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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3, January 19,
+1884., by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3, January 19, 1884.
+       A Weekly Journal for the Farm, Orchard and Fireside
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: July 10, 2007 [EBook #22040]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRAIRIE FARMER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Susan Skinner, Juliet Sutherland and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+A Weekly Journal for
+
+THE FARM, ORCHARD, AND FIRESIDE.
+
+ESTABLISHED IN 1841.
+ENTIRE SERIES: VOL. 56--NO. 3.
+
+CHICAGO, SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1884.
+
+PRICE, $2.00 PER YEAR,
+IN ADVANCE.
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note: The Table of Contents was originally located on
+page 40 of the periodical. It has been moved here for ease of use.]
+
+
+THE CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.
+
+AGRICULTURE--The Corn Root Worm, Page 33; Biographical Sketch of Patrick
+Barry, 33; Compiled Correspondence, 33; Illinois Tile-Makers Convention
+Report, 34; Farmers Advice, 35; Cisterns on the farm, 35; Field and
+Furrow Items, 35.
+
+LIVE STOCK--Iowa Wool-Men, Page 36; Polled Cattle-Breeders, 36; Merino
+Sheep-Breeders, 36; Cattle Diseases, 36; The Horse and His Treatment
+36-37; Cost of Pork on 1883 Corn, 37.
+
+VETERINARY--Grease, So-Called, Page 37; Foul in the Foot, 37; Founder,
+37; Question Answered, 37.
+
+THE DAIRY--Curing Cheese, Page 37; Items, 37.
+
+HORTICULTURE--Southern Ills. Hort. Society, Page 38; Notes on Current
+Topics, 38; Pear Blight, 38; Treatment of Tree Wound, 38; The Tomato
+Pack of 1883, 38; Sweating Apples, 39; Prunings Items, 39.
+
+FLORICULTURE--Smilax and its Uses, Page 39.
+
+EDITORIAL--Will You? Page 40; Items, 40; The Wealth of the Nation, 40;
+Contagious Animal Disease, 40, 41; Iowa State Fair, 41; Still Another
+Fat Stock Show, 41; Questions Answered, 41; Letter from Champaign, 41;
+Wayside Notes, 41.
+
+POULTRY NOTES--Chicken Chat, Page 42; Business Still Running, 42.
+
+THE APIARY--The Best Hive, Page 42.
+
+SCIENTIFIC--Some Gossip About Darwin, Page 43.
+
+HOUSEHOLD--"Going up Head" (poetry), Page 44; Too Fat to Marry, 44;
+Ornaments for Homes, 44.
+
+YOUNG FOLKS--Chat About a Bear, Page 45; A Fairy Story, by Little
+Johnnie, 45.
+
+LITERATURE--For Those Who Fail (poetry), Page 46; A Singular
+Philosopher, 46.
+
+HUMOROUS--The Donkey's Dream, Page 47; Tom Typo 47; Courtship of a
+Vassar Girl, 47; Items, 47.
+
+NEWS OF THE WEEK--Page 48.
+
+MARKETS--Page 48.
+
+
+
+
+THE CORN-ROOT WORM.
+
+
+EDITOR PRAIRIE FARMER--I write you in regard to the corn question. I
+would like to know if angle-worms damage corn.
+
+Eight years ago I came to the conclusion that I could raise double the
+number of bushels of corn that I was then raising. I then commenced
+experimenting on a small scale. I succeeded very well for the first
+three or four years. I got so that I could raise over ninety bushels per
+acre. In one year I got a few pounds over 100 bushels per acre. Three
+years ago my crop began to fail, and has continued to fail up to the
+present year, with the same treatment. Last year it was so bad that I
+concluded to examine the roots of the corn plants. I found both
+angle-worms and grubs in the roots. This year I went into a thorough
+examination and found nothing there but angle-worms, with a wonderful
+increase. They were right at the end of the stalk where the roots were
+thick, but the worms thicker.
+
+The corn at first seems to do very well, but long before the grain gets
+ripe the leaves begin to get dry and the stalks commence falling. The
+consequence is that over one-half the corn is loose on the cob and the
+ears very short. I am entirely headed in the corn line. Is it the
+angle-worms? If so, what is the remedy? I plant my corn every year on
+the same ground. I allow no weeds to grow in my cornfield. Farmers can
+not afford to raise weeds. I remove all weeds and put corn in their
+places.
+
+I have plowed my land for the next year's crop of corn and put on twenty
+loads of manure to the acre and plowed it under. I have no faith in
+planting the ground next year unless I can destroy the worms that I call
+angle-worms. I have consulted several of my brother farmers, and they
+say that the angle-worms never destroy a crop of corn.
+
+I thought last year that my seed corn was poor and run out, so I went to
+Chicago and got Sibley's "Pride of the North," but that was no better.
+
+If you will kindly inform me how to remedy this looseness of the kernel
+I will agree to show you how 100 bushels of corn can be raised on one
+acre every good corn year.
+
+    HORACE HOPKINS.
+        DESPLAINES, ILL., Jan. 2.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We sent this communication to Professor Forbes, State Entomologist and
+received the following reply:
+
+EDITOR PRAIRIE FARMER--There can be hardly a shadow of a doubt that the
+injury which your correspondent so graphically describes is due to the
+corn root-worm (Diabrotica longicornis), a full account of which will be
+found in my report for 1882, published last November.
+
+The clue to his whole difficulty lies in the sentence, "I plant my corn
+every year on the same ground." As the beetles from which the root-worms
+descend lay their eggs in corn fields in autumn, and as these eggs do
+not hatch until after corn planting in the following spring, a simple
+change of crops for a single year, inevitably starves the entire
+generation to death in the ground.
+
+I inclose a slip, giving a brief account of this most grievous pest; but
+the article in my last report already referred to will be found more
+satisfactory.
+
+    S. A. FORBES.
+        NORMAL, ILL., January 3.
+
+P.S.--You will probably remember that I published a paper on this insect
+in THE PRAIRIE FARMER for December 30, 1882.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following is the description referred to:
+
+_From the "Crop Report" for 1882._
+
+"The corn-root worm, in the form in which it affects the roots of corn,
+is a slender white grub, not thicker than a pin, from one fourth to
+three-eighths of an inch in length, with a small brown head, and six
+very short legs. It commences its attack in May or June, usually at some
+distance from the stalk, towards which it eats its way beneath the
+epidermis, killing the root as fast as it proceeds. Late in July or
+early in August it transforms in the ground near the base of the hill,
+changing into a white pupa, about fifteen-hundredths of an inch long and
+two-thirds that width, looking somewhat like an adult beetle, but with
+the wings and wing-covers rudimentary, and with the legs closely drawn
+up against the body. A few days later it emerges as a perfect insect,
+about one-fifth of an inch in length, varying in color from pale
+greenish-brown to bright grass-green, and usually without spots or
+markings of any kind. The beetle climbs up the stalk, living on fallen
+pollen and upon the silk at the tip of the ear until the latter dies,
+when a few of the beetles creep down between the husks, and feed upon
+the corn itself, while others resort for food to the pollen of such
+weeds in the field as are at that time in blossom. In September and
+October the eggs are laid in the ground upon or about the roots of the
+corn, and most of the beetles soon after disappear from the field. They
+may ordinarily be found upon the late blooming plants, feeding as usual
+upon the pollen of the flowers, and also to some extent upon molds and
+other fungi, and upon decaying vegetation. There can be no further doubt
+that the insect is single-brooded, that it hibernates in the egg as a
+rule, and that this does not hatch until after the ground has been
+plowed and planted to corn in the spring probably in May or June.
+
+"Although the adult beetles, when numerous, do some harm by eating the
+silk before the kernels are fertilized by the pollen, and also destroy
+occasionally a few kernels in the tip of the ear, yet the principal
+injury is done by the larva in its attack upon the roots. The extent of
+this injury depends not only upon the number of the worms, but also upon
+the soil and weather and the general condition of the crop, being worst
+on high land and in dry weather. Under specially unfavorable
+circumstances the loss due to the insect may amount to from one-fourth
+to one-half or even three-fourths of the crop; but when the conditions
+are generally favorable, it rarely amounts to more than ten or twenty
+per cent, and frequently even to less. Although the roots penetrated by
+the larvæ die and decay, thrifty corn will throw out new ones to replace
+those lost. The hold of the stalk upon the ground is often so weakened
+that a slight wind is sufficient to prostrate the corn. Under these
+circumstances it will often throw out new roots from the joints above
+the ground, thus rallying to a certain extent against serious injury.
+
+"As the result of numerous observations and comparisons, it is clearly
+to be seen that little or no mischief is done except in fields that have
+been in corn during the year or two preceding, and a frequent change of
+crops is therefore a complete preventive. Beyond this, the life history
+of the insect gives us little hope of fighting it effectually except at
+too great expense, as the eggs and worms are scattered and hidden in the
+ground, and the perfect beetle is widely dispersed throughout the
+field."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+California has about eighty thousand tons of wheat to ship to Europe.
+Besides this a large amount is already stowed in ships.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+PATRICK BARRY.
+
+[Illustration: Patrick Barry]
+
+
+Our portrait this week is of Patrick Barry, Esq., the noted nurseryman
+and horticulturist of Rochester, N. Y. Mr. Barry was born near Belfast,
+Ireland, in 1816. His father was a small farmer, but he gave the boy a
+good education, and at eighteen he was appointed to teach in one of the
+national schools. At the age of twenty he resigned this position, and
+came to America, where he began clerking in the Linnæan nurseries, at
+Flushing, L. I. During his stay of four years here he mastered the
+principles of the nursery business. In 1840 he moved to Rochester, and
+forming a partnership with Mr. Ellwanger, started the famous Mount Hope
+Nurseries. They began on a tract of but seven acres. In 1852 he issued
+the "Fruit Garden," which is to this day a standard work among
+horticulturists. Previous to this he had written largely for the
+agricultural and horticultural press. In 1852 he also began editing the
+Horticulturist, then owned by Mr. James Vick. Mr. Barry's second great
+work, and the one involving most time and labor was the Catalogue of the
+American Pomological Society.
+
+Mr. Barry has long been President of the Western New York Horticultural
+Society. He is also a member of the Board of Control of the New York
+Experiment Station. He has served several terms in the city council of
+Rochester and in the Board of Supervisors of the country. Mr. Barry is
+an active business man and besides his great labor in conducting the
+nursery affairs, he discharges the duties of President of many corporate
+enterprises in which he has large financial interests. Mr. Barry was
+happily married in 1847, and the amiable sharer of his hardships and his
+successes is still living.
+
+
+
+
+COMPILED CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+
+HANCOCK CO., Dec. 31.--Weather very disagreeable; snow six inches deep,
+and from rain and sleet and thaw and freeze, has formed a hard crust, so
+as to make bad traveling--in the roads icy and slippery. To-day cloudy,
+damp and cool. A few days ago the mercury reached 8 degrees below zero,
+the lowest of the season. It is very hard on stock, and many of the
+cattle are without shelter, as usual. Accept New Year greetings for all
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER family. L. T.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MILLS CO., MO., Jan. 8.--Since the first of January we have had hard
+winter weather. An old weather prophet says we are to have just such
+weather for forty days. I sincerely hope not. On Friday night, January
+4th and 5th, all the thermometers commonly used by farmers went clear
+down out of sight. As they only mark about 30 degrees below zero it was
+uncertain how cold it really was. Unsheltered stock suffered terribly. A
+few farmers were caught without wood, and suffered from the storm in
+securing a supply. We have had five days of snow so that there is a
+heavy coat all over. A. J. L.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ST. LOUIS, MO., January 13.--Advices from Mobile say the late cold snap
+caused immense damage in that section. The loss to the orange groves is
+estimated at nearly a $1,000,000, and the value of vegetables killed in
+Mobile county alone will reach the same sum. Great damage was also done
+to orange groves in Florida, but many orange growers profited by the
+Signal Service warning and built fires in their groves, and thus saved
+their trees. News from the Michigan peach belt is that the fruits are
+uninjured.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Strawberries are sold in New York city at fifteen cents each.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+AGRICULTURAL
+
+Farmers, Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+Illinois Tile-Makers.
