7i4 
THE RURAL NEW-YORKER 
October 20 
Live Stock and Dairy 
THE HEIFER’S FIRST CALF. 
At What Age ? When ? 
What is the most practical age for a 
heifer (Jersey or Guernsey) to have her 
first calf? Does it not make them too 
beefy if they do not have a calf until 
nearly three years old? Will they de¬ 
velop into better cows if they have their 
first calf when about two years old? For 
the good of the heifer, is it better to have 
her drop the first calf in Winter or Sum¬ 
mer? 
My experience has been that heifers 
make the most useful cows when they 
calve in the Spring, about April. I let 
them run over one year before having 
next calf; that is, let them calve one 
year from following Fall. The cow thus 
forms the habit of long milking, and 
gets a good growth as a three-year-old. 
In any event I think a heifer should 
have 18 months between first and sec¬ 
ond calves, and at least three months 
rest from milking. o. b. foote. 
Hobart. 
I would suggest having the heifers 
bred early, say to come in as two-year- 
olds, that is, if of good size. Should the 
owner wait for them to come in as 
three-year-oldi they are apt to have 
that coarse, beefy, bull neck, large hone, 
not wanting in the Jersey or Guernsey 
cattle. If heifers are under size, un¬ 
doubtedly caused by improper food when 
calves, and lack of care, would suggest 
waiting for them to calve at 30 months 
old. I prefer heifers to calve in Spring 
and at grass time, which will cause a 
large flow of milk and well-developed 
udder, white oak ridge stock farm. 
Millburn, N. J. 
I find by experience that the age of 
two years is about the right time for a 
heifer of any breed to drop her first 
calf. If earlier than two years her 
growth and development are quite like¬ 
ly to be retarded, and if we wait until 
three years of age she is quite apt to 
become coarse and beefy, especially 
with those breeds that tend to beef. I 
have a fine Brown Swiss heifer, that 
failed to come in when two years old, 
and now, at the age of three years she 
has developed into a large, coarse, beefy 
animal. I have my heifers drop their 
first calf as near two years as I can; and 
I like best to have them drop their first 
calves in the Summer or early Fall, 
when tnere is flush green feed, for to 
make a good milker, they want good 
good green food so that the udder will 
fill up well, and enlarge it. If they have 
a small inferior udder with the first 
calf it almost always remains so. Fur¬ 
thermore, I want to milk a heifer up to 
almost the time she drops her second 
calf. In that way she will almost al¬ 
ways make a good milker and hold to 
her milk well. This is my experience. 
GEO. W. HIGGINS. 
Columbia Co., N. Y. 
The dairyman will find that the most 
practical age for Guernsey or Jersey 
heifers to have the first calf is at about 
24 months old. I know by experience, 
that they will develop into better cows 
by following this practice, and lose none 
of their size, if properly fed and housed 
from tne second year on. It is possible 
for them to go to three years old, before 
dropping their first calf, if the owner 
will take great pains to see that they 
are not overfed, and that their foods 
are almost entirely of the protein or¬ 
der. I think that in a great muny cases 
the beefy threc-year-olds are obtained 
by feeding them heartily and heavily, 
when they have no use for their food, 
and therefore store it on their backs, 
and I believe that the yield of milk be¬ 
tween two and three years old, which 
in our own herd averages over 5,000 
pounds, makes the heifer a profit earn¬ 
er, instead of an expense. The other 
question of having the calf in Winter 
or Summer, must be decided by the milk 
demands or market. In ordinary prac¬ 
tice, the greatest demand for milk prod¬ 
ucts exists during the Winter, and the 
herd shoulu be bred to calve in the Fall 
to meet that demand. The heifer should 
calve at that time. From figures taken 
from our own herd, we have found that 
more milk is obtainea by Fall calving, 
and the expense of food and attention 
is lessened. asa b. gardiner, jr. 
Baltimore, Md. 
I prefer to have heifers that are to be 
used in the dairy drop their first calf 
at the age of two years. Those that go 
to the age of three before calving are 
likely to develop the beefy characteris¬ 
tic. It must be admitted, however, that 
many of them lose it after calving. I 
would prefer to have a heifer drop her 
first calf under the age of two than be¬ 
yond that age. The only disadvantage 
in calving young is that it retards 
growth and development. It does not, 
however, arrest it. I believe a heifer 
that calves at 18 months will eventually 
be as good a milker and as large an 
animal as she would ever be, if the calv¬ 
ing period were six months later, but 
she will be longer in reaching this stage. 
