7 i 4 
THE RURAL 
NEW-YORKER. 
October 18 
Live Stock and Dairy 
MAPES, THE HEN MAN. 
Fat JTkxs. —Can a hen get too fat to 
lay? It is well known that 1 have often 
disputed that theory. If all the people 
who keep hens could be called together, 
and the question put to a vote. I sup¬ 
pose that nearly every hand would go 
up in the affirmative. Where there is 
so much smoke there must be some fire; 
still I should have to oppose the 11 stub¬ 
born jurors. White Betty has had her 
vacation. She laid regularly up to Au¬ 
gust 28. and on September 2 she laid an¬ 
other egg. I am sorry I did not get her 
weight at that time, hut failed to do so. 
On May 1G she weighed four pounds 18 
ounces, and I judge that is about her 
normal weight, as she was then in the 
pink of health, and laying at the rate of 
27 eggs a month. Since September 2 
she has been moulting, and laying on 
fat. This morning (September 29) she 
weighed six pounds four ounces, and laid 
the first egg of the new season before 
noon. This makes a moulting rest of 
only 2G days. Her coat is still quite 
ragged, but her bright red comb indi¬ 
cates that she means business at the egg 
basket. She is certainly fatter than she 
has ever been before since we have been 
watching her. She has been kept close¬ 
ly confined, and had nothing to eat ex¬ 
cept, her regular two meals a day of a 
balanced ration. Two Buff Cochin hens 
weighed four pounds seven ounces and 
four pounds r>y 2 ounces respectively, on 
August 22, and were not laying. Prof. 
Wing helped me weigh them on that 
date. September 15 the former com¬ 
menced to lay, and w’eighed five pounds 
six ounces, while the other one weighed 
five pounds four ounces September 10. 
when she also began to lay. These are 
but a few of the cases which I could 
name in contradiction of the popular be¬ 
lief that fat hens are not good layers. I 
could name plenty of others. I simply 
give the facts without comment. Ex¬ 
plain it who can.. 
To Interested Readers. —Writing 
for publication is rather new business 
for the hen man. A good many of my 
readers have assured me that they have 
been interested in these notes. I am go¬ 
ing to ask a personal favor of all such. 
It is a, well-known fact that a public 
speaker finds.inspiration in a full house. 
The same holds true in writing for pub¬ 
lication. Will not everyone who has 
been interested in this department se¬ 
cure 10 cents from at least one friend 
who is likely to be interested and helped 
by reading The R. N.-Y. and have him 
placed on the list of trial subscribers? 
I am sure that the larger the audience 
the greater will be the inspiration. This 
is asked as a'persona! favor. You might 
try the same thing on Sunday. If you 
want your pastor to preach you a good 
sermon get your friends to go to church 
with you and fill up the chairs in the 
aisles. If there is any good metal in 
him it will “warm up” under such an 
inspiration. 
Fig, 284, first page, is a good likeness 
of Billy Gormand, the pig 1 have writ¬ 
ten about, that was given a chance to 
injure himself by drinking too much 
skim-milk. The most profitable way to 
turn skim-milk into pork is to take 
young pigs as soon as weaned, and give 
them a chance to drink skim-milk (sour) 
and eat whole corn, as much and as often 
as they will, trusting to the pigs’ in¬ 
stinct to balance their own ration. Billy 
Gormand was farrowed March 22, wean¬ 
ed May 9, when he weighed 2G pounds, 
and placed at once in a pen where whole 
corn and sour skim-milk were kept con¬ 
stantly before him for 75 days. He 
weighed 40 pounds May 23 and 84 pounds 
June 13. From May 28 to June 13. he 
ate 41 pounds of corn and 200 quarts of 
skim-milk. This was a pound of gain 
from about 1% pound of corn and five 
quarts of skim-milk (separator skim). 
At the end of 75 days he was considered 
fit for market (125 pounds dressed 
weight) since which time he has been 
kept on short allowance of same feed, 
and will he butchered as soon as weath¬ 
er gets cool enough for pork to he in de¬ 
mand. He took first premium at Orange 
County Fair, as best pig under six 
months old. o. w. mates. 
DOGS AND SHEEP. 
We keop a flock of registered Shrop- 
shires, and have not suffered from dogs 
during six years, though neighbors lose 
periodically. Our flocks are enclosed at 
the beginning of Spring every night in 
the large yards adjoining the barns. 