+
+The Illinois State Tile-Makers' Convention at Springfield, last week,
+was more largely attended than in any previous year since the
+association was formed. Nearly one hundred joined the association.
+
+The convention was welcomed to the city by Governor Hamilton in an
+appropriate address in which he expressed his deep sympathy with and
+interest in all the manufacturing enterprises that are giving employment
+to the people and adding wealth to the State. He announced himself as in
+favor of protection and encouragement to the manufacturing interests. He
+thought the tile men were greatly adding to the wealth and
+productiveness of Illinois, and that they were also indirectly improving
+the health of the people.
+
+The President's address was brief but full of information and good
+sense. He pointed out at length the improvements in tile kilns, and in
+various appliances, which have been made in recent years, and declared
+that valuable as these all are, they can not make up for the lack of
+skill and experience. He believed the increased interest in terra cotta,
+and in useful ornamental and out tiling points to the great source of
+supply as the timber of the country decreases in quantity. The
+drain-tile manufacture was simply the beginning of an era of skillful
+clay working, which would not only add greatly to the fertility of the
+soil, but to the means of the beauty and endurance in numerous forms of
+building. Of the statistics of the business, he said the latest
+information is that there are in the State 600 factories, built at an
+average cost of $3,000 each, employing about 5,400 men seven months each
+year, who receive about $250,000 and their board. The total annual
+capacity of these factories he estimates at 56,100 miles annually. He
+estimates the amount invested in the industry, including the value of
+tile already laid, at $5,000,000, and the increased value of land
+drained at $10,000,000.
+
+The Secretary's report gave the general condition of the society. In
+1879 it was composed of forty-five members; in 1880, of thirty-five; in
+1881, of twenty-eight; in 1882, fifty-three; in 1883, of eighty-three,
+and in 1884, of eighty-six. The first meetings of the association were
+necessarily crude, the programme having been prepared after the
+association met. Now, however, they were in working harness, and met
+with a regularly prepared programme. The proceedings of the meetings and
+a summary of the papers read and discussed, are now published in the
+report of the State Board of Agriculture.
+
+The treasurer, John McCabe, Esq., of Rushville, made his report of which
+the following is the summary:
+
+Amount on hand at last report                  $29 35
+Received from members last year                 82 00
+                                              -------
+                                              $111 35
+Paid out last year                              87 50
+                                              -------
+    Balance in the treasury                   $ 23 85
+
+These reports were followed by an essay by Mr. C. G. Elliott, which is
+of so much merit that we give it in full deferring a further report of
+proceedings until next week.
+
+
+
+
+MISTAKES IN DRAINAGE.
+
+
+To speak of our successes rather than our mistakes, is far more
+agreeable to ourselves and also to others. We all take pride in giving
+our experience in any work when we have been successful, but our errors
+and mistakes we often carefully hide from public gaze. The transactions
+of our industrial conventions are largely made up of the successful
+parts of the experiences of members. Our tile manufacturers fail to
+speak of their losses in correcting mistakes the number of kilns they
+have rebuilt, the number of tile they weekly commit to the waste pile,
+the percentage of good and poor tile in each kiln, and many other things
+that your humble servant will probably never suspect until he attempts
+to manufacture tile.
+
+A similar statement may be made with reference to drainage mistakes. How
+many dry weather drains do we hear mentioned in our conventions, or see
+described in our newspapers. By such drains, I mean those which in
+favorable seasons so operate as to permit the land to produce a heavy
+crop--one worth publishing--while in wet years, merely a total loss
+results. Cases of such drainage can be numbered by the score. How many
+miles of drain tile have been taken up and relaid during the past year
+because of some mistake in plan, size of tile, or execution of the work?
+Much might be said of drainage mistakes in a general way, but it is
+proposed in this paper to treat the subject in a specific and practical
+manner. It may be encouraging to remember that it is only by comparing
+success with mistakes that we make progress in any valuable science or
+art. Great skill and success rest upon a foundation of corrected
+mistakes.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 1--LACK OF INFORMATION ON DRAINAGE.
+
+We might more properly call this the cause of many mistakes. "Knowledge
+is power," says the old adage, and we might add that knowledge in
+drainage is success. This knowledge may be obtained in three ways:
+First, from reliable books; second, by inquiring of others who have had
+experience; third, by our own experience. The first is of prime
+importance to the beginner, for in books are found statements of the
+general principles and philosophy of drainage, together with the best
+methods and practice known. The second is often unreliable, for the
+reason that the error of one is often copied by another and becomes wide
+spread before it is detected. The third, though valuable is costly, and
+discouraging to the learner. Gleanings from all of these sources will,
+perhaps, give the most complete satisfaction.
+
+Tile drainage began to be practiced in my own neighborhood about seven
+years ago. Those who were about to begin knew nothing about drainage,
+except from hearsay knowledge that had crept into the community. Not a
+single book upon the subject was consulted or even inquired for. Even
+now they are as rare in farmers libraries as the classic poets. Farmer
+A. wished to drain and consulted farmer B., who had put in some tile the
+year before. Did he think it paid? Yes. What kind of tile did he use and
+how was the work done? So A. planned and did his work in accordance with
+information obtained from B. Neighbor C. followed A., and so the work
+spread. It is now found that mistakes were made in the beginning which
+were handed from one to the other, until now, no alternative remains but
+to remove the whole work, and no little trouble and expense. This case
+is but one out of many which might be stated illustrating the lack of
+information at the beginning of drainage work. My observation upon this
+point has been that those have availed themselves of information given
+in books and papers upon drainage matters made fewer mistakes and did
+better work than those who relied upon the general wave of progress to
+push them along in the footsteps of their nearest neighbor. The theory,
+as well as the art, of drainage should be studied, and all knowledge
+adapted to the peculiarities of each case.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 2--NOT PLANNING FOR FUTURE DRAINAGE.
+
+A mistake often made by the novice is, that at first, drains are located
+without reference to the future drainage of other parts of the farm.
+Drains are put in as experiments, very much as we would plant a new
+variety of fruit or grain, expecting that probably the chances are
+against their success. Subsequently, when plans for more extended
+drainage are made, the drains already in operation were found to poorly
+serve the desired purpose.
+
+In order to guard against this mistake, have faith in drainage. Put it
+down on the whitest page of your memorandum, and with your best pen and
+ink, that drainage will pay, and the fewer mistakes made about it the
+better it will pay. Put it down that the time will come when you will
+drain all of your wet land, and make your plans accordingly. Many times
+have I heard this objection to locating a drain so as to benefit a
+certain field, "O no; I'll never drain that field. It's all right as it
+is. If I can only get this wet over here dry I shall be satisfied." In
+two years this same farmer was planning how he could drain the rejected
+field, and regretting that he had not made provision for it from the
+beginning. I have in mind several miles of tile that will be taken up
+during the coming season and relaid with reference to the drainage of
+all land having a natural slope in that direction.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 3--NOT BEGINNING AT THE RIGHT PLACE.
+
+Many of the drains first put in are at the head of the water shed
+instead of at the lower part or outlet. They discharge improperly and
+fail to fit into a more thorough system, where plans for better drainage
+are laid out.
+
+To avoid this error, begin at the outlet and work with reference to
+ultimately draining the whole section naturally sloping toward this
+outlet. If a surface ditch is necessary, make it. If tile can be used,
+lay them, even if only a fraction of the entire work is done each year.
+Drain laterally toward the main as it is carried upward. The outlay at
+first, rod for rod, will be greater, but the final cost will be less,
+and yearly profits greater.
+
+I have in mind several cases of unsatisfactory drainage growing out of a
+desire to avoid difficulty and expense in making a sufficient outlet.
+Among them may be named the following: Putting a drain across one side
+of a pond because sufficient depth can not be had to admit of its being
+run through the center. Placing drains each side of a slough, parallel
+to its center line, leaving the center undrained. Draining cultivated
+fields and allowing the water to discharge upon land occupying a lower
+level. All of these are make-shifts for the purpose of avoiding the
+expense of a good outlet.
+
+There is in this connection a difficulty which can not be overlooked,
+one which is beyond the control of the individual farmer, and that is,
+when the drainage section is owned by two or more parties. The
+adjustment of such cases has occupied the attention of our legislators,
+and some progress has been made in framing laws to meet the case, yet
+many difficulties remain unprovided for. If all parties agree to accept
+such awards and assessments as a commission may make, then the matter of
+drainage outlets can be satisfactorily adjusted, but if any party is
+disposed to resist, the desired drainage can be practically defeated. I
+may, at present, be justified in saying that where only a few neighbors
+are concerned, it is a mistake to attempt to use the law at all. Arrange
+the matter by mutual agreement or by leaving it to disinterested men to
+decide.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 4--TOO SMALL TILE.
+
+No mistake has become apparent sooner than this. The following
+observations will account for this, and also aid in correcting it. The
+whole area of land which naturally discharges toward the drain is not
+always taken into account. It is generally thought that land lying at
+some distance from the drain, though sloping toward it, does not affect
+the capacity required for the drain, whereas in times of heavy rains,
+when drains are taxed to their utmost, water flows from those more
+distant parts over the surface to the ground acted upon by the tile
+drain. We must then provide for the drainage not only of land contiguous
+to the drains but for an additional amount of water coming from
+adjoining slopes.
+
+Another popular error is that the diameter of the tile is the measure of
+its capacity, whereas the grade upon which it is laid is as important as
+the size of the tile. The extreme porosity of many of our soils, and the
+lack of thorough lateral drainage is another thing by reason of which
+main drains become over-taxed, simply because drainage water is not held
+in check by close soils, or distributed by lateral drains, but is
+brought in large quantities over the surface to the drain line, and must
+be taken away in a short time or injury is done to the land. In making
+mains or sub-mains it is better to err in making them too large than too
+small.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 5--NOT LATERAL ENOUGH.
+
+We expect too much from a single line of tile. We often see a line of
+tile put through a fifteen or twenty acre field with the expectation
+that the field will be drained, and thanks to our tractable soil, and
+the magic influence of tile, a great work is done for the field. It is,
+however, the dry weather drains previously alluded to. Put in the
+lateral drains so that the whole flat will come under the direct
+influence of tile, and you will have a garden spot instead of a field
+periodically flooded. Your sleep will not then be disturbed by fears
+that the morning will reveal your tiled field covered with water, and
+your corn crop on the verge of ruin. We often see a single line laid
+through a pond containing from one half to three acres. Ponds with such
+drainage always get flooded. Put in an abundance of laterals and the
+difficulty is overcome.
+
+I am glad to say that the tendency now among farmers who have practiced
+random drainage is toward more thorough work in this direction. The loss
+of an occasional crop soon demonstrates in favor of more thorough work.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 6--INATTENTION TO DETAILS.
+
+Farmers have been too much under the rule of professional ditchers.
+Having no well defined ideas of good drainage work, they have left the
+matter largely to the judgment, or rather the cupidity of the ditcher
+and the layer. There are many first-class, conscientious workmen, but it
+is to be regretted that the average ditcher does work far below the
+standard of excellence. If by some magic means the conditions of many of
+the drains in our State could be spread out before us in open view, it
+would be a wonder to this convention that tile drainage has wrought out
+such favorable results as it has. We would see tile laid on the siphon
+plan, good and poor joints, faulty connections, ditches crooked enough
+to baffle the sagacious mole should he attempt to follow the line.