I like to have a heifer drop her first 
calf in the Fall, say in November. In 
order to have her become a persistent 
milker her first period of lactation 
should extend as nearly as possible to 
the second. If she calves in the Fall 
the warm Spring weather, and some 
pasture perhaps, come at the right time 
to help overcome the tendency to go 
dry. The pasture does not count with 
those who have succulent food all the 
year round, and perhaps for such, calv¬ 
ing in the Fa.l is not so important, al¬ 
though I believe that the Spring wea¬ 
ther always helps to counteract the ten¬ 
dency to go dry. The milking habit 
formed during the first period of lacta¬ 
tion is very likely to persist through 
life. N. SAGER. 
Orangeville, Pa. 
MILLET HAY AND MEAL. 
I have raised 12 tons of millet hay, cut 
at the proper season. How does it com¬ 
pare with clover or Timothy as a feeu, also 
for milch cows or horses? I have left some 
for seed and find that it will yield at least 
25 bushels per acre. What is its value as 
a ground feed for milch cows? Will it 
take the place of linseed meal? h. l. d. 
Phoenixville, Pa. 
I suppose that the common millet, 
Panicum Italicum, is meant. In chem¬ 
ical composition, hay from this millet 
compares very favorably with hay of 
Timothy cut just after bloom. The 
average composition of the Timothy 
hay is: Protein (meat formers), 5.7 per 
cent; fiber, 28.1 per cent; carbohydrates 
(heat formers), 44.6 per cent; fat, 3 per 
cent. Hay from common millet: Pro¬ 
tein, 7.8 per cent; fiber, 33.3 per cent; 
carbohydrates, 44 per cent; fat, 1.8 per 
cent. The millet hay, it will be seen, 
contains rather more protein, about the 
same fiber, but considerably less fat 
than Timothy hay. Provided the two 
kinds, however, are equally palatable 
and equally digestible, they should have 
about the same value. Palatability will 
depend chiefly upon the stage of matur¬ 
ity when the crop is cut, and the man¬ 
ner in which it is cured. Well-cured 
millet hay, cut at about the time of 
bloom, will be as palatable as Timothy 
hay. There does not appear to be any 
considerable difference in the digestibil¬ 
ity in the two sorts of hay. Clover hay 
is much richer in protein than either 
Timothy or millet, and if well cured, is 
more palatable and considerably more 
valuable. 
Experiments at the North Dakota Ex¬ 
periment Station indicate that hay made 
from common millet is not a safe food 
for horses. Continued use of this hay 
for horses has caused serious trouble 
with the kidn ys, in many instances. A 
similar difficulty does not appear to 
have been noticed in other localities. 
The injurious effects noticed in North 
Dakota were, however, found to follow 
only when millet was used as the only 
coarse food, and there seems little prob¬ 
ability tnat when used as an occasional 
feed any serious results will follow. 
Millet seed has about the same com¬ 
position as oats. We have never ex¬ 
perimented with the seed of the com¬ 
mon Foxtail millet here, but have car¬ 
ried out experiments in feeding meal 
made from tne seed of the Japan Barn¬ 
yard millet, comparing this meal with 
ground oats, as food for milch cows. 
The results of the experiment indicate 
the millet meal to be fully equal in value 
and apparently slightly superior to oat¬ 
meal. w. P. BROOKS. 
Mass. Agl. College. 
Dispersion Sale. —Fire recently de¬ 
stroyed the barn at the Locust Grove 
Farm, and all the store of Winter feed 
went up in smoke. In consequence, the 
owners, James L. Henderson & Son, 154 
Wilson avenue, Washington, Pa., have 
decided to sell their fine herd of Hol¬ 
stein cattle at auction. The entire herd 
of about 45 head will be sold without re¬ 
serve. Some of these Holsteins are very 
superior in pedigree and performance 
and all who are interested in the famous 
“Black and White” can obtain bargains 
at the sale. The date is Tuesday, Oc¬ 
tober 23, 1900. 
Killed=Dead. 
You know that the horse 
buyer knocks off $50 or more 
for every lump or blemish on 
a horse. Get full value for 
your horse—don’t have any 
lum ps. Cure him with 
T uttie’s 
Elixir. 
It is guaranteed under a for¬ 
feit of $100. to cure any case of horse ail , curb , 
splin ts , contracted cord, callouses, thrush, etc. 
Used and Endorsed by Adams Express Company. 
TUTTLE'S FAMILY ELIXIR cures rheumatism, sprains, 
bruises, eto., Kills pain instantly. Our 100-page book, 
“Veterinary Experience” PREE. 