After a short time the sheep come to the 
yards every night without being brought 
down, and we no not even shut them in 
the yards, hut allow them to lie about in 
whatever place they choose. In this 
way we avoid the feature of confinement, 
which is bad for sheep in the Summer 
season. We keep a good dog that would 
at once give the alarm if the flock were 
disturbed, and so any attack on the flock 
would be attended to. Some of the 
neighbors use bells on a couple of the 
sheep in the flock and I believe it would 
he a means of announcing the alarm, 
and would likewise probably cause the 
dogs to leave, as they work silently when 
worrying sheep, and would not like the 
noise. Though we have not suffered, it 
seems to us that flock masters are not 
sufficiently protected. Nineteen out ot 
20 of the common dogs of the country 
are little or no use. It is hard, too, to 
catch them or prove the damage they 
have done, as the work is usually done 
in the night, and the dogs easily escape 
a man. Yet if a dog is killed by a man 
the owner can put almost any price he 
likes on the dog, while if a dog kills a 
sheep the compensation given by the 
local councils from the accumulation of 
a fund from the taxing of dogs, the com¬ 
pensation for the sheep is below the 
most ordinary mutton price—generally 
about two-thirds of it. In this way the 
owner of valuable registered sheep may 
he a heavy loser. J. m’caig, 
Collingwood, Ontario. 
A Berkshire Man Talks. 
On page 683 “Mapes, the hen man,” 
says; “Yes, we went to our county fair 
and Billy G. went along. He had to 
compete with some Berksliires with a 
pedigree a yard long in his class of ‘best 
pig under six months old.’ but he had a 
walk-over, and came home with the blue 
ribbon.” Yes, Billy G. went to the fair 
and went home with a blue ribbon, but 
Mapes, the hen man, doesn’t say Billy 
G. lacked only six days of being six 
months old, while the Berksliires with a 
yard-long pedigree lacked six weeks and 
also took home a blue ribbon. There 
was no claim that the Berksliires had 
a yard long or other pedigree, other 
than that they were purebred. I am 
confident that if Mapes, the hen man, 
will weigh Billy G. on any date that one 
of the Berksliires with a yard-long pedi¬ 
gree at the same age will weigh as much 
as Billy G. 
OWNER OE THE liERKSHIEES. 
Sheep Prospects.— The sheep trade has 
been rather quiet with us this Fall until 
the last week, when we shipped 26 ewes 
and two rams to Missouri, and since have ! 
sonic inquiries from oilier States. There 
is not much doing here in common sheen 
yet. Good breeding ewes are scarce and 
high, and feeding lambs are about one to 
IVs cent higher than a year ago. Good 
mutton sheep are selling for lice cents; 
that, I think, very good for Fall prices. 
A good many feeders here think feeding 
lambs too high, and will not buy. 
Charlotte, Mich. o. d. hitchcock. 
Mutton has not quite kept up with beef 
in priqe this season, because the American 
people are not yet up on the good qualities 
of mutton. Still, we believe this a good 
time to invest in mutton sheep, because 
prices are not unduly inflated. 
Sussex, Wis. geo. m'kkiiuow & so.xs. 
When you write advertisers mention The 
R. N.-Y. and you will get a quick reply and 
“a square deal.” See our guarantee 8th page. 
EPIZOOTIC OPHTHALMIA, OR 
PINK EYE. 
IITS is a disease which 
affects a great num¬ 
ber of cattle without 
apparent causo. It oc¬ 
curs at any season of 
the year. 
The symptoms are 
thoso of severe in¬ 
flammation of the 
eyes, the mucous mem¬ 
brane becomes red and 
congested and tears 
will drop from the eyes, the eye-lids be¬ 
come swollen and the eye-ball shows a 
bluish-white color; occasionally small ul¬ 
cers or abscesses form in the body of the 
cornea. In very severe cases the ulcer 
may extend through tho membrane and 
allow the humors of the eye to escape. In 
such cases the use of the eye is perma¬ 
nently lost. 
Treatment .—As this disease is contagious 
it is very important that the animals af¬ 
fected should be isolated and kept well 
away from those which aro not suffering 
in a similar manner. Animal should be 
placed in a darkened stable and the eyes 
bathed with warm water to which has 
been added a dram of salt to each gallon. 
