24-8 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST. 
[July, 
give him, say 3 quarts of the cut-feed, and before he goes 
to work, another half pailful of water. When he comes 
home in the evening, after the harness is removed, and 
he has been rubbed down, give him a pailful of water 
with a pint of meal in it. Then give him 3 quarts of cut- 
feed, and in an hour or so let him have all the water he 
will drink, and also all the cut-feed lie will eat. 
moody Mills:.— Chas. A. Morse, Leomin- 
ster, Mass., writes that during the past ten years he has 
cured frequent cases in which cows gave bloody milk, by 
the use of the root of Garget— also, called Poke-weed and 
Pigeon-berry— Phytolacca decandra. A piece of the root 
half the size of a hen's egg. is given, inserted in a pota- 
to or carrot. Repeat the dose if necessary, in twelve 
hours. A widely different plant, the Yeratrum rtride, is 
called Poke in some localities, the use of which would 
be attended with serious consequences. 
Tanning Cat, Skins.— F. Fuller. We 
suppose that the process for tanning rabbit skins will 
answer as well for those of the cat. The flpsh side being 
first cleansed of any adhering fat or flesh, is sprinkled 
with a mixture of two parts each of alum and salt and 
one part of saltpetre, all pulverized. Enough is put 
upon the skin to make it look white, the edges arc folded 
in and the skin rolled up. After remaining three or four 
days the skin is first washed in clear water and then in 
soap and water. "While drying, it. must he pulled in all 
directions, in order to make it pliable. If any one has a 
better process we should be glad to know of it. 
Four Calves at a Birth. — A, H. Lord, 
Somerset Co., Md., informs us that a cow in his County 
gave birth to three heifers and one bull calf. The last 
named lived only about a day. 
"Where to Ejocate." — A basket item 
with the above heading appeared in our columns in May 
last. The case of a gentleman in St. Louis was taken as 
an illustration of the difficulty of giving advice in such 
matters. It was a specimen of many unanswered and 
unanswerable applications, and the letter was destroyed. 
A large number of persons have taken the notice as a 
request for proposals, and have forwarded us letters by 
dozens. As we have now no recollection of the name of 
the gentleman in St. Louis, we reluctantly consign these 
descriptions of desirable places to the waste basket. 
Chester Coitsaly ^laniaoiotH Corn. — 
Berea College, Ky. The sample and statement sent show 
that you have been humbugged. But how can we show 
up the parties unless you sign your full name ? No one 
has a right, to ask us to expose a humbug who is not wil- 
ling to be called in evidence in case it is necessary. 
Meanwhile, let this "Mammoth Corn "" alone and plant 
your old sort. 
Artificial IBatfcHtiiis;.— An inquiry reach- 
es us from Olympia, Wash. Ter., for a good incubator. 
Experiments are being made by many poultry raisers, 
with the various incubators in the market, but the evi- 
dence is not in yet to show which is the best. It is cer- 
tain, however, tV.at some that are advertised and puffed 
extensively, arc worthless. Wc have never tried one 
ourselves that was as satisfactory as the natural method. 
It can hardly be expected, we think, that any greater per 
cent »f eggs will be hatched by the most perfect artifi- 
cial apparatus that will ever be invented, than by natural 
incubation. Also, whether there can be less cost in 
money and trouble in the artificial method, is very doubt- 
ful. An artificial apparatus that would work well would 
have this great advantage, however: eggs might be 
hatched when desired, without waiting for hens to be- 
come broody, and on this account we shall gladly report 
progress in inventions of this sort as soon as able. 
I*ew Poultry Paper.— The "Poultry 
Standard," is the title of a new monthly paper published 
by W. n. Lockwood & Co., Hartford, Ct., devoted ex- 
clusively to poultry. It is evident that there is a growing 
interest in this branch, when a sheet so well illustrated 
and printed can find support. 
Tesiing; Hediciues for ILive-Stocli. 
— We cannot be expected to report upon the value of 
"specifics'" sent us for diseases in animals, because op 
portunity may not occur for their trial, besides it is not 
safe to pronounce on the effects of a prescription admin- 
istered to one, or a few animals only, but a great number 
of cases should be tabulated to make the test value. 
