointed, the members of which were Friends, as are the members ot the present board. The institute is now aided by appropriations from the Government and also by donations from the Friends' Church. It is under the direct superintendence of Mr. and Mrs. Coppack who are always present to maintain its excellent order. There are at present 75 Indian pupils, representing 15 different tribes, and Iti whites. The farm in its natural features, is well fitted for agricultural pursuits, and nearly every branch of agriculture is taught. The boys are apt scholars and enter into the duties of the field with as much if not more,interest than the average white farmer boy. We were taken through the cellar and from the heaps of potatoes, Irish and sweet, rows of canned fruits and barrels of sorghum, we were led to believe that the institute is self sustaining in this respect. The dairy, too, comes in for its share of attention and as we entered the cool, clean milk room with its crocks of milk, the taste of good, sweet butter was suggested to our palates. The boys are also taught the use of tools, and carpentry, black-smithing, cobbling, etc., are carried on in quarters set apart for each. The number of pupils is divided for convenience in the school-room, one-half attending in the morning and the remainder in the afternoon. The school- house is a good brick of two rooms, standing in the midst of a pleasant wood a few rods from the main building. Here two pleasant ladies, Mrs. Webster and Miss Roberts, teach the Siouxs, Modocs and Comanches the three r's, readin', ritin' and 'rithmetic. We had only time to hear one class of three pupils read and spell from the Second reader. We were surprised at the reading of a little bright eyed Sioux girl who has only been in school two years. In this class was a young man of 23 whose ambition we hope will be crowned with success. As the Government does not pay the expenses of any pupil over 18 this young man is making his way by whatever he can do on the place. The work of the institute in all its branches is done by the pupils, who are sectioned off, each section doing its different duties in rotation. We arrived just at the noon hour, and after the meal was over were shown the system by which the dining room and kitchen work is done. Each girl on rising gathers up her dishes and also those of the boy who sat opposite her, carries them into the kitchen adjoining, and separates them. The knives, forks and tin-cups; plates and vegetable dishes; pots and pans being washed in separate sinks and by separate squads of girls. Not a word is spoken, and by the time the bell taps at one o'clock, every thing is done, properly and clean. The same system is carried out in the laundry, work-shops, etc. They are attentive in the school-room and being very imitative, learn to write sand spell rapidly. We noticed a ludicrous example of this trait while watching the girls washing dishes, and that was that some 6 or 8 of themwore that modern invention, a bustle, under their plain blue calico dresses. In their leisure hours the girls spend their time in sewing, washing and ironing. In everything order and neatness are displayed. Only one hour of the evenings is devoted to study, the rest can be spent as they wish. From the number of emptyflower beds in the yard and the conservatory full of bright flowers it must be a pretty home in summer. Mrs. W. made a trip to some of the western reservations last summer in search of pupils, and cited a case which shows the anxiety of some of the boys to reap the benefits of the school. On making application he was asked his age and said he was 19. She told him he could not be admitted if over 18. In a few days he returned, and thinking she had forgotten his face, gave liis age as 17, when asked. They all bring with them their queer Indian names which have their Engish meaning, but they are not enrolled under them and as long as they remain are known by Louise or John or Martha. We would have been glad to spend several hours there but a long drive was before us and we could not do so. J. P. Hon. J. M. Smith to be at Horticultural Meeting:. Editors Indiana Farmer: To those who are acquainted with Hon. J. M. Smith president of the Wisconsin Horticultural Society, it is only necessary to say thAt he is to be at our Indiana Horticultural Society meeting in the new State House, December 6th, 7th and 8th, to insure their attendance. Mr. Smith is probably one of the most successful and thoroughly practical small fruit and vegetable gardeners now living. What he may have to say during the meeting upon any topic which may be under consideration will have great weight, and should elicit careful attention. His special topic, on which he may be expected to deliver a regular address, will, as he writes me, be "Practical Horticulture among the Farmers." The class to whom he devotes himself, "the farmers" should not fail to hear hiin. W. H. Ragan. Greencastle, Ind. —We trust that Mr. Ragan's suggestion to our readers attending the meeting of our State Horticultural Society, to listen to Mr. Smith's address, may be generally complied with. For many reasons there should be a large attendance at this meeting. The addresses and talks of practical men like Mr. Smith are the most potent, for they will pay. The information gained from them can be converted into dollars and cents. Secretary Hobbs informs us that N. Ohmer, president ofthe Ohio State Horticulurtal Society, and Dr. V. M. Met- calf of Hopkinsville, Ky., will be present also. Dr. Metcalf will address the meeting on the subject of "Soils and Fertilizers.—Eds. The iron railroad bridge across the Missouri river a few miles below Kansas City is about completed. It is one of the big bridges of the world. It is 7,392 feet long, weighs 31,275 tons, is 50 feet above high water, and its towers are 200 feet high. |
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