+Patience would scarcely hold out to enumerate the exasperating defects
+of much of our drainage work. Nothing can overcome the egotism and
+self-confidence of the average ditcher except the constant supervision
+of the employer. Such work is so soon covered, and errors placed beyond
+immediate detection that nothing else will suffice. To guard against
+such mistakes, know what work you want and how you want it done, and
+then look after it yourself or employ some one in whom you have
+confidence to superintend it. When any mistake is guarded against, from
+beginning to end, the work will not be too well done. The cut-and-cover,
+hurry-scurry methods of doing things, common on some Western farms, will
+not do in drainage work. Carefulness in regard to every detail is the
+only safe rule to adopt.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 7--FAILURE TO MAKE OPEN DITCHES FOR WATER COURSES.
+
+The farmers of Illinois have, in many sections, been avoiding the main
+question in the drainage of our rich prairies, and that is the
+improvement of the natural water courses so that they will carry off the
+drainage water of sections for which they afford outlets. Every feasible
+plan and device has been used to circumvent the forces of nature and
+relieve valuable farm lands from surplus water. In the flat sections of
+our State nothing will serve this purpose but the deepening of our large
+sloughs by constructing capacious open ditches. Our land can not be
+properly drained without them. They must be of ample depth and width,
+and well made in every respect. No problem connected with the drainage
+interests of our State should, at present, receive more careful
+attention than this. Nature, has, in most cases, marked out the line for
+work, and says, "let man enlarge and complete for his undivided use
+according to his strength and skill." When such work is done, the demand
+for tile to supplement the drainage thus made possible will be
+unprecedented. The drainage of our roads will be facilitated, and the
+greatest difficulty thus far encountered in the drainage of our flat
+prairies will be overcome. Much has been attempted in this direction in
+some portions of the State, but many open ditches are too shallow, too
+small, and too carelessly made to serve the desired purpose.
+
+In pointing out some of the mistakes made in drainage, I am well aware
+that there are differences of opinion as to what may be properly
+considered a mistake. The aim of drainage is to fit the wet land of the
+entire farm for the successful cultivation of all the field crops at the
+least expense consistent with thoroughness. Now, if experiments must be
+tried by tiling here and there, and afterward take the tile up and
+remold the whole work, there is a loss which, were it not for the large
+profit resulting from the use of tile, would be disastrous.
+
+Should a Board of Public Works build several bridges of insufficient
+capacity in order to find out the necessary dimensions and strength of
+one which will serve their purpose, we should at once regard them
+incompetent and wasteful. I know of tile which have been taken up at
+three different times, larger tile being used each time. This farmer
+discards the use of lateral drains and rests his success upon single
+lines of large tile. He will probably be disappointed in this and,
+perhaps, finally hit upon the correct method. Would it not have been the
+part of wisdom to have obtained some reliable information upon that
+matter at first from books, from inquiring of others of longer
+experience, from a competent engineer, or from all of these sources?
+Anything which needlessly adds to the expense, or detracts from the
+efficiency of the work, should be regarded as a mistake.
+
+As a summary of what has been said regarding mistakes and how to avoid
+them, I append here a few
+
+
+DRAINAGE MAXIMS.
+
+1. Become informed upon the theory and best methods known and used.
+
+2. Do not literally copy the methods of others, but carefully adapt them
+to your own case.
+
+3. Provide good outlets and large mains.
+
+4. Have faith in good tile and thorough work.
+
+5. Study economy and efficiency in locating drains.
+
+6. In difficult cases, or where you have doubt about the success of your
+plans, submit the case to a good engineer before expending money or
+labor.
+
+7. Employ good help by the day, and work it under a competent
+superintendent, rather than job out the work by the rod.
+
+8. Drain as you would plant fruit trees--for the future as well as the
+present.
+
+I have been prosy and practical enough and now have used my allotted
+time and space. It may not be wholly out of place to further tax your
+time and patience, and ask you to lift your eyes from taking a critical
+view of defective drains, muddy ditches, and unattractive detail work,
+and look at the result of careful and thorough labor. As the years come
+and go with their changing seasons, your drained fields are ever your
+friends, always cheering you with a bountiful harvest, always answering
+to every industrious touch you may bestow upon them. "No excellence
+without labor," says the scholar to the discouraged student. "No
+excellence without labor," says the soil to the farmer, as he drains and
+plows and digs, and so we all learn that success in dealing with nature
+is brought about by thorough and honest work.
+
+Our enthusiasm scarcely knows bounds when we see that by our drainage
+work the apparently obstinate soil is made to reflect the sunlight from
+a covering of golden grain; when gardens and orchards bloom and yield
+fruit where once the willows dipped their drooping branches in the slimy
+fluid below, and frogs regaled the passer-by with their festive songs.
+Roses now twine over the rural cottage and send their fragrance into the
+wholesome air, where once the beaver reared his rude dwelling, and
+disease lurked in every breath, ready to seize his unsuspecting victim.
+
+Think you that these changes can be wrought without earnest and careful
+effort? I have but little sympathy with the glittering generalities and
+highly colored pictures of success in industrial pursuits, held before
+the public gaze by unpractical but well meaning public teachers. We need
+the dissemination of ideas of thoroughness and the knowledge necessary
+to put those ideas into practical use in order that the farmers of
+Illinois may make the fewest possible mistakes in drainage.
+
+
+
+
+FARMERS ADVICE.
+
+
+Farmers get plenty of advice. Were we able to work as easy and as well
+as the advice generally given to us would seem to indicate we could how
+easy and independent our occupation would become. In no other line of
+business is advice so freely given, and so much blame attached because
+the advice is not followed.
+
+The great trouble is that nearly everybody imagines they know how to
+farm. Although these same people may never have been practical farmers,
+they yet seem to think that anybody can farm, and, of course, they know
+as much about it as any one, and can tell at least how it ought to be
+done.
+
+Theoretical farming is always very fine--more so than any other calling.
+Very few believe in theory in other branches in business. As a rule, to
+be successful in other occupations, a long training is necessary; step
+by step must one go until each detail is learned. And it is only by
+industry, experience, and hard work that these are fully mastered.
+Advice is offered sparingly, because it is known that experience is the
+only true guide. But in farming theories are supposed to take the place
+of experience, and men who have very little, if any, practical knowledge
+can tell us how to farm. The fact is there is hardly a business or
+occupation that practically requires more study and experience than
+farming. A practical farmer, who makes his farm and farm work a study,
+learns something every day, and unless he is willing to learn not only
+by his own experience, but by that of others, he will soon discover that
+he is falling behind.
+
+Such a man is able to discriminate between the practical experience of
+one and the theory of the other. If new plans or new methods are
+presented, he can, in some degree, judge whether they are in any way
+practical, and if they are, he is willing to give them a trial. He knows
+that what might prove just the right thing to plant in one section of
+country, under certain conditions, and in some soils would, under a
+different climate and soil, result far from satisfactory. The large per
+cent of this kind of real practical knowledge can only be gained by
+experience.
+
+Whenever we meet a man who will not learn, we can not help but conclude
+that he will never make a successful farmer. We want to learn, too, not
+only by our successes, but by our failures. If we try a new plan and
+fail, we want to be able to know why we failed--just as much as to know
+why we succeeded.
+
+One great trouble with us in learning is that we are too apt to keep in
+mind our successes and forget the failures. This is the great fault of
+theoretical farming. If by a combination of favorable conditions success
+is obtained, it is given out as a fact--no exception being given or
+allowed for the very favorable conditions under which the method was
+tried. Such things may rightly be compared to the many specifics given
+to cure the various ills of life. A remedy is tried which, under
+favorable conditions, effects a cure, and forthwith the cure is given
+out as a specific. Others, with the same complaint but under different
+conditions, try the same remedy and fail to receive the least benefit.
+No mention is made of these failures, and, of course, others are induced
+to give the remedy a trial. For this reason it is always interesting to
+hear of failures as well as successes, provided the real cause can be
+stated.
+
+    MILLER CO., MO.
+        N. J. SHEPHERD.
+
+
+
+
+CISTERNS ON THE FARM.
+
+
+There is hardly any one thing on a well-regulated farm so much needed as
+a cistern near the kitchen door, so the farmer's wife will have to go
+but a little distance for water, and no man knows how much is used in a
+farmer's kitchen, unless he carries it for his wife for six months or a
+year, and if he has to carry it a hundred yards or so from the spring,
+he will wonder what in the world his wife does with so much water.
+
+The cistern should be a large one and hold not less than 200 barrels,
+and well built, that is, walled up with brick and scientifically
+plastered. All of the pipes from the roof should lead into one hopper,
+and one pipe leading from the bottom of the hopper (under ground is the
+best) into the cistern. In the bottom of the hopper should be fitted a
+piece of woven wire, which can be readily taken out and put in again;
+the meshes of the wire should not be larger than one-eighth of an inch.
+This piece of woven wire should never be in its place except when water
+is running into the cistern, when it will serve as a strainer to keep
+leaves or trash of any kind from running into the cistern. A waste-water
+pipe should be attached to the down pipe (all of the down pipes should
+lead into one) which leads into the hopper, to waste all the water that
+comes from the roof until the water is perfectly clear and free from
+leaves or trash of any kind; then the waste-water pipe should be taken
+off and a pipe of proper length slipped onto the down pipe conducting
+the water, pure and clean, into the hopper. But before letting the water
+into the hopper, the piece of woven wire should be put in its place in
+the bottom of the hopper, and after the rain is over it should be taken
+out and hung up in a dry place until wanted again, and the waste-water
+pipe put on. If the piece of woven wire is left in the hopper the meshes
+will get filled up, and the hopper will fill with leaves and trash of
+all kinds and run over, and no water get into the cistern--and if it
+does it will not be pure. By this arrangement only pure water will run
+into the cistern; but even then it ought to be cleaned out very fall or
+early in the spring. Farmers will find a cistern in their house lots or
+inside the barn a great convenience--but the one near the kitchen is of
+the greatest importance because the men will not carry water if they can
+help it, and the farmer's wife, if she has any spunk, will insist upon
+the water being carried for her or raise the roof off the house, and I
+don't blame her--the hair on the top of my head is very thin--and
+scarce.
+
+    HIKE'S POINT, KY.
+        E. F. C.
+
+
+
+
+FIELD AND FURROW.
+
+
+Mass. Ploughman: Farm accounts, even when kept in the most simple form,
+not only afford great satisfaction, but they do much to aid the farmer
+in his efforts to success. If at the end of the season he is able to
+strike the balance, and thus learn the cost of his principal crops, he
+is in a position to correctly judge what crops will promise the most
+profit another year.
+
+The Farm Economist has this to say in regard to marketing corn. While it
+is contrary to general opinion, it is nevertheless true, as facts and
+figures are capable of proving: "Farmers in discussing their declining
+markets should remember that every bushel of corn sold in the form of
+whisky cuts off the sale of ten bushels in the form of meat. It might be
+well to consider this in discussing how the market for farm products can
+be improved." This same paper further remarks, "Where's the sense in a
+farmer growling because he is not represented in the government when he
+won't go to a convention and see that he is represented. Quit your
+growling and do your duty. One good vote in the primaries or in the
+convention is worth 1,757,362 growls afterward."
+
+The Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter states that the new phase to the Sumatra
+question has brought out considerable discussion among dealers in the
+Edgerton market and that the prevailing impression appears to be that
+even if the recent decision be upheld, under the jugglery by which
+Sumatra is run into the country, prices for 1883 Wisconsin leaf will not
+be materially affected, as it can not entirely supplant its use and
+there will be a good demand for all our product. The editor adds: The
+scarecrow argument will doubtless be used by some buyers in bearing the
+market, but we are inclined to look upon it more as a bugaboo than many
+others, whatever the effect may be on future crops. We know of no good
+reason why 1883 Wisconsin should sell for lower prices than have ruled
+thus far this season and the report from Eastern markets seem to warrant
+this view.
+
+A. B. Allen, in N. Y. Tribune: My cistern is about five feet in diameter
+and five feet deep. After cleaning it out in spring, I put about one
+bushel of sand in the bottom, and then let the rain-water come in. This
+keeps the water sweet and clear for a whole year. I have tried charcoal
+and various things for this purpose, but find pure clear sand best of
+all. It must not have other soil mixed with it, or any vegetable matter.
