1900 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER; 
293 
THE FARMS TEA D. 
A Notable New Book. 
“The Farmstead” is the title of the 
latest book of the Rural Science Series, 
published by the Macmillan Company, 
and edited by L. H. Bailey. The author 
is Isaac Phillips Roberts, Director of the 
College of Agriculture and Professor of 
Agriculture in Cornell University. ' In 
Professor Roberts’s former book, The 
Fertility of the Land, he explained the 
principles which underlie successful ag¬ 
riculture. He dealt with the soil, and 
showed how by “hot plow shares” and 
the judicious use of fertilizers, the soil 
may be made to respond and bring forth 
liberally. In the Farmstead he deals 
with the portion of the farm above 
ground. He considers it not beneath 
the dignity of a university professor to 
discuss such subjects as the selection 
and purchase of a farm, the building of 
the house and tne barn. He even tells 
how the old barns may ba remodeled 
and improved; how the many scattered 
buildings around the place may be 
brought together, and be made better to 
serve the purpose for which they were 
built. The first chapters of the book 
are devoted to a discussion of rural 
homes, the farm as a source of income, 
and educational opportunities on the 
farm. Professor Roberts does not hold 
forth any inducements in the way of 
acquiring great wealth on 'the farm, but 
he does clearly show that for symmet¬ 
rical development of all the faculties, 
for the cultivation of those qualities 
which elevate and ennoble, and winch 
bring somewhat of the sunshine of 
Heaven into our everyday life, no place 
is better suited than the farm home. 
The fir^t three chapters of the book 
should be read by every parent who has 
become dissatisfied with farm life, and 
sees ahead only toil and labor; they 
should be read by the young man who 
longs for the excitement of the city, and 
anxiously looks forward to the time 
when he shall have attained the age of 
21, at which time he can leave the farm; 
they should be read by the young wo¬ 
man who receives coldly the attentions 
of the young farmer, and has only 
smiles for the city fop; even the chil¬ 
dren may find something in these chap¬ 
ters to stimulate and encourage. 
In the following comparison of rural 
with city life the picture is not over¬ 
drawn. “Nature, with her ever-varying 
form and color, beauty and symm'etry. 
is forgotten in the city; the shady for¬ 
est, the meadow brook, the waving 
fields, are unknown. There, instead, is 
incessant noise, the clang and clash of 
trade, towering and ugly buildings, 
skies darkened by the smoke of factor¬ 
ies, children who never saw a tree or 
played elsewhere than upon a hard and 
filthy pavement; and worst of all is the 
nerve-destroying haste and unequal 
competition, wearing out body and soul. 
In rural life, however tame and lonely 
the home is, not merely a few square 
feet hedged in by brick walls, but the 
whole wide countryside; the barns, the 
fields, the woods, the orchards, the ani¬ 
mals, wild and domesticated; the out¬ 
look over hill and valley—these all con¬ 
stitute the farmer’s home.” 
The country schoolhouse, which many 
have been pleased to term the “red 
schoolhouse,” comes in for a sharp criti¬ 
cism, and justly so. Emphasis is laid 
upon the fact that more training should 
be done at home, and not everything 
in the way of mental and moral train¬ 
ing be left to the teacher. Where is the 
person who is familiar with the condi¬ 
tions which prevail in the district coun¬ 
try school, who cannot appreciate the 
following: “If you ever imagined that 
the best provision has been made for 
teaching the little ones, spend a day in 
one of these schoolhouses. Take some 
book with you that is as abstract and 
useless to you as the children believe 
their books to be to them, and make the 
attempt to memorize a single page, or 
essay to write a composition on ‘The 
Immortality of the Soul,’ or on ‘The 
Wisdom of Annexing the South Sea Isl¬ 
ands’; meantime, classes are reciting in 
falsetto voices, the teacher is giving 
many admonitions and making dire 
threats, a festive bumblebee has found 
its way through the open window, and 
makes as much commotion among the 
timid girls as a mouse at a tea party. 
Now a dog barks, and the boys know 
that Bowser has safely treed a squirrel. 
Before you have had time to collect 
your thoughts, a lusty farm boy, perch¬ 
ed on a creaking wain, whooping loudly 
to his team, goes rattling by. Stay a 
week and finish your composition, and 
•sec- how fast your children are securing 
disjointed fractions of an education.” 
The chapters winch will likely appeal 
most strongly to the farmer are those 
which discuss the planning and con¬ 
struction of farm buildings. It is not 
a manual of architecture, yet it states 
clearly and discusses fully many of the 
difficult problems met with in construc¬ 
tion. Having had a practical training 
as a carpenter and a builder, the author 
% 
has far more than a theoretical knowl¬ 
edge of the problems discussed. What 
farmer has not at some time sought in¬ 
formation as to the length of rafter re¬ 
quired for a one-third pitch; how ven¬ 
tilation could best be secured, in the 
stables, the best method of laying floors 
and building mangers in the horses’ and 
cows’ stable, or how that most difficult 
of all farm buildings to plan, the pig¬ 
gery, should be built? The chapters 
which will appeal most strongly to the 
housewife are those contributed by Pro¬ 
fessor Mary Roberts Smith. House fur¬ 
nishing and decoration, sanitation, 
water supply, drainage, etc., are dis¬ 
cussed in a manner both practical and 
scientific. Many a wife will find in the 
helpful advice given, encouragement to 
inaugurate reforms, and support in the 
execution of plans having for their ob¬ 
ject the lessening of the labor in the 
house. Chapters on the Relation of the 
Farmer to the Lawyer, by Hon. D. F. 
