FARMERS' INSTITUTES. 85 



much meat. If the latter, do not feed any meat for a couple of days and 

 then only one-half as much for a few days, then gradually work back 

 to tlfe former ration. They should have clean, cool water, grit and 

 oyster shells where they can get them at all times. We find that it pays 

 to keep this feed up through the summer, or until the first of August 

 when we try to get rid of the yearling hens and feed the pullets so 

 they will moult as soon as possible and be ready as yearlings for the 

 next winters' work. 



Q. What is the cause of hens eating their eggs? 



Reply by Dr. C. A. Waldron. — It is merely a habit. The kind of food 

 has nothing to do with it. 



WEDNESDAY AFTERNOON. 



Hon. A. M. Brown. Secretary of the State Board of Agriculture, 

 occupied the chair. The topics presented were ''Puddling of the Soil," 

 "New Forage Plants and Concentrated Feeds." and "The Diseases of the 

 Cow, Horse and Sheep." 



THE PUDDLING OF SOILS. 



BY PROF. J. A. .TEFFERY^ AGRICULTURAL COLLEGE. 



Most farmers understand what is meant by a "puddled soil." Indeed 

 every farmer whose soil is a clay or a loam has had definite experience 

 in this direction — and perhaps to his sorrow. I question, however, 

 whether Ave understand just what the puddling process is, and whether 

 we appreciate fully the evils that result from such puddling. I am 

 therefore assuming to offer to this institute a few thoughts by way of 

 information and suggestion. 



Causes. — The puddling may be brought about by either natural or ar- 

 tificial causes. The natural causes are principally, (a) Beating rains; 

 (b) The standing of water for some time upon the soil. 



More than one farmer present has had a field in ideal condition for 

 corn planting but on the eve of the planting a dashing rain has come up 

 and so packed (or puddled) the soil that a large amount of labor was 

 required to put the field again in shape for the planting. 



The standing of water upon soil leaves it in worse condition still, 

 and this may be made even worse by being followed by hot windy 

 weather. 