JLijiSst Mralima Fowls. — From Lock- 
port, N. Y., we received the following: "After a care- 
ful experience of four years with the Light Brahma fowls, 
T am satisfied they are the most profitable breed now 
known. I have for thirty years had various breeds, em- 
bracing White Leghorn, Black Spanish, and t le common 
mixed breeds, and believe the country would .jc vastly 
benefited by discarding these and raising only the full- 
blooded Light Brahma. They are quiet and kep u within 
a 4y 2 ft. fence, the best winter layers known, and not sur- 
passed as layers by any other breed. Very hardy and 
easily raised, weigh from ten to twelve pounds at matur- 
ity, and exceedingly fine flavored. Always fat and ready 
to kill, if properly fed."— While our correspondent is 
zealous in praising his favorites, other persons arc as 
positive in favor of other breeds. For ourselves, we con- 
cur in his testimony respecting the hardiness, winter-lay- 
ing qualities, and quiet manners of the Light Brahma 
fowls. As regards the number of eggs per head yearly, 
there seems to be a great difference in different strains 
of this breed, and though in some instances where count 
has been kept, the average yearly yield has been high, 
yet in many other cases it has been only moderate, owing 
to a great propensity of the birds to sit during warm 
weather, which results in scanty laying at a time when 
other breeds arc laying profusely. 
WBaaft cam l>e done witn a wet 
Meadow ?— "H. C. M.," of Rockland Co., N. T., 
writes: "I have a wet meadow, the grass on which is 
about run out. Should I plow up the meadow or sow 
good grass seed on it after the hay is taken off, without 
plowing?"— Plow the land. Roll it, and then harrow 
lengthwise of the furrows, and continue to harrow Mtffi- 
ciently often to keep down the weeds. A Shares' orNish- 
witz harrow, so-called, is the best implement that can be 
used, as it cuts the land three or four inches deep with- 
out disturbing the tough sod underneath. Make the land 
as clean, mellow and fine as possible, and the latter part 
of August or first of September, sow on the grass seeds, 
and if the land is rich and not too wet, yon will probably 
get a good crop of hay the next season. But if possible, 
the land should be drained. And it is rare, indeed, to 
find land so low that sufficient fall cannot be obtained to 
drain it, with more or less efficiency. 
The Farmer's Workshop is a necessa- 
ry department on every farm. Not only necessary, but 
it affords an agreeable variation to the boys, and in rainy 
days will furnish them profitable and pleasant occupa- 
tion. Give them a tool chest and a supply of tools, and 
let them make all such things as rakes, harrows, hand- 
sleds, hen-coops, mend harness, cut threads ou bolts or 
burrs, or anything else they desire. Let them experi- 
ment there as much as they wish, and by and by you will 
see them bring out something useful, save many trips to 
the blacksmith's or wagon maker's, and many hard-earned 
quarters. If "variety is the spice of life," it is surely 
needed on the farm where hard and constant labor is the 
rule, and recreation is the exception. If you give them 
a supply of oil and paints, you will probably some fine 
day find the plows and harrows, or may be the old wagon 
looking like new, in a new coat, and the garden gate smil- 
ing to the passer-by, in a new clean dress. By all means, 
try to induce them, both by practice and precept, to keep 
the work-bench neat, and the shop orderly, habits thus 
formed will influence them through life, and may lay the 
foundation for future success. If you cannot teach them 
yourself, furnish them with a book ; there are many such 
published at such a price as will be repaid many times 
within a year, besides leaving a lasting investment of 
good effects for a lifetime. 
About Editorial Advertisements.— A 
Grievous "Wrong. 
When the conductor of a newspaper finds a good 
thing— one which he believes, after full examination, to 
be highly useful to his readers— he ought to tell them of 
it editorially. Usually this should be done without 
charge, for when a man sits down to write a puff simply 
because he is paid for it, he becomes an advocate rather 
than a disinterested Judge of merit. The description of 
any unpatented article— one free to the public use— ought 
not to be paid for. When any person holds an exclusive 
right, or royalty, in any article, however good, he should, 
in justice, remunerate the publisher who supports the 
journal that gives notoriety and salable value to the 
article, but, as above stnted. it is dangerous for any editor 
to " puff" any article simply because he is paid for doing 
so by advertising patronage or by money direct. 
There is a kind of editorial advertising, however, 
which merits the strongest condemnation, and though 
largely practised by several leading religious and non- 
religious journals, it is really a fraud upon trusting 
readers. Wc refer to the practice of allowing an adver- 
tisement to appear in such a type and position among 
reading Or editorial matter, that it is easily mistaken by 
the reader for the actual language and endorsement cf the 
editors, when this is not the case. Large prices are 
paid for such advertisements, because it is known they icill 
deceive the readers. The editor of one of our otherwise 
most excellent religious journals, was recently called to 
account by a reader for puffing an imposter. The editor 
replied in effect, that the complainant was a "green- 
horn," not to know that the item was in a "business" 
column. Yet, in this case, as in thousands of other simi- 
lar ones, nine out of ten of the great mass of readers, un- 
skilled in type and " make up," could not distinguish 
between the item in question and the real editorials on 
the same page and in the same type. 