Van Vleet; The Home Yard, by L. H. 
Bailey, and Lightning Protection, by H. 
E. Norris, add to the value of the pub¬ 
lication. It is a practical book, fully 
illustrated, replete with valuable direc¬ 
tions and advice, and should be on the 
tables not only of the farm homes, but 
of the city homes, and it should have a 
place in every day-school and Sunday- 
school library. l. a. Clinton. 
A Horse with “Moon Blindness.” 
As I have had a horse affected like old 
Dan mentioned in Hope Farm Notes, you 
may be interested to know all about 
it. I purchased the horse at an auction 
sale of a farmer in the Spring of 1895. 
Of course the animal was said .to be, as 
you 'have already stated, “sound and 
kind,” and perhaps he was. However, 
some time during the first year of my 
owning him, he had running watery 
eyes, but it being of short duration, I 
thought nothing of it. During the early 
Winter of 1897 his eyes were both affect¬ 
ed at times. I consulted a veterinary, 
and he pronounced it moon eyes, gave 
me something like flour to be dusted in 
them, saying at the same time that pos¬ 
sibly he would become blind, and his 
eyes would run out, or more especially 
the right eye. Of course I considered 
this a dark outlook for a good farm 
horse. All along in February and 
March, 1897, there seemed to be no im¬ 
provement. The veterinary’s remedy 
was of no account, and as some days the 
running of water was so profuse, then 
the drying up for perhaps a day caused 
the horse entirely to close the right eye, 
and I had made up my mind that the 
veterinary’s prediction would prove true, 
and used no remedies whatever. Finally 
another veterinary, who happened to see 
the horse when I was driving him, said 
that he would fix me up a bottle of eye 
water to put a few drops in the eyes 
evei’y day. I did this at the same time, 
not believing anything would cure, espec¬ 
ially after l’unning so many weeks, but 
the hoi*se seemed to get entirely over it, 
and the veterinary charged me 50 cents 
a bottle for two bottles. Perhaps once 
a year, or occasionally, the same trou¬ 
ble shows itself, but I apply a few drops 
of the eye water, which I always keep 
on hand, which seems to cui’e. I really 
think that the running during the Win¬ 
ter and Spring of 1897 was so constant 
that the sight of the right eye is affect¬ 
ed, as he shies fi’om that side at many 
things. Of course I consiuered the case 
hopeless for several weeks. s. j. b. 
Otisville, N. Y. 
R. N.-Y.—Dan’s eye is now much bet¬ 
ter. We are using a wash prepax’ed by 
the veterinary, and also giving medicine 
for worms. Dr. Kilborne says that when 
the white film keeps on the eye we 
should use a wash made of three gi’ains 
of nitrate of silver in one ounce of pui*e 
water. He says to moisten the eyeball 
once a day with this wash, using a small 
brush. We hope to save one eye, at 
least. Some people have advised putting 
one eye out in oi’der to save the other, 
but none of that for us! 
An exchange says that a man who keeps 
five cows and makes as much out of them 
as his neighbor does out of 10, gets big pay 
for his skill. But when a man sells hogs 
whose main occupation has been to squeal, 
he does not sell any skill, and therefore 
makes no money 
The Breeder’s Gazette states that during 
the year ending June 30, 1899, the United 
States purchased for the use of the army, 
7,283 horses at a cost of $790,998.21, and at 
the date mentioned there were in the pos¬ 
session of the army horses and mules 
valued at over $2,500,000. 
THE WHEEL OF TIME 
for all time is the 
Metal Wheel. 
We make them in all sizes ami vari¬ 
eties, TO FIT AN Y AXLE. Any 
height, any width of tire desired. 
!our wheels are either direct or 
stagger spoke. Can FIT YOilIt 
WAGON perfectly without change. 
3 BREAKING DOWN. 
No drying out. No resetting tires. Cheap 
Lnonmio f.hpiv endure. Send for cat*- 
STEEL WHEELS and HANDY WAGONS 
of every style and price are made in our 
mammoth factory and sold direct to farmers. 
We supply all trucks used by U. S. Govt 
Farmer’s Handy Wagon Co., Saginaw. Mich 
Steel Wheels 
for FARM 
WAGONS 
j® Any size wnnted, any width of tire. Hubs to 
- fit any axle. For catalogue and prices write 
Empire Manufacturing Co., Quincy, III, 
JUST WHAT YOU WANT! 
Furnish only what is shown in cut. In ordering 
give size of collar used. Write for circular and 
testimonials. Price, $12.00. Cash with order. 