+The kind I use is white, and very like such as is found at the sea
+shore. Of course the roof end of the pipe should have wire gauze
+fastened over it so that no foul stuff can be carried down, and the
+eaves-troughs must be kept clean, the roof and chimneys also, and never
+be painted, or the latter even whitewashed. The sand is an excellent
+absorber of even the finest of foul stuff, and this is the reason, in
+addition to its own purity, of its keeping the water so free from
+generating the smell of ammonia.
+
+Peoria Transcript: During some of the comparatively idle days of winter,
+the farmer may combine pleasure with profit by hitching up, taking his
+family, and driving to some one of his successful farm neighbors for a
+friendly visit. Such an act may be looked upon by the man-of-toil as a
+poor excuse to get out of doing a day's work, but we venture that he who
+tries the experiment once will be very apt to repeat it as often as time
+or opportunity will justify. In our neighborhood, and we presume the
+same condition of affairs exists in nearly every locality, there are
+farmers who have lived within a mile or two of each other for years, who
+hardly know their neighbors from a stranger when they meet upon the
+public highway or at town meeting, and as for going to the house,
+nothing short of death in the family or some event of great importance
+will ever bring them into the friendly relations which should exist
+between neighboring farmers.
+
+A New Jersey correspondent of the Rural New Yorker writes: My clear
+water carp pond covers an area of about three-fourths of an acre, and is
+located about eighty feet below springs in the hillside, which furnish a
+never-failing supply of pure, clear water. The normal temperature of
+these springs, where they empty into the pond, varies but little
+according to season, but maintains an average of fifty degrees, Fah.
+Several times through the summer I found the water in the pond indicated
+an average of 80 degrees, Fah. The pond is so constructed that the water
+is constantly drawn from the bottom, thus keeping the surface at this
+high temperature. About one-half the pond is covered with mud to the
+depth of two feet or more--an essential in all carp ponds for
+hibernating. A limited supply of pure German carp fingerlings to place
+in the pond was sent me by Prof. S. F. Baird, United States Commissioner
+of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D. C., and placed therein on April
+6th last. No food was given besides that which grew in the pond. I saw
+them at rare intervals during the summer, and was agreeably surprised,
+when I drew the pond November 16th last past, to find that they had
+grown to be sixteen inches in length, and a pair weighed eight pounds.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE.
+
+On our 268th page appears the advertisement of the New Improved Monarch
+Lightning Sawing Machine, manufactured by the Monarch Mfg. Co., 163
+Randolph. St., Chicago. The result of long experience in the manufacture
+of implements for cutting up wood is the superior and valuable machine
+which is advertised in our paper.
+
+Such of our readers who live in a timbered district, and who need such a
+machine, should send for their large illustrated free catalogue. This
+company is the largest and most successful corporation in this city
+engaged in manufacturing one man power drag saws. The Monarch Lightning
+Sawing Machine has been sold all over the Western States, and always
+gives satisfaction. It is a first-class firm, thoroughly reliable, and
+their machine is of superior excellence.--Farm, Field and Fireside,
+January, 1884.
+
+See their advertisement on another page of this issue.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FARM MACHINERY, Etc.
+
+[Illustration: DEDERICK'S HAY PRESSES.]
+
+DEDERICK'S HAY PRESSES.
+
+are sent any where on trial to operate against all other presses, the
+customer keeping the one that suits best.
+
+Order on trial, address for circular and location of Western and
+Southern Storehouses and Agents.
+
+TAKE NOTICE.--As parties infringing our patents falsely claim premiums
+and superiority over Dederick's Reversible Perpetual Press. Now,
+therefore, I offer and guarantee as follows:
+
+FIRST. That baling Hay with One Horse, Dederick's Press will bale to the
+solidity required to load a grain car, twice as fast as the presses in
+question, and with greater ease to both horse and man at that.
+
+SECOND. That Dederick's Press operated by One Horse will bale faster and
+more compact than the presses in question operated by Two Horses, and
+with greater ease to both man and beast.
+
+THIRD. That there is not a single point or feature of the two presses
+wherein Dederick's is not the superior and most desirable.
+
+Dederick Press will be sent any where on this guarantee, on trial at
+Dederick's risk and cost.
+
+P. K. DEDERICK & CO., ALBANY, N. Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GREAT SAVING FOR FARMERS.
+
+THE
+Lightning
+Hay Knife!
+
+(WEYMOUTH'S PATENT.)
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Awarded "FIRST ORDER OF Merit" at Melbourne Exhibition, 1880.
+
+Was awarded the FIRST PREMIUM at the International Exhibition in
+Philadelphia, 1876, and accepted by the Judges as SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHER
+KNIFE IN USE.
+
+It is the BEST KNIFE in the _world_ to cut _fine feed_ from bale, to
+cut down _mow_ or _stack_, to cut _corn-stalks_ for feed, to cut _peat_,
+or for ditching in marshes, and has no equal for cutting ensilage from
+the silo. TRY IT.
+
+IT WILL PAY YOU.
+
+Manufactured only by
+HIRAM HOLT & CO., East Wilton, Me., U.S.A.
+
+_For sale by Hardware Merchants and the trade generally_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE CHICAGO DOUBLE HAY AND STRAW PRESS
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Guaranteed to load more Hay or Straw in a box car than any other, and
+bale at a less cost per ton. Send for circular and price list.
+Manufactured by the Chicago Hay Press Co., Nos. 3354 to 3358 State St.,
+Chicago. Take cable car to factory. Mention this paper.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Sawing Made Easy
+
+Monarch Lightning Sawing Machine!
+
+Sent on 30 Days test Trial.
+
+A Great Saving of Labor & Money.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A boy 16 years old can saw logs FAST and EASY. MILES MURRAY, Portage,
+Mich. writes, "Am much pleased with the MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING
+MACHINE. I sawed off a 30-inch log in 2 minutes." For sawing logs into
+suitable lengths for family stove-wood, and all sorts of log-cutting, it
+is peerless and unrivaled. Illustrated Catalogue, FREE. AGENTS WANTED.
+Mention this paper. Address MONARCH MANUFACTURING CO., 163 N. Randolph
+St., Chicago, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CHICAGO SCALE CO.
+
+2 TON WAGON SCALE, $40. 3 TON, $50.
+4 Ton $60, Beam Box Included.
+
+240 lb. FARMER'S SCALE, $5.
+
+The "Little Detective," 1/4 oz. to 25 lb. $3.
+
+300 OTHER SIZES. Reduced PRICE LIST FREE.
+
+FORGES, TOOLS, &c.
+
+BEST FORGE MADE FOR LIGHT WORK, $10,
+
+40 lb. Anvil and Kit of Tools. $10.
+
+Farmers save time and money doing odd jobs.
+
+Blowers, Anvils, Vices & Other Articles
+
+AT LOWEST PRICES, WHOLESALE & RETAIL.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE PROFIT FARM BOILER
+
+is simple, perfect, and cheap; the BEST FEED COOKER; the only dumping
+boiler; empties its kettle in a minute. OVER 5,000 IN USE; Cook your
+corn and potatoes, and save one-half the cost of pork. Send for circular.
+D. R. SPERRY & CO., Batavia, Illinois.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CHAMPION BALING PRESSES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A Ton per Hour. Run by two men and one team. Loads 10 to 15 tons in car.
+
+Send for descriptive circular with prices, to GEHRT & CO., 216, 218
+and 220 Maine St., Quincy, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that $2.00 pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _from this date to
+January 1, 1884; $2.00 pays for it from this date to January 1, 1885.
+For $2.00 you get it for one year and a copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, FREE! _This is the most liberal offer
+ever made by any first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+LIVE STOCK DEPARTMENT.
+
+Stockmen, Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+Iowa Wool Men.
+
+The Iowa Wool-Growers' Association met at Des Moines last week. The
+attendance was light. The general sentiment expressed was that sheep
+growing was profitable in Iowa, if the dogs could be got rid of. The
+Legislature will be importuned to abolish the curs. The session the last
+evening was devoted to the tariff on wool. The petition of the Ohio
+sheep-growers, presented to Congress, asking a restoration of the tariff
+law of 1867 on wool, was read and unanimously accepted. Officers for the
+ensuing year were elected as follows: S. P. McNeil, Gordon Grove,
+President; J. C. Robinson, Albia, Samuel Russell, West Grove, and A. N.
+Stewart, Grove Station, Vice-Presidents; A. J. Blakely, Grinnell,
+Secretary.
+
+
+Polled Cattle-Breeders.
+
+Twenty-seven head of Galloway and Angus cattle, belonging to A. B.
+Matthews, Kansas City, were sold at auction at Des Moines, Iowa, January
+9th, at prices ranging from $235 to $610. The sale aggregated $10,425,
+or $386 per head. In the evening of the same day some twenty-five polled
+cattle-breeders met and organized a State association. An address was
+read by Abner Graves, of Dow City, in which the breed was duly extolled.
+An interesting discussion followed, in the course of which it was stated
+that the polled breeds have two anatomical peculiarities in common with
+the American bison, indicating a close relation to, or possible descent
+from the buffalo family. The officers elected were: President, Abner
+Graves, of Dow City; Vice-Presidents, Messrs. Bryan, of Montezuma, D. J.
+Moore, of Dunlop, and Charles Farwell, of Montezuma; Secretary and
+Treasurer, H. G. Gue, of Des Moines. Liberal subscriptions were made to
+the articles of incorporation which were formed inside the organization,
+after the meeting adjourned.
+
+
+Merino Sheep Breeders.
+
+The sixth annual meeting of the Northern Illinois Merino Sheep Breeders'
+Association was held at Elgin, January 9th. The meeting was well
+attended and enthusiastic. George E. Peck presided. The annual report of
+Secretary Vandercook showed the association to be in a growing
+condition. The discussion of the day was mainly on the tariff question.
+A communication from Columbus Delano, President of the National
+Wool-Growers Association was read, asking for the co-operation of the
+society in a move upon Congress for the restoration of duties on
+imported wools as they were established by the act of 1867 met with a
+hearty reception. Thomas McD. Richards delivered an interesting address
+on wool-growing and the merino as a mutton sheep. He argued that a
+prevailing idea to the effect that good mutton could not come from
+fine-wool sheep was entirely erroneous. Touching on the tariff question
+he said the past year had been an unprofitable one to mere wool-growers,
+and that sheep had been unsalable at paying prices. The removal of the
+duty on wool had paralyzed the industry, and the tariff must be
+restored. There was an abundance of competition among the wool-growers
+of our own land without compelling them to compete with the stockmen of
+South America and Australia. The farmers had not clamored for a removal
+of the duty on wool. If the tariff was not restored the wool interests
+of the country would be ruined. Already legislation had lowered the
+price of wool several cents, and had depreciated the value of sheep at
+least $1 per head. The tariff was also dilated upon by Col. John S.
+Wilcox, of Elgin, Daniel Kelley, of Wheaton, and Asa H. Crary. The
+conclusion arrived at was that energetic and united action for the
+restoration of the duty was the thing desired. V. P. Richmond read an
+interesting essay on "Merinos; Their Characteristics and Attributes."
+The annual election of officers resulted as follows: President, George
+E. Peck, Geneva; Vice-Presidents, Thomas McD. Richards, Woodstock, and
+Daniel Kelley, Wheaton; Secretary and Treasurer, W. C. Vandercook,
+Cherry Valley. It was decided to hold the association's annual public
+sheep-shearing at Richmond, McHenry county, April 29 and 30, and C. R.
+Lawson, L. H. Smith, and A. S. Peck were designated a committee to
+represent the association at the annual sheep-shearing of the Wisconsin
+association.
+
+
+Cattle Disease.
+
+The House committee on agriculture last week discussed in a general way
+the subject of pleuro pneumonia in cattle. Mr. Loring, Commissioner of
+Agriculture, expressed his views upon the subject in a short speech. Mr.
