FAEMERS' IISrSTITUTES. 2G1 



he who produces an extra article for consumption will get an extra price for it? 

 Eemember that this foreign call is not for Texans and t!ie scalawags of Michi- 

 gan, but for beef and mutton and bacon of the frst quality. It is high time 

 to improve our stock. Therefore, let me urge you, brother farmers, to look 

 well to the state of your flocks and herds, for tlie time is at hand when you 

 Avill be rewarded. 



DISCUSSIOX. 



Mr. Pearson. — What is tliat disease in sheep whicli causes dizziness, drooping 

 of the ears, and partial blindness? 



Mr. AVood. — Worms in the stomach and bowels. For this disease I have 

 used spirits of turpentine and castor oil; two parts of the former and one part 

 of the latter, giving one teaspoonful for a dose; sometimes, apparently, with 

 good results, though not invariably so. 



Mr. Pearson. — What treatment would you recommend for grub in the head? 



Mr. Wood. — Blow tobacco smoke or inject tobacco juice up the nostrils. 



Mr. L. R. Brown read the following essay on 



'•'the eelative value of cokn for soiling and winter fodder." 

 Mr. President, Ladies and Gentlemen, and Brother Farmers : 



These State Institutes, as I tmderstand it, have been organized throughout 

 the State for the benefit of the farmers. Mind coming in contact with mind 

 an interest is created, experiments and experiences are given, thoughts and 

 suggestions expressed, that carry conviction with them, sowing the seed that we 

 trust will produce an abundant harvest. 



Taking tliis view of this meeting, I am here determined to carry home some- 

 thing of value to myself, — something to work out on the farm. Feeling a 

 deep interest for the class I represent, and realizing that all ought to take^;ar^ 

 as Avell as listen, I have consented to give my experience on growing corn for 

 soiling and winter fodder for stock. 



During the excessive dry seasons just past, together with the unfavorable 

 spring months, our clover crop was almost a total failure. Looking over my 

 prospects for a hay crop in April four years ago, I found two-thirds of my 

 clover dead, having scarcely enough left to pasture my stock through the season. 

 I resolved on making an experiment of growing corn fodder to supply the want 

 of hay. I planted four acres in rows three feet apart, and in liills one foot 

 apart in the row. The result was from careful estimate twenty-five tons of 

 most excellent fodder for both cattle and horses. This experience induced 

 me to plant ten acres the following spring with equally satisfactory results. 

 I have continued to raise it since, and am abundantly satisfied that five acres 

 of good fodder corn will be of more benefit to any farmer than ten acres of 

 good clover hay. For milch cows I am satisfied it is worth very much more, 

 also as forage for fattening stock. 



As a soiling, or green fodder crop, to supply the place and deficiency of good 

 fall pasturage, that is seldom found on a small farm, it ranks among the best, 

 if not tlie best. For milch cows it is most excellent, increasing the fiow of 

 milk, while the weight of the animal is maintained, and an appearance of thrift 

 indicated as by fresh pasturage early in the season. 



Necessity forced me to make the experiment. The result has been quite 

 satisfactory. 1 shall continue to grow corn for soiling late in the season, also- 

 for winter forage for my stock. 