B. F. Baker & Co., Burnt Hills, N. Y. 
. -Before Buying a New 
Harness 
heud 5 cts. in stamps to pay postage on descriptive cat¬ 
alogue 100 styles of single and double 
Leather Harness to select from. Sold direct to the 
consumer at wholesale price. We can save you money; 
KING HARNESS COMPANY. Mfrs. 
2 i» Church St. # Owego, N. Y. 
Walker 
Carriages 
and Harnessm 
HY should you have our free, large illustrated 
book ? Because we offer better-made, longer- 
lived vehicles for the money than any other firm. 
Because we sell from $20 to $150 lower than others 
for same quality. Because we believe in the busi¬ 
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chasers. Because we make every vehicle, and 
send anywhere on approval. Write to-day, tell¬ 
ing us just what you want. Catalogue free. 
Edw. W. Walker Carriage Co., 91 8th SI., Goshen, Ind. 
50 OTHER STYLES. 
BUY DIRECT FROM FAGTORY 
You can buy one vehicle or harness from us as cheap 
as dealers can buy in car load lots. Goods exactly as 
represented. Every shipment subject to examinatic 
if not satisfactory money refunded. 
Send for large illustrated Catalogue. It 
is free. Keep the middleman’s profit in your 
own pocket. 
CONSUMERS CARRIAGE & MFG. CO. (INC.) 
269-272 S. Desplaines St., CHICAGO, ILL. 
$31.95 
for thi9 
TOP 
BUGGY 
75 OTHER STYLES. 
THIS HIGH>GRADE BUGGY 
FITTED WITH RICHARD’S LONQ DISTANCE AXLE. 
No. 310 
Runs 1,000 miles without oiling; Bailey body loops; quick shifting shaft 
coupler; open rubber head springs; Derby 5th wheel; rubber covered 
steps; leather covered bows; leather covered whip socket; 13 in. padded# 
dash; 30in. shaft leathers with round tug leathers; trimming, 18 oz. all 
wool broadcloth;spring cushion and back, stuffed with hair; top, including 
back and side curtains, lined with wool cloth. Thin Imuii elegant buggy. 
(Guaranteed equal to buggies that retail for $100. Our price. $8^.10. 
Siugle Strap Harness, ><o. 20175, retails for $20. Our price. $10.85. 
MIP ICQIir the largest and most complete Vehicle and Harness book ever 
if Li lOOUL printed. The illustrations are very large, showing every 
vehiclein detail and full description. Our fttyleM are the latent. ^ 
A nri rnTiny nr 68 styles buggies, prl es $32 and up; 50 styles 
OLLL.ll I lull Ul Phaetons and Stanhones; 55styles Surreys, $50 to $H0; 37 styles Road Wagons and Carts ; 25stylesSprlug 
Wagons, $35.25 and up. 250 styles Harness, Saddles, Fly Nets, 
Lap Robes and Blankets. 100-page Vehicle Catalogue FKEfi. 
MARVIN SMITH CO., 55-57-59 N. Jefferson St., Z-16, Chicago. 
■luiuiuiiuiuifuiiinuuifiiiuBiiiJininiiiiiiiiiuiiiiiiimiiiiniiiuuiiiiuiiiHiniiiiiiiiiMiiiiiaii, 
Deal 'the Makers 
No. 3034 Buggy. Price $38.30 
with leather quarter top. 
When you buy a carriage, buggy or harness. Choose 
from the biggest stock and fullest assortment, and 
pay only the cost of making, with but one moderate 
profit added. Our plan of selling direct from tbe 
factory insures satisfaction—your money back it 
you’re dissatisfied with your purchase—and enables 
you to 
save the dealer’s profit. 
Our complete illustrated catalogue, showing many’ styles of high grade 
vehicles, harness, robes, blankets and horse equipments, with detailed de¬ 
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buy when the jobber’s and dealer’s profits are cut off. v Q 240 SimMa fttran 
THE COLUMBUS CARRIAGE & HARNESS CO., P. 0. Box 772, Columbus. 0. Buggy HarnS... Frice fe.15. 
r^j yyyyyyyyuwUA^yygyyyyMyyy ww^ 
) No. 21 —Driving Wagon. Has 4 ‘Long l)isfc- 
. ance” axles, opeu rubber head springs, Bradley 
[ shaft couplers and Bailey loops. Price with 
( shafts, $60. Same as others sell for $10 to $50 
[ more than our price. 
You Pay Double the Money t 
in many cases when you buy vehicles and harness from the agent or ( 
dealer. We do without these people and reduce the price of our goods f 
to you to the extent of their commissions. We make 178 styles of 
vehicles and 65 styles of liarnessand sell tliem 
to the consumer direct from our factory at i 
wholesale prices. * 
WE HAVE NO AGENTS 
You pay a profit to nobody except our man¬ 
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__ will buy. In a factory of the size of ours you 
get the best possible selection. Our large 
‘Uustrated Catalogue contains cuts of everything we make. Remember that wo ship 
our vehicles and harness anywhere for examination and guarantee safe delivery and 
warrant everything. 
> SEND FOR LARGE FREE ILLUSTRATED CATALOGUE. 
ELKHART CARRIAGE & HARNESS MANUFACTURING CO., Elkhartlndiana. 