+Grinnell, of Iowa, chairman of the committee appointed by the convention
+of cattle men, in Chicago, to visit Washington to influence Legislation
+in reference to diseased cattle, was present. It was arranged that a
+sub-committee, consisting of Congressmen Hatch, Dibrell, Williams,
+Winans, Wilson, and Ochiltree, should meet the representatives of the
+cattle interests at the Agricultural Department. Pleuro-pneumonia among
+cattle will be the first subject considered. The House committee on
+agriculture will report a bill at an early day.
+
+The assistant Secretary of the Treasury has transmitted to the House the
+report of the cattle commission, consisting of James Law, E. F. Thayer,
+and J. H. Sanders, for the past year. The commission recommended that
+the National Government prevent the shipment northward, out of the area
+infected with Texas fever, of all cattle whatsoever, excepting from the
+beginning of November to the beginning of March. Special attention is
+invited by the Assistant Secretary to the recommendation of the
+commission that the Secretary of the Treasury be empowered to order the
+slaughter and safe disposal of all imported herds that may be found
+infected on their arrival in the United States, or may develop a
+dangerous or contagious disease during quarantine; and that he be also
+empowered to have all ruminants (other than cattle) and all swine
+imported into the United States, subjected to inspection by veterinary
+surgeons, and if necessary to prevent the spread of contagious diseases,
+slaughtered or submitted to quarantine until they shall be considered
+uninfected; and that an appropriation of $1,500,000 be made to defray
+the expenses of preventing a further spread of the lung plague among
+cattle in this country, and for stamping out the plague now existing. A
+supplemental report of the majority of commission, submitted by Law and
+Thayer, and of a later date than the first report is also submitted.
+This report deals especially with the inadequacy to the end sought to be
+accomplished of the inspection of cattle at ports of export, and
+recommends that such inspection and guarantee be delayed. Their reason
+for doubting the adequacy of the inspection at ports of exports is that
+neither lung plague nor Texas fever can be certainly detected by such
+examination, because those diseases pass through an average stage of
+incubation for thirty days, during which it is impossible for the most
+accomplished expert to detect the presence of the germ in the system.
+The result would be, if such an inspection were the only thing relied
+upon, that cattle which had been exposed to infection in the stock yards
+several days before inspection would pass that inspection, but three
+weeks later, when they arrived at a foreign port, would show marked
+symptoms of the disease. This result destroys absolutely the efficacy of
+the certificates of inspection as to guarantees to foreign imported
+cattle. The report closes with the statement that so long as the
+infected districts in this country can not be secluded, the landing of
+infected cattle in England from this country can not be prevented, and
+so long as American cattle show these diseases on their arrival in
+England we can hope for no modification of the present restrictions that
+country places against American cattle.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At the conference between House sub-committee on agriculture and the
+Chicago convention committee a general discussion on contagious diseases
+among cattle was indulged in. The committee of cattle men, in answer to
+the inquiries of representatives, said diseases existed in Delaware, the
+District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, New
+York, and possibly in other places. In New York a few counties are
+reported infected.
+
+Mr. Hunt, of New Jersey, said if Congress would appropriate an adequate
+amount payable to the order of the authorities of the different States
+and protect New Jersey for six months from the importation of diseased
+cattle, the State in that time would stamp out pleuro-pneumonia in its
+territory.
+
+Dr. Law, of the Cattle Commission of the Treasury Department, said the
+disease was undoubtedly the result of importation. He said that with
+plenty of money and a Federal law it could be eradicated in twelve
+months. New York City had at one time stamped it out in three months. He
+advocated the burning of buildings where the disease occurred.
+
+Judge Carey, of Wyoming, gave the history of the disease, saying it was
+like Asiatic cholera spreading through Europe and reaching New York
+forty years ago. It existed on the continent of Europe, in Great
+Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and this country. He said $100,000,000
+was invested in the cattle business of the United States.
+
+Representative Hatch said that Mr. Singleton, of Illinois, had offered
+$1,000 reward for an animal afflicted with pleuro-pneumonia, but no one
+had accepted.
+
+Several members of the cattle committee at once offered to show the
+disease to any one doubting its existence.
+
+Representative Weller gave notice that he would offer a bill
+appropriating $10,000,000 by the Government for suppressing contagious
+diseases among cattle, to be distributed among the States and
+Territories in the ratio of representation in Congress, provided that
+each State appropriated a sum equal to the amount given by the
+Government.
+
+The legislation proposed is to make the shipment of cattle known to be
+diseased a penal offense; to establish a cattle bureau in the Department
+of Agriculture; increase the power of the Commissioner of Agriculture;
+provide funds for an elaborate investigation of the diseases of cattle;
+and provide an appropriation to purchase diseased cattle so they can be
+destroyed. An appropriation will be asked the first year of $500,000.
+
+
+
+
+THE HORSE AND HIS TREATMENT.
+
+NUMBER TWO.
+
+
+First, as regards food. The horse is naturally a wild animal and
+therefore, though domesticated, he demands such food as nature would
+provide for him. But man seems to forget this. Nature's food would be
+largely of grass. It is true that when domesticated and put to hard work
+he needs some food of a more concentrated and highly nutritious nature
+than grass; but while labor may necessitate grain, the health of his
+system yet demands a liberal allowance of grass. In direct opposition to
+this many farmers keep their horses off pasture while they are at work,
+which comprises almost the entire season of green pasture. I have
+frequently heard farmers say that their horses did best during the
+spring and summer, if kept in the stable at night. I can only say that I
+have found the very opposite to be true and I believe I have carefully
+and faithfully tested the matter. I have found that when the horses were
+allowed the range of a blue grass pasture at night, they endured work
+the best because they digested their grain and hay better, and good
+digestion made good appetites. In fact, I consider pasture the best food
+and the best medicine a horse can be given. If his coat is rough, if he
+is stiff and lifeless, if he is losing flesh and strength, turn him on
+pasture and he will soon grow better.
+
+Some grasses make far better pasture than others. All in all, I consider
+blue grass the best. It comes earliest in the spring, and while very
+palatable and easily digested, seems to possess more substance than
+other grasses. Next I would place timothy. Clover is good medicine for a
+sick horse, but because of its action on the salivary glands is apt to
+make work horses "slobber" at certain seasons.
+
+For winter, hay is provided. But how is it provided in a majority of
+cases? The grass is cut out of season; is cured negligently, very likely
+is exposed to rain; and then piled up to mold and rot. A few tarpaulins
+to put over the cocks in case of rain, and barracks or mow to protect
+and preserve the hay would give the horse good hay, and be one of the
+very best of investments. It should be remembered that the digestive
+organs of none other of our farm animals are so easily deranged as those
+of the horse. Musty, moldy hay is the moving cause of much disease. The
+man who can not provide a good mow should sell his horses to some farmer
+who can manage better.
+
+Though blue grass is the best for pasture, timothy is the best for hay.
+Clover makes better hay than blue grass. Corn fodder has substance, and
+pound for pound contains about two-thirds as much nutriment as hay. But
+it is not good forage for the horse. Where hay is procurable corn
+fodder should never be fed.
+
+I am convinced that the great majority of farmers do nor feed their
+horses enough forage. I know of farmers who do not feed hay at all when
+their horses are at work, which is more than half the year. Grain is fed
+exclusively. Yet they wonder why their horses lose flesh and have rough
+coats. Feeding a horse all grain is like feeding a man all meat. The
+food is so oily and difficult of digestion that it soon deranges the
+digestive organs. The horse should have all the hay he wishes to eat, at
+all seasons of the year. This brings me to another error in his
+treatment.
+
+When at work the horse should have at least ninety minutes for each
+meal. My observation convinces me that a large number of farmers do not
+give him this much time. Their reason for neglecting to do so is, that
+it would be a loss of time. But the very opposite of this is the case.
+Time is gained. The horse has opportunity to eat slowly, which is
+essential to complete digestion; can eat all he wishes; and has time to
+rest after eating, giving the organs of digestion a chance to work. Give
+your horse an hour and a half to eat his noon-day meal, at least, and at
+the end of the season you will find that by so doing you have gained
+time. He may not have walked before the plow and harrow so many hours,
+but he has stepped faster and pulled more energetically.
+
+Another error is the feeding of too much grain. Some farmers have grain
+in the feeding troughs all the time during the spring and summer. The
+horse is sated. This manner may do for a hog, whose only business is to
+lie around, grunt, and put on fat; but for a horse it will not do. A
+horse should never be given all the grain he will eat. At every meal he
+should clean out his box, and then be ready to eat hay for at least
+fifteen minutes.
+
+Another error is in confining the grain feed almost altogether to corn.
+Corn is a heavy, gross diet. It contains a large proportion of oil, and
+tends to produce lymph and fat, which are inimical to health, and
+destructive of vigor and endurance. Oats is a much better food; yet it
+is very rarely fed in the South, and not half of the farmers of the
+North feed it. Corn heats the blood, and on this account should not be
+fed in hot weather. Oats is a lighter, easier diet, does not heat the
+blood, and makes muscle, rather than fat. All in all, oats is the most
+economical food, at least for horses at work in hot weather.
+
+One more error which I shall notice in feeding is the giving of too much
+dry food. The horse does best upon moist food, or that which has a large
+percentage of water in its composition. Carrots, turnips, beets,
+pumpkins, etc., may be given in small quantities with decided advantage,
+especially in the winter. In summer the hay should be sprinkled with
+water, and the oats soaked. This will not only make the food more
+palatable and easily digested, but will obviate the necessity of
+watering after meals. Many object to watering after the horse has eaten,
+because the fluid carries the grain into the intestines where it can not
+be digested. But if grain and forage are dampened, the horse will not
+require watering after a meal. He will rarely drink if water is offered
+him, and the moisture will aid digestion. This is surely better and more
+humane than to give a horse dry food and then work him for six or seven
+hours in the hot sun, afterward, without any drink.
+
+Of the quality of water given to the horse there is not much to condemn.
+He generally gets better water than the hog, or sheep, because he is
+very fastidious in this matter and will not drink foul water unless
+driven to do so by dire necessity. But I believe that three times is not
+often enough to water a horse at work in hot weather, though this is the
+common and time honored practice. The stomach of the horse is
+small--very small in proportion to the size of his body. When he has
+labored in summer for half a day his thirst is intense, and when he is
+permitted to slake it he drinks too much, producing really serious
+disorders. No valid objection can be urged against watering five times
+per day. The arguments are all in its favor.
+
+The errors in stabling are fully as grievous as any we have noticed. I
+have lately written of the evils of lack of light and proper ventilation
+in these columns, and also discussed the problem of currying in various
+phases, so shall not repeat here what I have heretofore written. One of
+the other evils of stable management often allowed, is the accumulation
+of manure. It is not within the scope of this article to notice the evil
+the neglect to save manure works to the farm and the farmer. But that
+the accumulation of the manure in the stable is a hurt to the horse, no
+sensibly reasoning person can doubt. Its fermentation gives off
+obnoxious gases which pollute and poison the air the horse is
+compelled to breathe, and thus in turn poison the animal's blood. This
+is a more fruitful cause of disease than is generally supposed. The
+gases prove injurious to the eye, and when we consider the accumulation
+of manure and the exclusion of light, we are not apt to wonder much at
+the prevalence of blindness among horses. The manure should be cleaned
+out in the morning, at noon, and again at night. Use sawdust or straw
+liberally for bedding. It will absorb the urine, and as soon as foul,
+should be removed to the compost heap with the dung, where it will soon
+be converted into fine, excellent manure.
+
+Another thing that deserves attention is the stable floor. I
+unhesitatingly say that a composition of clay and fine gravel is best.
+Pavement is the worst, and planks are next. The clay and gravel should
+be put in just moist enough to pack solidly. Stamp till very firm and
+then allow to dry and harden for a week. The stable floor should be kept
+perfectly level. Do not make the horse stand in a strained, unnatural
+position. The stall should be large enough for him to move around--at
+least six feet wide. Narrow stalls are a nuisance but very common.