Dr. S. A. TUTTLE, 30 Beverly St., Boston, Mass, 
Beware of so-called Elixirs.—none genuine bnt Tuttle’s. 
Avoidall blisters, they offer only temporary relief if any. 
Breeders’ Directory. 
1200 
Ferrets for sale. Small, medium and large site 
8 ome trained. N. A. Knapp, Rochester, Ohio. 
Ferrets for Sale 
—Address CHARLES SMITH, 
Mainesburg, Tioga Co., Pa 
■pMne Jersey Cows, by the carload, furnished on 
A short notice, at reasonable prices. O. B. FOOTE, 
Hobart, N. Y. Ref.: J. B. Dutcher, Pawling, N. Y. 
Some GOOD young 
JERSEY BULL CALVES 
FOB SALE at fair prloes. No PUUG8 nor nn 
registered for sale at any price. 
R. F SHANNON. 907 Liberty St.. Pittsburg. Pa. 
CIIFRIKFY Rill I FOR SALE. — Henrye No 
uucnnoci DULL .5402: dropped January 10 
1898; sire Eristan No. 4509; dam Alwilda No. 6102 
Vet. certificate. Price $150. Address 
MRS. LAWTON, Port Ewen-on-Hudson, N. Y. 
SALE OF GUERNSEYS. 
Fourteen Heifers. Choice lot; high class. Suit¬ 
able for show-ring or foundation of herd. Three in 
profit; seven others approaching. 
M. SAGER. Orangeville, Pa, 
150 Dellhurst Holsteins 
for sale, including young Cows, Heifers and a 
great lot of BULL CALVES—several now ready 
for service—sons of “ DeKol’s Butter Boy”, anil 
the famous “ Royal Paul ” out of advanced Re¬ 
gistry cows. Catalogue. 
DELLHURST FARM, Mentor, Ohio. 
Chester Whites, Holsteins and Choice Eggs. 
A fine lot of young sows bred for Fall litters. 
Holstein-Friesian Bull Calves of extra breeding 
Light Brahma and B. Rock Eggs; 15 for 76 cents. 
CHAS. K. RECORD, Peterboro, N. Y. 
TDerksliires, Chester W., and Poland C. Pigs. 
•^Best strains; good pedigree; pairs not akin. $3 and 
up. Good Shropshire Ewes. W. A. Lothers, Lack, Pa. 
PUECIHDE Brood 8ow - ONE OF OUR BEST 
uncomnc due this month. An A. J. C. C. 
Bull Calf, St Leond Signal blood. No. 1 butter cows 
on both sides. Prices right. 
R. D. BUTTON, Cottons. N. Y. 
CHESHIRESj 
Choice young Sows and 
Pigs in pairs not related. 
Also, Shropshire Bucks 
and Ewes for sale. 
Ed. S. Hill, Peruville,N.Y 
vnDircumcQ Fors ie 100hea(i of York- 
I umvomneo shires, the large white breed; 
best for bacon, family use and early market. Bred 
Sows, young Gilts and Boars. Pairs not akin— 
registered. HILLS & PRICE, Delaware, Ohio. 
Shropshires and Sonthdowns^fhf best 
quality. J. C. DUNCAN, Lewiston, N. Y. 
CUDDDQUIDC nfl\A/M Sheep and lambs of 
onnUronlllL UUllll either sex for sale at 
Farmers’ prices. Jas. Slnsabaugh, Pine Bush, N. Y 
Death to Heaves, 
Coughs and Distemper, 
is NEWTON’S CUKE. 
Best references. $1 V can 
Newton House Remedy 
Co. (Yj, Toledo, O. 
THE CHAIN HANGING 
CATTLE STANCHION. 
The most practical and humane Fastener ever In 
rented. Gives perfect freedom of the head. Illus 
trated Circular and Price free on application. 
Manufactured by O. H. ROBERTSON, 
ForeatvUla. Conn. 
SCOTT’S 
Perfect Swinging 
and, Self-Closing 
COW STANCHION 
Each cow shuts herself 
in place. Circulars free. 
B. C. SCOTT, 
210 Beach Street, 
Bridgeport, Conn. 
/KEYSTONE m DEHORNER 
m Makes dehorning easy 
I and painless. Cuts Av 
| on four sides at 
I once. It never 
■ bruises nor 
1 crushes. Send 
1 for circulars. 
Vfl.T. PHILLIPS, Pomeroy. Pa 
Endorsed by colleges 
and experts. High¬ 
est award World’s 
Fair. Most hu¬ 
mane because 
the quickest j 
and easiest. 