We go so far as to say that any editor or publisher who 
knowingly admits into his paper at all. an advertisement 
of any kind which be does not believe to be worthy of 
the altention of his readers, or which at least can harm 
any one of them in pocket or morals, is accessory to any 
wrong or loss that may result to them. He takes the 
quack doctor, the vender of useless or hurtful medicines, 
the swindler or the cheat, by the hand and introduces 
him to the homes of the readers of his paper. But even 
if we admitted the plea that Ihe publisher merely puts up 
a bulletin for anybody to cover with posters who will pay 
him well for its eroclion,and that the readers know or 
ought to know that the advertisers arc there simply be- 
cause they pay for space, we should still claim that any 
editor who hires out. his own clothes (hia peculiar type and 
place in a paper) to a swindler, or even to an unreliable, 
or an unendorsed advertiser, is a direct particeps criminis^ 
and by no subterfuge or casuistry can he eBcape the 
verdict of " sold himself for lucre." 
Bee Notes for July.— % & Qninby. 
As moths increase, treat them to a drink of molasses, 
vinegar and water, set in saucers near the hive at night. 
Their appetite for it proves their ruin. Let the chickens 
have the moths, and use the liquid again, renewing if 
necessary. Italians defend themselves from the moth 
better than black bees, and are less liable to foul brood. 
Foul brood, where it exists, should be attended to now, 
or in three weeks after the first swarm, as all healthy 
brood, except a few drones, has matured. Cells contain- 
ing dead larvaB remain sealed. Make examinations in 
the middle of the day. If you are timid, put on some pro- 
tection, but the bees will not be likely to sting if direc- 
tions are followed. Witli the box hive you will first blow 
a few puffs of smoke under it. Then turn it bottom up, 
drive the bees away with a little more smoke, spread the 
combs apart, and if among the brood comb you discover 
any sealed cells, open a few of them with the point of a 
knife. If they are black and putrid, while yet in the 
larva state, drive out the bees at once. Set an empty 
hive on the old stand, to catch returning bees, put anoth- 
er on the inverted hive, and with a hammer or stick, 
gently and rapidly strike the lower hive. In fifteen min- 
utes the bees will mostly be in the upper one. Set this 
on the old stand, and all will soon gather there to begin 
anew. With movable comb hives it is only necessary to 
lift out the combs and shake the bees off at the entrance 
of the empty hive— which should, of course, be on the old 
stand — taking care to have a wide board or sheet to facil- 
itate their creeping directly in. All movements should 
be made very gently. It is not necessary that one should 
be a smoker in order to manage bees. Decayed wood, 
that which will just hold together, will burn a long tirm> 
without blazing, and answers a very good purpose. If 
any choose to use tobacco, take a bit of cotton cloth a foot 
square, cover it with tobacco a quarter of an inch thick, 
roll it up, fasten with a few stitches, and set, fire to one 
end. This answers every purpose of a pipe. It subdues 
Italians quickly, but the next time you meet them, you 
will be likely to find them more irritable. Early swarms 
will often fill the hive and store a quantity of surplus. 
If such is the prospect, it is just as well to put on boxes 
soon after bees are hived. This becomes necessary when 
two swarms are hived together. Keep a supply of boxes 
on hand, and change as fast as filled. No need of wait- 
ing until every cell is full. When taken from the hive, 
keep them the same side up if practicable, and raise them 
a little from the ground to let the bees creep out. Al- 
ways avoid turning over, further than on one side, and 
keep the sheets vertical, else the honey will leak and look 
badly. Keep them out of the sun. In movable comb 
hives, weak colonies are easily strengthened by giving 
them a comb or more filled with brood from some strong 
one, shaking off all bees, of course. Replace these with 
empty ones. In a time of a great yield of honey there is 
danger of too little room for breeding, and consequently 
weak colonies. In such case remove the outside frames, 
that will he well filled with honey, put some of the inside 
ones in their places, and empty ones in the center. The- 
full combs can be used for feeding, or otherwise, as may- 
be desired. If moth-worms appear among them, suioke 
with brimstone, in a close box or barrel. 