+
+JOHN M. STAHL.
+
+
+
+
+COST OF PORK ON 1883 CORN.
+
+
+About three weeks ago the "Man of the Prairie" wanted to know how many
+pounds of pork a bushel of corn would make this year. As I wanted to
+know the same thing I have weighed my hogs every week and also the corn
+I fed them, and for the benefit of your readers I will give the results:
+
+December 10--15 hogs, weight 4,130
+    "    17--"   "      "    4,280   ate 960 lbs Corn.
+    "    24--"   "      "    4,410   "   864      "
+    "    31--"   "      "    4,572   "   816      "
+
+This gives a gain, in twenty-one days, of 442 lbs, and they ate in that
+time 2,640 lbs., or 47-1/7 bu. corn.
+
+The corn was planted about the eighth of May; was the large white
+variety; is quite loose on the cob, and a good many of the ears are
+mouldy. A common bushel basket holds of it in ear 35 lbs. The hogs were
+fed the corn in ear twice a day, and had all the water they wanted to
+drink. This gives 9-62/165 lbs. pork to the bushel. At the present price
+of pork ($5.25) it would make the corn worth about 49-1/2 cts. per
+bushel.
+
+    G. W. POWESS.
+        WINNEBAGO CO., ILL.
+
+P.S. The weight of corn given is its weight shelled, as it shells out 55
+lbs from 80 lbs. in ear.
+
+    G. F. P.
+
+
+
+
+VETERINARY
+
+
+Grease, So-Called.
+
+This ailment occurs sometimes in the fore feet, but oftener in the hind
+feet; and though neither contagious nor epizootic, it not unfrequently
+appears about one time or within a brief period, on most or all of the
+horses in a stable. It essentially consists in a stoppage of the normal
+secretions of the skin, which is beneficially provided for maintaining a
+soft condition of the skin of the heel, and preventing chapping and
+excoriation; and it usually develops itself in redness, dryness, and
+scurfiness of the skin; but in bad or prolonged cases, it is accompanied
+with deep cracks, an ichorous discharge, more or less lameness, and even
+great ulceration, and considerable fungus growth; and in the worst cases
+it spreads athwart all the heel, extends on the fetlock, or ascends the
+leg, and is accompanied with extensive swelling and a general oozing
+discharge, of a peculiar strong, disagreeable odor.
+
+Most of the causes of grease are referable to bad management, especially
+in regard to great and sudden changes in the exterior temperature of the
+heels. The feet of the horse may be alternately heated by the bedding
+and cooled by draft from the open stable door; or they may first be made
+hot and sensitive by the irritating action of the urine and filth on the
+stable floor, and then violently reacted on by the cold breezes of the
+open air, or they may be moist and reeking when the horse is led out to
+work, and then chilled for a long period by the slow evaporation of the
+moisture from them amid the clods and soil of the field; or they may be
+warm and even perspiring with the labor of the day, and next plunged
+into a stream or washed with cold water, and then allowed to dry partly
+in the open air and partly in the stable; and in many of these ways, or
+of any others which occasion sudden changes of temperature in the heels,
+especially when those changes are accompanied or aggravated by the
+irritating action of filth, grease is exceedingly liable to be induced.
+Want of exercise, high feeding, and whatever tends to accumulate or to
+stagnate the normal greasy secretion in the skin of the heels, also
+operate, in some degree, as causes. By mere good management and by
+avoiding these known causes, horse owners might prevent the appearance
+of this disease altogether.
+
+In the early, dry, scurfy stage of grease, the heels may be well cleaned
+with soft soap and water, and afterwards thoroughly dried, and then
+treated with a dilution of Goulard's extract--one part to eight parts of
+water, or one part with six parts of lard oil. In the mildest form of
+the stage of cracks and ichorous discharge, after cleansing, some drying
+powder, such as equal quantities of white lead and putty (impure
+protoxide of zinc), may be applied, or simply the mixture of Goulard's
+extract with lard oil may be continued. In the virulent form of cracks,
+accompanied with ulceration, the heels ought to be daily washed clean
+with warm water, and afterwards bathed with a mild astringent lotion,
+and every morning and evening thinly poulticed or coated with carbolized
+ointment; and the whole system ought to be acted on by alteratives, by
+nightly bran mash, and, if the animal be in full condition, with a dose
+of purgative medicine. In the worst and most extensively spread cases,
+poultices of a very cooling kind, particularly poultices of scraped
+carrots or scraped turnips, ought to be used day and night, both for the
+sake of their own action, and as preparatives to the action of the
+astringent application; and the whole course of treatment ought to aim
+at the abatement of the inflammatory action, previous to the stopping of
+the discharge. Nothing tends so much to prevent grease and swelling of
+the legs as frequent hand rubbing and cleansing the heels carefully as
+soon as a horse comes in from exercise or work. In inveterate cases of
+grease, where the disease appears to have become habitual, in some
+degree, a run at grass, when in season, is the only remedy. If a dry
+paddock is available, where a horse can be sheltered in bad weather, it
+will be found extremely convenient; as in such circumstances, he may
+perform his usual labor, and at the same time be kept free from the
+complaint.
+
+
+Foul in the Foot.
+
+This name is given to a disease in cattle, which presents a resemblance
+to foot rot in sheep, but is different from this. It appears to be
+always occasioned by the neglect and aggravation of wounds and ulcers
+originating in mechanical injury--particularly in the insinuating of
+pieces of stone, splinters of wood, etc., between the claws of the hoof,
+or in the wearing, splitting, or bruising of the horn, and consequent
+abrasion of the sensible foot; by walking for an undue length of time,
+or a long distance upon gravelly or flinty roads, or other hard and
+eroding surfaces. It is sometimes ascribed, indeed, to a wet state of
+the pasture; but moisture merely predisposes to it, by softening the
+hoof and diminishing its power of resisting mechanical injury.
+
+The ulcers of foul in the foot usually occur about the coronet and
+extend under the hoof, causing much inflammatory action, very great
+pain, and more or less separation of the hoof; but they often originate
+in uneven pressure upon the sole, and rise upward from a crack between
+the claws, and are principally or wholly confined to one side or claw of
+the foot. A fetid purulent discharge proceeds from the ulcers, and a
+sinus may sometimes be discovered by means of a probe to descend from
+the coronet beneath the hoof. The affected animal is excessively lame,
+and may possibly suffer such a degree of pain as to lose all appetite
+and become sickly and emaciated.
+
+If the disease is of a mild form, or be merely in the initiatory stage,
+it may be readily cured by cleaning, fomentation, and rest; if it be of
+a medium character, between mild and violent, it may be cured by
+cleaning, by carefully paring away loose and detached horn, by destroying
+any fungus growth, and by applying, with a feather, a little butyr of
+antimony; and if it be of a very bad form, or has been long neglected,
+it will require to be probed, lanced, or otherwise dealt with according
+to the rules of good surgery, and afterwards poulticed twice a day with
+linseed meal, and frequently, but lightly, touched with butyr of
+antimony.
+
+
+Founder.
+
+This disease consists in inflammation of the laminæ and of the vascular
+parts of the sensible foot. It sometimes attacks only one foot,
+sometimes two, and sometimes all four; but, in a great majority of
+cases, it attacks either one or both of the front feet. A chronic form
+sometimes occurs, and exhibits symptoms somewhat similar to those of
+contraction of the hoof; but acute inflammation of the laminæ is what is
+generally called founder.
+
+This disease is occasioned by overstraining of the laminæ from long
+standing, by prolonged or excessive driving over hard roads, by
+congestion from long confinement, by sudden reaction from standing in
+snow after being heated, or from covering with warm bedding after
+prolonged exposure to cold, by sudden change of diet from a
+comparatively cool to a comparatively heating kind of food, and by
+translation of inflammatory action from some other part of the body,
+particularly after influenza.
+
+In the early stages of founder, a horse evinces great pain, shows
+excessive restlessness of foot, and tries to lighten the pressure of his
+body on the diseased feet. In the more advanced stages he is feverish,
+breathes hard, has violent throbbing in the arteries of the fetlock,
+lies down, stretches out his legs, and sometimes gazes wistfully upon
+the seat of the disease; and in the ulterior stages, if no efficacious
+remedies have been applied, the diseased feet either naturally recover
+their healthy condition, or they suppurate, slough, cast part or all of
+the hoof, and gradually acquire a small, weak, new hoof, or they undergo
+such mortification and change of tissues as to render the animal
+permanently useless.
+
+The shoe of a foundered foot must be removed; the hoof should be pared
+in such a manner that the sole and central portion of the same alone
+come to sustain the weight of the body. Therefore, the wall of the hoof,
+or that portion of the hoof which, under normal conditions, is made to
+bear upon the shoe, should be pared or rasped away, all around, to such
+an extent that it does not touch the ground when the animal stands upon
+the foot. A well-bedded shed, or a roomy, well-bedded box-stall, should
+be provided, with a view of allowing ample room for stretching out, as
+well as for changing position on a floor which should not be slanting,
+and which conveniences can not be had in a single stall, or when the
+animal is kept tied up in a confined space. Fomentations, evaporating
+lotions, wet cloths, and moist poultices should be applied to the feet.
+The animal ought to have light and spare diet, and bran mashes. When
+much fever exists febrifuges and diuretics should be given.
+
+
+QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
+
+COW DRYING UP UNEVENLY. D. W., AUBURN, ILL.--1. What is the cause of a
+cow going dry in one teat? She dropped her calf the 25th of May, and it
+sucked till it was three months old two teats on one side; that was her
+third calf; her next one will be due the last of April next. For some
+six weeks past the quantity of milk has been diminishing, till now she
+does not give more than a gill from one teat, while the opposite one
+gives more than double that of either of the others. Can any thing be
+done to remedy the difficulty? 2. If a cow gives more milk on one side
+than the other, does it indicate the sex of the coming calf?
+
+REPLY.--Most likely the cow will give milk from all four quarters after
+calving. She should be allowed to gradually dry up now, and toward the
+time of calving, she should not be fed exclusively on dry food. 2. No.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE DAIRY.
+
+Dairymen, Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+Curing Cheese.
+
+The curing of cheese develops not only flavor, but texture and
+digestibility. As a rule, says an English exchange, no American cheese
+is well cured, and this is for want of suitable curing houses. Dr. H.
+Reynolds, of Livermore Falls, Me., remarks upon this subject as follows:
+"Increased attention needs to be given by cheese-makers to this matter
+of curing cheese. Cheese factories should be provided with suitable
+curing rooms, where a uniform temperature of the required degree can be
+maintained, together with a suitable degree of moisture and sufficient
+supply of fresh air. The expense required to provide a suitable curing
+room would be small compared to the increased value of the cheese
+product thereby secured. Small dairymen and farmers, having only a few
+cows, labor under some difficulties in the way of providing suitable
+curing room for their cheese. Yet if they have a clear idea of what a
+curing room should be, they will generally be able to provide something
+which will approximate to what is needed. Good curing rooms are
+absolutely needed in order to enable our cheese-makers to produce a
+really fine article of cheese. The nicer the quality of cheese produced,
+the higher the price it will bring, and the more desirable will it
+become as an article of food. In the curing of cheese certain
+requisites are indispensable in order to attain the best results. Free
+exposure to air is one requisite for the development of flavor. Curd
+sealed up in an air-tight vessel and kept at the proper temperature
+readily breaks down into a soft, rich, ripe cheese, but it has none of
+the flavor so much esteemed in good cheese. Exposure to the oxygen of
+the air develops flavor. The cheese during the process of curding takes
+in oxygen and gives off carbonic acid gas. This fact was proved by Dr.