.(Successorto A.C.BROSIUS) J 
Be Kind to Stock 
by humanely dishorning them only with 
the quick, smooth cutting 
Convex Dlshorner. 
_i make the Bucker Stock Holder, one of the 
best aids to dishorning, and two other styles of 
Dishorners. one for caives. Every approved ap¬ 
pliance for this work. Send for Fit EE book. 
GEORGE WEBSTER.Box B4, Christiana,l»a. 
Western trade supplied from Chicago. 
COOK YOUR FEED and SAVE 
Half the Cost—with the 
PROFIT FARM BOILER 
With Dumping Caldron. Empties its 
kettle in one minute. The simplest 
and best arrangement for cooking 
food for stock. Also make Dairy and 
Laundry Stoves, Water and Steam 
Jacket Kettles, Hog Scalders, Cal¬ 
drons, etc. #3" Send for circulars* 
D. R. SPERRY & CO., Batavia, DL 
THE ADAM GREEN BONE GUTTER 
and a flock of hens means egg money the year round, i 
Green Cut Bone you know makes hens lay double the 
eggs winter and summer. This machine runs easier than 
any other because it is the only ball-bearing bone cutter 
made It cuts bone quickly—shears it off in fine shavings. 
Can’t choke;cleans itself; is strong and substantial. Send I 
at once for our free illustrated catalogue No. 88 . 
W. J. 2X.DAM, JOXiIET, ILL. 
The best breeding, blood and deve'opment in the 
world is to be found in the Continental Club. Mem¬ 
bers in nearly everv State. Write the Secretary tor 
address of nearest breeder. 
JOSEPH E. WING, Sec'y, Mechanicsburg, Ohio. 
L.M.Crothers, 
CROTHERS, 
Washington Co., Pa. 
Breeder of SOUTHDOWN 
Sheep. Any stock ordered 
from me which Is not as 
good as my description or 
better, can be returned at 
my expense, and purchase 
money cheerfully returned. 
Uor Sale— A fine lot of Fall and Winter breeding 
" birds. W. & B. Rocks; W. & Br. Leghorns; W 
Wyan. Stamp. Mrs. F. P. Helllngs, Dover, Del 
PATTI TRY QTTPPT OYSTER SHELLS 30c. and 
ruULlIVI our r LILhJ r )0c perl00 Sendforeom- 
plete list. J. H. SLACK, Manufr,, Bloomsbury, N. J 
FOR SALE 
catalogue. 
CHEAP.—Self - Regulating Incu¬ 
bators and Brooders. Send for 
M. E. FIRESTONE, Sidney, Ohio. 
The BEST REGULATOR 
is the original pattern we use on ine 
P INELAND 
INCUBATOR. 
In connection with it we have the 
most scientific method of venti¬ 
lation. Catalog free. Send foi it. 
Pineland Inch. & Brooder Co., Bo< P, Jamesburg, N.J. 
Makes Chicks Grow. 
Cut Green Hone pushes chicks rapidly, forces 
broilers, developes layers. The best cutter is the 
Green Bone GUTTER 
HUMPHREY 
back, Great tor vegetables, send tor catalog and tree i%g Kecord 
Book. HUMPHREY & SONS, Box 39 JOLIET, ILLINOIS. 
HENS LAY BEST 
—in fact they lay double the eggs winter 
and Bummer when fed Green Cut Bone. 
Mann’s New Bone Gutters 
out all hard and soft bones, meat, gristle, 
&c., fine, fast and withcutchokingand run 
easy. Clover cut with our Clover Cutter* 
helps wonderfully. Mann’s Granite Crystal 
Grit and Feed Trays too. Catalogue FREE. 
F. W. MANN CO., Box 15, Milford, Mass. 1 
nCATU TR I IPC on HENS and CHICKBNB 
UCAln IU LlUL 64-page book mu. 
D. J. LAMBBRT, Box 307. Apponaug, B. I. 
and Vegetable I 
guaranteed to be easiest and most rapid or yonr money 
Great tor vegetables. Send for catalog and free Egg Record 
LUMP JAW 
Easily and thoroughly eorad- 
New, oommon-sense method, 
not expensive. Ne ear®, 
pay. FREE. A practical, ill¬ 
ustrated treatise on the abso¬ 
lute cure of Lump Jaw, free t* 
readersof thispaper. 
Fleming Bros., chemist*. 
(JaioB Stock lards, Cklcaga, BL 