If the membranes of the eyes are ex¬ 
tremely congested, five grains of sulphate 
of zino with five grains of morphine and 
twenty grains of boracic acid should bo 
dissolved in an ounce of water and a few 
drops of this dropped into the eye with 
a dropper. Use twice a day. To clear the 
white deposit from tho eye, rub up two 
grains of yellow oxide of mercury with a 
dram of vaseline and place a small 
amount of this well into the eye twice a 
day. 
Supplement this treatment with a course 
of tonics. Wo could prescribe nothing 
better than Dr. Hess' Stock Food, the 
scientific compound for horses, cattle, 
cows, hogs and sheep; sold on a written 
guarantee: 100 lb. sacks for $5.00, smaller 
packages at a slight advance; fed in 
small doses. In every package is a little 
yellow card entitling the purchaser to per¬ 
sonal advice free and prescriptions for his 
animals from tho eminent veterinarian. 
Dr. Iless. 
Dr. Hess has written a book on the dis¬ 
eases of stock and poultry. It is tho only 
complete treatise for farmers and stock- 
men published. It Is consulted and com¬ 
mended by many leading veterinarians. 
Write and state what stock you have, 
what stock food you have fed; also men¬ 
tion this paper, address I)r. Hess & Clark, 
Ashland, Ohio, and for this information 
you will receive one of these valuable 
books free, postage paid, 
Warranted 
to give satisfaction. 
GOMBAULT’S 
CAUSTIC BALSAM 
A safe, speedy and 
positive cure for 
Curb, Splint, Sweeny, Capped Hock, 
Stramed Tendons, Founder, Wind Puffs, 
and . '1 lameness from Spavin, Ringbone 
and ocher bony tumors. Cures all skin 
diseases or Parasites, Thrush, Diphtheria. 
Removes all Bunches from Horses or 
Cattle. 
As a HUMAN REMEDY for Khen- 
nintlam, Mprulun, Sure Throat, etc., It 
is invaluable. 
Every bottle of Cauatlc Bnliam sold Is 
Warranted to give satisfaction. Price Mi 1.50 
per bottle. 8c»ld by druggists, or sent by ex¬ 
press, charges paid, with full directions for its 
use. Send for descriptive circulars, testimo¬ 
nials, etc. Address 
THE LAWRENCK-WILIIHS CORPAHT, Clmland, Ohio. 
S«wt*n’» Heave, Cragh. Hia, 
temper aad Indlgwtioa Core, 
A veterinary apoelfio for wind, 
throat and stomach trouble*. 
Strong recommends. •I P« 
can. Dealero, mall or Kx.paid. 
K*wU»g Horse Remedy Co. 
I y ) Toledo. OUAiw 
CALF FEEDER 
combines scientific and 
practical ideas. Over 50,000 
iu use. No valves to get 
clogged and foul. Easily 
cleaned. Nipples are re¬ 
enforced. Prevents scours. 
Increases digestive capoo- 
_ity in the dairy calf. Makes 
Veal worth 3c per lb. more. The only feeder adopted 
by Exp. Sta. Extra gain on one calf pays for tv/o 
feeders. Prevents a "set back” f rom the "starving 
process." Satisfaction tlunran ecd or money re- 
funded. Awarded Gold Medal lit Pan-Aro. xp. 8uld everywhere in 
IT. 8. and Canada. Prise f 1.00. Sent postpr l for 12.00, and a&Oo box 
of Cows Itelieffroo, that will cure Caked L .<*in 12 to 24 hours. Heals 
sore teats. Send for descriptive matter and 22 reasons for using feeder. 
O. H. MFG. CO., Dept. R, tyndon, Vt. 
Breeders’ Directory 
Registered Jersey Bull Calves 
from Imported Golden Lad at fair prices. 
R. F. SHANNON, 007 Liberty iStrcet, Pittsburg, Pa. 
I ST D C? C 1 Four Grandsons of Exile, 
W Em IV E. B solid color; 2, 1, 8 and 0 
months old. Cheap for quality. 
.1. ALDUS HEKIi, Lancaster, Pa., R. R. No. 4. 
“QUALITY” 
For Sale. A J. C. C Bull Calves, fit to head any 
herd. Their dams have yearly milk records of from 
7.000 to 0.000 pounds averaging over five per cent fat. 
These calves will be sold now at prices any one can 
pay. For particulars address. 
E. W. MOSHER, Aurora, N. Y. 
A Foundation Herd of 10 or 20 young registered 
^ HOLSTEIN COWS is offered at a special price 
by DKLLUUKST FARM, Mentor, Ohio. 