+S. M. Babcock, of Cornell University, who, by analyzing the air passing
+over cheese while curding, found that the cheese was constantly taking
+in oxygen and giving off carbonic acid gas. The development of flavor
+can be hastened by subjecting the cheese to a strong current of air. The
+flavor is developed by the process of oxidation. If the cheese is kept
+in too close air during the process of curding, it will be likely to be
+deficient in flavor."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+An anonymous writer very truly remarks that the dairyman, by the force
+of circumstances, has to become versed in the breeding and management of
+stock, especially that of dairy breeds; hence, in the very nature of
+things, he becomes a thoughtful, studious, observing man, and, what is
+better, he attains a higher intelligence. The advantages of dairying
+call out, among other things, enhanced revenues, because butter and
+cheese have become necessities; it enriches the farm, and is perfectly
+adapted to foster the breeding and raising of better and more stock. It
+embodies thrift, progress, and prosperity. Under "new methods" it makes
+fine butter and choice beef, not by any means less, but even more, and
+affords better grain. It does not imply farm houses with added burdens,
+but, on the contrary, relieved of drudgery, and the time thus gained can
+be spent in cultivating the refining graces, and thus making farmers'
+homes abodes of culture, refinement, and education, placing the dairy
+farmer upon a level financially, socially, and intellectually with any
+other class or profession.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+THE RURAL NEW-YORKER
+
+The great national farm and garden journal of America, with its
+Celebrated Free Seed Distribution, and
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+one year, post-paid, all for only $3.00. It is a rare chance. Specimen
+copies cheerfully sent gratis. Compare them with other rural weeklies,
+and then subscribe for the best. Apply to
+
+34 PARK ROW, NEW YORK.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For Sale or Rent.
+
+Farm of four hundred and eighty acres situated in Marlon County,
+Illinois, two and a half miles from Tonti Station, and six miles from
+Odin, on branch of Illinois Central R. R., and O. & M. Road--300 acres
+under plow, 180 acres timber. The latter has never been culled and is
+very valuable. Farm is well fenced into seven fields. Has an orchard on
+it which has yielded over two thousand dollars worth of fruit a year. No
+poor land on the farm, and is called the best body of land in Marion
+County. It was appraised by the Northwestern Insurance Co. for a loan at
+$18,000 and a loan made of six thousand. Buildings are not very good.
+Will sell for $14,800--$2,800 cash, $6,000 May 31, 1887, and $6,000 Feb.
+24, 1892, deferred payments to bear 6 per cent interest, or, to a
+first-class party, having a few thousand dollars to put into stock, a
+liberal arrangement will be made to rent it for a term of years.
+Property belongs to an estate. Address
+
+    J. E. YOUNG,
+        71 Park Avenue, Chicago.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HENRY DAVIS, DYER, IND.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Breeder of Light Brahmas, Plymouth Rocks, Bronze Turkeys, Toulouse
+Geese, and Pekin Ducks. Stock for sale. Eggs in Season. Have won 200
+prizes at leading shows, including 1st on Toulouse Geese at St. Louis
+and Chicago Shows. Write for prices.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+YOUR NAME printed on 50 Cards
+
+ALL NEW designs of _Gold Floral_, _Remembrances_, _Sentiment_, _Hand
+Floral_, etc., with _Love_, _Friendship_, and _Holiday Mottoes_. 10c.
+7 pks. and this elegant Ring, 50 c., 15 pks. & Ring, $1.
+
+12 NEW "CONCEALED NAME" Cards (name concealed with hand holding flowers
+with mottoes) 20c. 7 pks. and this Ring for $1. Agents sample book and
+full outfit, 25c. Over 200 new Cards added this season. Blank Cards at
+wholesale prices.
+
+NORTHFORD CARD CO. Northford, Conn.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEEDS
+
+Our large GARDEN GUIDE describing _Cole's Reliable Seeds_ is MAILED FREE
+TO ALL. We offer the _LATEST Novelties_ in SEED POTATOES, Corn and Oats,
+and the _Best Collection_ of Vegetable, Flower, Grass and Tree SEED.
+Everything is tested. COLE & BRO., Seedsmen, PELLA, IOWA
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Agents Wanted, Male and Female, for Spence's Blue Book, a most
+fascinating and salable novelty. Every family needs from one to a dozen.
+Immense profits and exclusive territory. Sample mailed for 25 cts in
+postage stamps. Address J. H. CLARSON, P.O. Box 2296, Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PATENT
+
+Procured or no charge. 40 p. book patent-law free. Add. W. T.
+FITZGERALD 1006 F St., Washington, D.C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CARDS
+
+40 SATIN FINISH CARDS, New Imported designs, name on and Present Free
+for 10c. Cut this out. CLINTON BROS. & Co., Clintonville, Ct.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+AGENTS
+
+WANTED EVERYWHERE to solicit subscriptions for this paper. Write
+PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., Chicago, for particulars.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that $2.00 pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _one year, and the
+subscriber gets a copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED
+STATES, FREE! _This is the most liberal offer ever made by any
+first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country._
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+HORTICULTURAL
+
+Horticulturists, Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+SOUTHERN ILL. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
+
+The members of the Southern Illinois Horticultural Society recently held
+a meeting at Alton, and resolved to put a little more life into the
+organization. A new constitution was adopted, and the following officers
+were elected for the ensuing year:
+
+    President--E. A. Riehl, Alton.
+    First Vice-President--G. W. Endicott, Villa Ridge.
+    Second Vice-President--Wm. Jackson, Godfrey.
+    Secretary and Treasurer--E. Hollister, Alton.
+
+The following select list of fruits was recommended for the district, or
+Southern grand division of the State:
+
+     Apples--Summer--Red Astrachan, Keswick Codlin, Benoni, Saps of
+     Wine, and Maiden's Blush.
+
+     Fall--It was unanimously agreed that fall apples were not
+     profitable for market purposes.
+
+     Winter--Ben Davis, Rome Beauty, Jonathan, Wine-Sap, Winter May,
+     Gilpin, and Janet.
+
+     Apples for family use--Summer--Early Harvest, Red Astrachan,
+     Carolina Red June, Benoni, Maiden's Blush, Bailey Sweet and
+     Fameuse.
+
+     Fall--Fall Wine, Rambo, Grimes' Golden, Yellow Belleflower.
+
+     Winter--Jonathan, Rome Beauty, Winesap, Ben Davis, Janet, Gilpin,
+     Moore's Sweet, Sweet Vandevere.
+
+     Peaches for Market--Bartlett, Howell, and Duchess.
+
+     Pears for Family Use--Bartlett, Seckel, Howell, White Doyenne,
+     D'Anjou, and Sheldon.
+
+     Peaches--For Family Use and Market--Alexander, Mountain Rose, L. E.
+     York, Oldmixon Free, Crawford's Late Stump, Picquet's Late, Smock,
+     Salway, and Heath Cling.
+
+     Grapes--Home Use and Market--Worden or Concord, Cynthiana or
+     Norton's Va., Mo. Reisling, Noah, Ives.
+
+     Strawberries--Home and Market--Capt. Jack, Downing, and Wilson.
+
+     Raspberries--Black Caps--Doolittle and Gregg.
+
+     Reds--Cuthbert, Brandywine, and Turner for home use only.
+
+
+
+
+Notes on Current Topics.
+
+
+FARM ECONOMY.
+
+Now, if one wants to ascertain how many agricultural implements are used
+by the farmers of the West, let him take a trip across the country for a
+day or two, and he will see reapers and mowers, and hay rakes and
+cultivators, and plows and seeders, standing in the fields and meadows,
+at the end of the rows where they had last been used. A stranger might
+think that this is not the place for them at this particular time of
+year. But in this he shows his ignorance of Western farm economy--for it
+is the very place for them; the identical locality where a great many of
+our farmers choose to keep their costly implements. Besides--don't you
+see, our farmers believe in fostering the manufactures of our country;
+and this place of caring for their tools after using them adds 15 or 20
+per cent to the business of the manufacturers.
+
+
+ABOUT THE BORER.
+
+I referred to the fact that I had lately been cutting away, digging up,
+and making stove-wood of a number of dead and decaying apple trees. Some
+of them had been dead and dying for two or three years. In splitting up
+the body and roots of one of these, I dislodged scores of the borers, of
+all ages and sizes--making quite a dinner for a hen and chickens that
+happened to be nigh. This fact brought forcibly to my mind what I should
+have thought of before, namely--that these dead and dying trees ought
+not to be allowed to remain a day after their usefulness has departed;
+but should be removed bodily and consigned to the flames. Otherwise they
+remain as breeding places for the pests, to the great detriment of the
+rest of the orchard. Cut away your decaying trees at once.
+
+
+COAL ASHES.
+
+Now that coal has become so common as a substitute for wood for fuel,
+not only on the railroads and manufactories, but in the villages and on
+the farms, wood ashes will still be harder to procure. Though not near
+so valuable for the purposes for which wood ashes is chiefly used in
+horticulture, it is believed that ashes from the coal has too great a
+value to be wasted. It should all be saved and applied to some good
+purpose on the garden or orchard. Has any one tried it as a preventive
+to pear blight? or mildew on the gooseberry? or the grape rot? or for
+the yellows or leaf-curl in peach trees? or for the rust in the
+blackberry and raspberry? In any or all of these it may have a decided
+value, and should be faithfully experimented with. As an absorbent
+alone it ought to be worth saving, to use in retaining the house slops
+and other liquid manures that are too often wasted.
+
+
+ONE CAUSE OF FAILURE
+
+in our orchard trees, of which we read and hear so much in late years,
+is doubtless to be found in the fact that we fail to feed them properly.
+A hog will fail to put on fat if he is not fed; a hen will not lay eggs
+if she is starved for food; and is it more reasonable to expect an apple
+or a peach or a pear tree to thrive and grow and yield of its luscious
+fruit in perfection while it is being starved? Our fresh soils--some of
+them at least--contain a fair proportion of the food needed to support
+the life of a tree; we plant our orchards, and for some years, more or
+less, they give us paying returns for our investments. But that food
+will not always last; it is gradually exhausted, and we fail to feed
+them again, or in that proportion their necessities require. They
+languish and die; a disease seizes them, and we complain and grumble at
+the dispensations of Providence.
+
+Think of it, fellow fruit-growers; let us begin to treat our fruit trees
+as we do our hogs and our hens, and see if we can not be favored with
+corresponding results. It is doubtless true that many of the diseases to
+which our trees are subject are caused by starvation, or by improper
+feeding; and a sickly tree is much more certain to be attacked by
+insects than a healthy one.
+
+Rare, indeed, is the case where a tree is carefully fed and cared for,
+and its wants regularly and bountifully supplied, that it does not repay
+as bountifully in its life-giving fruits.
+
+T. G.
+
+
+
+
+PEAR BLIGHT.
+
+THE TWO THEORIES WITH REGARD TO ITS CAUSE, AND THEIR PRACTICAL VALUE.
+
+
+It is assumed that this pest has cost agriculturists many millions of
+dollars during the past decade; not only in the loss of trees, but the
+time--as it seldom appears until after the first crop--consequently the
+land, manure, labor, enclosure, and taxes are not insignificant items.
+Climate, soil, and cultivation have utterly failed, so also the
+nostrums, such as "carbonate of lime" suggested by the best authority,
+and the experts now admit that parasites (such as cause the rust or smut
+in our cereals) are the cause of this mischief. The only question is
+whether they act directly or indirectly: this question determines
+whether it is remediable. If these parasites accomplish all this
+mischief by direct contact, as in the case of rust, their ubiquitous
+character is so demonstrated that we are utterly discouraged; whereas,
+if we prove that their indirect action is the only one that is to be
+dreaded, and that indirect action is remediable we are encouraged to
+cultivate the pear, though we have lost more than five hundred of one
+variety and almost all of the other varieties before we discovered the
+real cause of the failure. "Where you lose you may find;" success does
+not indicate merit, and "fools never learn by experience." As a
+celebrated surgeon said in his lecture. "A good oculist is made at the
+expense of a hatful of eyes."
