''^ PROCEEDINGS OF THE FARMERS* CLUB. 277 



.^abbage again. We have some crops that can be raised year after year — 

 for instance, onions and cucumbers. 



Mr. Solon Robinson answered that the writer was not answerable for the 

 condition of the soil, since he had not had control of it, and states distinctly 

 that it had not been worked for a great number of years. 



Prof. Mapes advised him to buy a book upon gardening, and study its 

 rules. 



Mr. Robinson said that that was the first practical advice offered 

 this man in the conduct of his farming operations under difficulties. 



Prof. Mapes said that he would tell him how the cabbage-growers about 

 here treat the cracked heads. They watch the first sign, and start the 

 roots about half an inch, which checks the growth and stops the cracking. 



How TO Feed Hogs for Pork. 



Mr. A. Kendall, Darien Centre, N. Y., says: " The best method that I have 

 attained for making pork is, to have pens ample in size, well ventilated, well 

 lighted, kept clean, and plenty of dry straw for bedding ; and for food good 

 sound corn, andfor drink pleut^'^of that article that everybody andeverything 

 likes — pure cool fresh water. It is very essential that we feed regularly — the 

 same quantities at a time, and be very careful and not feed to gluttony, 

 as it is a great waste of feed and will eventually produce disease. I feed 

 no slops, nor swills, and am well satisfied that pork is made much quicker 

 and cheaper without than with them, and is much more healthy." 



Prof. Mapes. — An experiment was made in New Jersey a few years ago 

 by a Mr. Mason, who proved that in feeding raw corn the pork cost thirteen 

 cents a pound, and in feeding cooked corn meal the pork cost only four and 

 one-quarter cents. Other experiments have proved the same facts, and 

 farmers should make a note of them. 



Plaster a Fertilizer. 



Mr. Wm. Andrew, Lumberland, S ulli van county, N. Y., says that he believes 

 why plaster is a fertilizer is owing as much to its finely disintegrated^state as 

 to anything else, and believes that any rock finely ground would be beneficial ; 

 and, in proof, instances the fertility of a stony field, where the plow is con- 

 tinually wearing off new particles ; and also in the fertilizing effect of 

 road-wash, where particles are ground into impalpable powder by the 

 horses' feet and the wagon wheels. Dust is always a good fertilizer. 



Corn- Stalks as Fodder. 



Mr. Willard Griffin, West Granby, Conn., says : " The butts of corn- 

 stalks are worthless except for manure or fuel ; for, though they may con- 

 tain a little nutriment, especially when cut and fermented, yet they are not 

 worth the trouble. Cattle will eat stalks when cut, soaked, and mixed 

 with meal ; so they would chips, if chopped fine enough. Swine will eat 

 cob meal when mixed with that of corn, and saw-dust, mixed with a 

 preponderant portion of fine flour, will make a palatable bread ; yet all 

 euch refuse matter, or the most of it, only goes to make manure. I think 

 Prof. Mapes's salt and lime mixture would be a much better medium of 

 converting such matters into manure than the stomachs of animals. Cows 

 are sometimes induced to eat bog hay, brakes, &c., by the addition of salt 



