Agricultural writers discuss southern colored farm labor exodus
The article notes a labor shortage in northern farms as white employers seek workers and as agencies recruit African Americans from Virginia and North Carolina. It describes wages, rations, and living conditions in the south, and argues southern reliance on black labor may falter if northern farmers hire individuals singly rather than in gangs under supervision.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
South
Chicago
Virginia
North Canadas
Fighting the Apple Borer in Orchards
The article advises digging out borers after entry using a strong blade and flexible wire. Inspect trees in May, September, and July in badly infested orchards to destroy newly laid eggs. Early larvae are near the surface, causing sap flow and bark discoloration, while older ones tunnel deeper.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Mey
Dismantling Tree Larvae Requires Repeated Orchard Checks
The article explains removing older larvae is harder than surface larvae. It notes two or three year old borers demand more labor and are less visible within the tree. Orchards searched twice per season since planting reduce second and third season growth larvae.
Hogs Die After Strychnine Tonic Is Fed
A farmer near Fort Scott Kansas poisoned his hogs with strychnine thinking they needed a tonic. Fourteen hogs died quickly after receiving the poison, with some weighing around 290 pounds. The piece warns against giving strong medicine to animals without proper knowledge or veterinary guidance.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Fort Scott
Kansay
Benefits of Clover in Crop Rotation
Clover improves soil physical properties and subsoil porosity through deep rooting, enhancing texture, drainage, and porosity. These changes, rather than atmospheric nitrogen, are key to higher subsequent corn yields on typical soils.
Cleansing the Farm Telephone Keeps It Hygienic
A farm suggestion urges daily or frequent cleaning of telephones. Wipe both receiver and mouthpiece with a damp cloth, then dry. Quick routine, essential like water filtering.
Hungarian Grass a Weed Killer Cultivates Crops
A 19th century farming note recommends planting Hungarian grass to suppress weeds. When weeds reach an inch, cultivate, harrow, and sow Hungarian grass thickly so it will outpace and crowd out weeds. It can be mowed several times, reducing any new weed growth, though clean cultivation remains best.
Breeders Aim for Well-Bred and Trained Horses
The text argues breeders should raise well bred and well trained horses. It notes weather exposure harms farm machinery as much as use and claims offspring from immature animals are inferior to progeny of mature parents.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Indiana
Dairying and Fertility: Balancing Manure and Milk Loss
A discussion on soil fertility argues that selling milk without returning nutrients exhausts the land. It notes that manure must contain all essential elements, especially nitrogen, potash, and phosphates, to sustain soil value. Recommendations include growing legumes and corn, using a manure spreader, adding acid rock and potash, and increasing forage to maintain fertility and profits.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Massachusetts
Boston
Jos. E. Wing
America
New England
Kill Burdock With Salt Then Dig and Remove Roots
The burdock weed spreads by many seeds that persist in soil for years. Cutting the plant and applying salt to the roots kills the root tissue, preventing regrowth. The method relies on salt destroying the soft root to terminate the plant.
Asparagus Bed Care and Fall Manure Application
Guidance on asparagus farming notes cutting tops after growth, drying residue, burning the bed, and applying plentiful manure in fall to ensure strong stalks next season. Emphasizes ongoing but minimal year round attention and adequate plant food for yearly productivity.
Dangers of Pasturing Sheep on Damp Rape
Agricultural note warns against letting sheep onto damp rape due to risk of scouring and bloating. Close gates at night and use a yard, keep flocks near buildings to dry forage, and salt sheep before turning onto rape. Warns rape risk is higher during wet seasons and after frost. Mentions apple production and fertilizer needs for grain production and farm sustainability.
Steady Horse Performs in Heat Amid Filthy Stables Claim
The piece argues that calm, steady horses endure extreme heat and perform best on hard days, while linking the origin of many diseases to filthy animal quarters.
Drain the Wet Spots on the Farm
The article argues draining wet land via drain tile improves fertility and usability. It notes open ditches disappear and fields become easier to cultivate and rotate. Draining low wet plots adds value as pasture, allows more grasses, and enables earlier spring green growth and extended fall grazing.
Silo Farming Across Nations and Udder Care Tips
The piece compares silos boosting dairying in other countries with English practice of sowing corn for fodder then turning land to turnips. It urges U.S. farmers to rotate crops and use manures to increase yields. Also advises washing cows’ teats before milking and notes mildew in roses from damp weather, recommending powdered sulfur as a remedy.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
England
Snap Shots of the Farm and the Roads We Travel
Opinion pieces urge farmers to value home made goods and good work. They warn autos need strict tracks and roads, tout cheerfulness and steady thinking as keys to progress, and stress level fields and proper fertilizer for market gardening. Describes youth earning, farm life, and loyalty to rural livelihoods.
Pulling Posts With a Lever and Chain
A simple method uses an oak lever three inches in diameter and seven feet long with a three foot chain and a ring with a hook. Wrap the chain around the post near the ground, connect to the hook, and place a four by six inch by two foot upright under the lever. Pull the lever to lift the post from the ground.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Jever
Drenching Tool Made From Fork Handle End
A simple stock drenching device is fashioned from the end of an old fork handle. Drill a 3/8 inch hole about 1.5 to 2 inches deep, drop the medicine in, insert to the back of the tongue, raise the head, and administer safely without glass breakage or medicine loss. Hugh J. Hughes.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Hugh J. Hughes
How to Harvest Hay Early for Lossless Cutting
The piece explains a method to cut hay early by using a harvester with only the sickle and reel moving. Cut low to gather heads, then dump full platforms into piles. Piled stacks are tall enough to allow ongoing harvesting and later hay cutting when ready.
Fight the Late Weeds In The Garden
Late August and September weeds shed seed before noticed, stocking ground for next year. Keep the garden weed free until frost to save labor in growing fruits and vegetables, since most work comes from weeds and grasses that spring up.
Sheep as a remedy for counterfeit woes in farming advice
The piece argues for keeping sheep to offset losses from counterfeit money and counterfeit foods. It notes counterfeits harm both receivers and consumers and suggests onions grow well on drained swamp land if soil balance allows.
Easy to Grow Tube Roses and an 86 000 Tree Apple Orchard
A reader advocates saving tube rose bulbs and notes a friend's successful flowering after care in a warm box. The piece also mentions Webster county Mo hosting an 86 000 tree apple orchard, reputedly one of the world’s largest. Ammonia used as fertilizer is advised: mix one tablespoon in three quarts water and water weekly for six weeks to boost growth and color.
MENTIONED IN THIS ARTICLE
Webster County
Also Mentioned on This Page
ABLE
PRAC
Tical Writers
North
Murs
Joseph Wing
Burdock
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