For Sale 
—PUREBRED HOLSTEIN 
FRIKSIAN BULL CALVES 
and SCOTCH COLLIE PUPS from registered stock.. 
YV. YV. CHENEY, Manlius, N. Y. 
Rosa Morado Farm Holsteins. 
Young Registered Stock for sale. Some extra flno 
grade yearling heifers 
H. W. BARNARD, Collamer, Ches. Co., Pn. 
3» AH November 1, a choice herd of thor- 
I VI sJQ'ti oughbred, registered Devons. 
B .1. WIGHTMAN, West Eaton, N. V. 
dairy short-horns-;^;;:, rm;:::; 
Fair winners. FLORA V. SPENCER, Spring Creek, Pa. 
Phnehiroe -Spring and 1,(111 Plgs - 8 - A - kittle, 
Oil vOll 11 GO Malcolm, Box A, New York. 
Best Duroe-Jersey Pigs, $4 each, up. 
■ "Sr® Bronze Turkeys. $3 up. YVhite YVyan- 
dottes, $5 trio. Italian Bees, $4. 
GEORGE KNTY, Templeton, Pa. 
IMPROVED LlItCE YORKSHIRES tTS" 
hog Pigs of alt nge.s from imported stock for sale. 
MEADOW BROOK. STOCK FARM, Rochester, Mich 
Reg. P. Chinas, Bcrksbircs and C. Whites. 
8 wks to 6 rails, mated not akin. 
Service Boars, B ed Sows. Write for 
prices and description Return if not 
satisfactory; wo refund the money. 
HAMILTON & CO., Kosenvick, Chester Co., Pa. 
fi fine A ng° ra Goat. 
fSfiyurxf (Nannies). Two pure 
blooded Rucks. EUSKINE GRANGE,Stamford, Conn 
PftlTC are handsome, hardy and 
AnUUllA UUA I O profitable Prize Stock 
Low prices. Largo clr E. YV Cole & Co , Kenton, O- 
No Wall Street Tip Equals the Best Farm Tip. 
BUY ANGORA COATS. 
For Registered Stock address 
KOSYVYCK FA KM, lUIHiEFIKLD, CONN. 
choice lot of Delaine and 
nek-top Rams and Ewes to 
ect from, will be sold cheap. 
Correspondence solicited. 
M. C. MULKIN, Friendship, N. Y. 
For Sale.—Scotch Collies, magnificently 
bred. A. J BENEDICT, Woodworth, Wis. 
f’nllio Pnnc _ ' 8l,il >' t ‘ <1 Females. Circulars.SILAS 
k/UlUC rUJIS DECKER, South Montrose, Pa. 
Choice stock for sale at all 
* t»»«■£. ■ times. Book and price-list free 
YV J. YVOOD, New London, Ohio 
Qfinn CCDDCTC Some trained. Book 
£UUU rennUo and price-list free 
N A. KNAPP, Rochester. Ohio. 
1a i Iaa on HENS and CHICKS, 
yearn to Lice 64 -pukoboou free. 
1). J. LAMBERT, Box 307, Apponaug, R 1. 
White Leghorn Cockerels 
We have a large flock of tho finest stock we ever 
raised. Don't wait until Spring to buy your breeders 
and then take the leavings. YV rite now. State just 
what you want; price will suit you. 
WHITE & RICE, Box B, Yorktown, N. Y 
OUR MONEY BACK 
if not satisfied with 
BONE CUTTER, 
Runs easiest. All improvo- 
* incuts. Catalogue free. 
E. C. STEARNS CO.. Bo* 110 SYRACUSE. H Y. 
BUSHELS OF EGGS 
follow the feeding of cut 
bone. The 
.DANDY Gr ^futter ne 
■ is tho «liY>ple*t. faateat and easlcut bone cutter 
■ made. Prioe $5.00 up. 8old on 15 daye trial. 
■ Satisfaction or no tale. ttoud tor price book 
N and special iVcg>orttuio. 
Mfir. fo.« Box 13, Frle, Pa* 
J *Orutt« 
MANNS 
LATEST 
BONE 
Cfttiir 
Makes healthy fowls. All latest improvements. 
SENT ON TEN DAYS’ FREE TRIAL. 
No money until you're satisfied that it. cuts easier and faster than any other. 
Isn't that, better than paying cash in advance for a machine that yt>u never 
bawl Catalogue free. F. W. MANN CO., Box 15, Milford, Mass. 