+
+The celebrated Johnson who wrote the Encyclopedia of Agriculture a few
+years since, is now regarded as an old fogy, because he assumed that the
+spores of smut travel from the manure and seed of the previous crop in
+the circulation of the plant to the capsule, and thus convert the grain
+into a puff-ball, so also the ears of corn, the oats, and rye. This
+monstrosity on the rye grains is called ergot, or spurred rye, and when
+it is eaten by chickens or other fowls their feet and legs shrivel or
+perish with dry gangrene, not because the spores of the fungus which
+produced the spurred rye circulate in the blood of the chicken, nor that
+the spawn or mycelium thus traverses the fowl, but the peculiar and
+specific influence acts upon the whole animal precisely like the poison
+of the poison oak, producing its specific effect on the most remote
+parts of the system, and not as mustard confined to the part it touches.
+The mustard acts directly, but the "poison Ivy" acts indirectly; so also
+the virus of cow-pox poisons the whole system, but usually appears in
+but one spot unless the lymphatics of the whole arm are weak, and in
+that case crops of umbilicated pustules precisely like the original, may
+recur on all parts of the arm for several months. The specific effect of
+ergot or the fungus when indirect is manifested by contracting and even
+strangulating the tubes or capillaries causing them to pucker up (as a
+persimmon acts directly on the mouth), but in this case permanently
+though indirectly, so that rye bread sometimes causes dry gangrene in
+the human subject; the shins and feet shrivel precisely as those parts
+of the limbs of the pear do, moreover a dark fluid exudes (as the
+circulation is arrested where a patch occurs) in both cases alike,
+consequently if the remedy in both cases is based on the same
+principles, and is demonstrated to be equally effectual, the cause and
+the disease are similar.
+
+I have seen dry gangrene in the human subject originate apparently from
+an old "frost bite;" which means merely chronic debility of the
+capillaries of the foot or shin. Thus the extremities of the pear, or
+the weakest part, always succumb first, and the most vigorous trees
+never manifest it until they are weakened by their first crop of fruit.
+All are familiar with the fact that an old frost bite will swell or
+succumb to a temperature which will be innocuous to any other part of
+the body. The microscope may invariably reveal fungi in the patch of
+pear blight precisely as the housewife discovers the mold plant in her
+preserves and canned fruit, and even in the eggs of fowls, the mycelium
+(or spawn) penetrating the fruit or preserve though it be covered while
+boiling hot. If so, the reason why all parts of the tree are not
+attacked at the same time, is not because the fungus is not ubiquitous.
+We first notice the action of strychnia in the legs, or in paralyzed
+limbs exclusively, because they are weaker and become subject to its
+influence more easily; so also the same tree may escape for a long time
+after the limb which has succumbed is removed. Moreover the grafts,
+however numerous, may all be blighted, but the standard seedling on
+which so many varieties were grafted has survived more than fifty
+winters, and it fruited last year.
+
+    DAVID STEWART, M. D.
+        PORT PENN, DEL.
+
+
+
+
+TREATMENT OF TREE WOUNDS.
+
+
+Valuable trees that have been wounded or mutilated are often sacrificed
+for lack of the discreet surgery which would repair the injury they have
+suffered; and Professor C. A. Sargent, of the Bussey Institution, has
+done good service to farmers, fruit-raisers, and landscape-gardeners, by
+translating from the French the following practical hints, which we give
+with slight abridgment:
+
+Bark once injured or loosened can never attach itself again to the
+trunk; and whenever wounds, abrasures, or sections of loose bark exist
+on the trunk of a tree, the damaged part should be cut away cleanly, as
+far as the injury extends. Careful persons have been known to nail to a
+tree a piece of loosened bark, in hope of inducing it to grow again, or
+at least of retaining on the young wood its natural covering.
+Unfortunately the result produced by this operation is exactly opposite
+to that intended. The decaying wood and bark attract thousands of
+insects, which find here safe shelter and abundant food, and, increasing
+rapidly, hasten the death of the tree. In such cases, instead of
+refastening the loosened bark to the tree, it should be entirely cut
+away, care being taken to give the cut a regular outline, especially on
+the lower side; for if a portion of the bark, even if adhering to the
+wood, is left without direct communication with the leaves, it must die
+and decay. A coating of coal-tar should be applied to such wounds.
+
+LOOSENED BARK.--It is necessary to frequently examine the lower portions
+of the trunk, especially of trees beginning to grow old; for here is
+often found the cause of death in many trees, in large sheets of bark
+entirely separated from the trunk. This condition of things, which often
+can not be detected, except by the hollow sound produced by striking the
+trunk with the back of the iron pruning-knife, arrests the circulation
+of sap, while the cavity between the bark and the wood furnishes a safe
+retreat for a multitude of insects, which hasten the destruction of the
+tree. The dead bark should be entirely removed, even should it be
+necessary, in so doing, to make large wounds. Cases of this nature
+require the treatment recommended for the last class.
+
+CAVITIES IN THE TRUNK.--Very often, when a tree has been long neglected,
+the trunk is seriously injured by cavities caused by the decay of dead
+or broken branches. It is not claimed that pruning can remove defects of
+this nature; it can with proper application, however, arrest the
+progress of the evil. The edge of the cavity should be cut smooth and
+even; and all decomposed matter, or growth of new bark formed in the
+interior, should be carefully removed. A coating of coal-tar should be
+applied to the surface of the cavity, and the mouth plugged with a piece
+of well-seasoned oak securely driven into the place. The end of the plug
+should then be carefully pared smooth and covered with coal-tar,
+precisely as if the stump of a branch were under treatment. If the
+cavity is too large to be closed in this manner, a piece of thoroughly
+seasoned oak board, carefully fitted to it, may be securely nailed into
+the opening, and then covered with coal-tar. It is often advisable to
+guard against the attacks of insects by nailing a piece of zinc or other
+metal over the board in such a way that the growth of the new wood will
+in time completely cover it.
+
+Coal-tar, a waste product of gas-works, can be applied with an ordinary
+painter's brush, and may be used cold, except in very cold weather, when
+it should be slightly warmed before application. Coal-tar has remarkable
+preservative properties, and may be used with equal advantage on living
+and dead wood. A single application, without penetrating deeper than
+ordinary paint, forms an impervious coating to the wood-cells, which
+would, without such covering, under external influences, soon become
+channels of decay. This simple application then produces a sort of
+instantaneous cauterization, and preserves from decay wounds caused
+either in pruning or by accident. The odor of coal-tar drives away
+insects, or prevents them, by complete adherence to the wood, from
+injuring it. After long and expensive experiments, the director of the
+parks of the city of Paris finally, in 1863, adopted coal-tar, in
+preference to other preparations used, for covering tree wounds. In the
+case of stone fruit trees it should, however, be used with considerable
+caution, especially on plum trees. It should not be allowed to
+needlessly run down the trunk; and it is well to remember, that the more
+active a remedy is the greater should be the care in its application.
+The practice of leaving a short stump to an amputated branch, adopted by
+some to prevent the loss of sap, although less objectionable in the case
+of coniferous trees than in that of others, should never be adopted.
+Such stumps must be cut again the following year close to the trunk, or
+cushions of wood will form about their base, covering the trunk with
+protuberances. These greatly injure the appearance and value of the
+tree, and necessitate, should it be found desirable, the removal, later
+on, of such excrescences, causing wounds two or three times as large as
+an original cut close to the trunk would have made.
+
+
+
+
+THE TOMATO PACK OF 1883.
+
+
+Through the co-operation of packers in all parts of the United States,
+the American Grocer was enabled to present its annual statement of the
+1883 pack of tomatoes some weeks earlier than usual. Despite a cold,
+backward spring, unusually low temperature throughout the summer, with
+cool nights in August and September, drouth in some sections, early and
+severe frosts in others, the trade is called upon to solve the question:
+Can the demand absorb a supply of three million cases?
+
+The pack of 1883 is heavily in excess of that of 1882, due to an
+increase in the number packers, and to an unusually heavy yield in New
+Jersey and Delaware. In detail, the result in the different States is as
+follows:
+
+             Cases, two
+             doz. each.
+Maryland      1,450,000
+New Jersey      612,703
+Delaware        156,391
+California      117,000
+Ohio            112,000
+Indiana          90,000
+Virginia         75,000
+Kansas           65,000
+New York         59,344
+Iowa             47,925
+Missouri         34,500
+Michigan         30,700
+Massachusetts    25,000
+Canada           20,000
+Connecticut      18,000
+Illinois         14,516
+Pennsylvania     15,000
+              ---------
+   Total      2,943,579
+
+The above total of 2,943,579 cases, of two dozen tins each represents
+seventy million, six hundred and forty-five thousand, eight hundred and
+ninety-six cans, as the minimum quantity of canned tomatoes packed in
+the United States this year.
+
+Never in recent years have the holdings of the jobbers been as light as
+at present. Undoubtedly there is an unusually large stock of tomatoes in
+packers' hands, but there are innumerable parties in all the great
+centers of trade ready to take hold freely at 80 cents.
+
+At no time has the stock of extra brands been equal to the inquiry, and
+hence we have seen the anomaly of a range in prices of from 80 cents to
+$1.40 per dozen. There is room for improvement in quality, as well as
+for methods of marketing the large production of Harford county. A move
+in the right direction has been started by the forming of associations,
+which seek to build extensive warehouses and aid weak packers to carry
+stock, instead of forcing it upon a dull market.
+
+Three million cases or seventy-two million cans means a supply of only
+one and two-fifths cans per capita per annum, or seven cans per annum
+for every family of five persons. With tomatoes retailing from 8 to 15
+cents per can, the consumption could reach three times that quantity,
+and then each family would only find tomatoes upon its bill of fare once
+every fortnight.
+
+While many packers have failed to secure a fair return for their work,
+others have been well paid. Some few have made heavy losses, and will,
+in the future, be less inclined to bet against wet weather, drought and
+frost.
+
+If general business is good during the first half of 1884, The Grocer
+can see no good reason why the stock of tomatoes should not go into
+consumption between 85 cents and $1 per dozen for standards. Any marked
+advance would be sure to check demand, and, therefore, low prices must
+rule if the stock is absorbed prior to the receipt of 1884 packing.
+
+The year closes with Maryland packed obtainable from 75 to 85 cents; New
+Jersey and Delaware, 90 to 95 cents; fancy brands, $1.10 to $1.35,
+delivered on dock in New York.
+
+
+
+
+SWEATING APPLES.
+
+
+According to the Popular Science News, apples do not sweat after they
+are gathered in the autumn. Here is an account of what takes place with
+them.
+
+The skin of a sound apple is practically a protective covering, and
+designed for a two-fold purpose: first, to prevent the ingress of air
+and moisture to the tender cellular structure of the fruit; and, second,
+to prevent the loss of juices by exudation. There is no such process as
+sweating in fruits. When men or animals sweat, they become covered with
+moisture passing through the skin; when an apple becomes covered with
+moisture, it is due to condensation of moisture from without. Apples
+taken from trees in a cool day remain at the temperature of the air
+until a change to a higher temperature occurs, and then condensation of
+moisture from the warmer air circulating around the fruit occurs, just
+as moisture gathers upon the outside of an ice-pitcher in summer. This
+explains the whole matter; and the vulgar notion of fruits "sweating"
+should be dispelled from the mind.
+
+It is almost impossible to gather apples under such conditions of
+temperature that they will not condense moisture after being placed in
+barrels. It would be better if this result could be avoided, as dryness
+of fruit is essential to its protracted keeping.
+
+Our northern autumns are characterized by changes from hot to cold, and
+these occur suddenly. The days are hot, and the nights cool, and this
+favors condensation. Apples picked on a moderately cool day, and placed
+in a moderately cool shed, protected from the sun, will not gather
+moisture, and this is the best method to pursue when practicable.
+
+
+
+
+PRUNINGS.
+
+
+Mr. N. Atwell, one of the Michigan commissioners, whose duty it is to
+look after the peach districts of that State and check if possible the
+ravages of the destructive disease known as "yellows," claims that there
+is no known remedy, and that the only safe plan is to uproot and burn
+the trees upon the first appearance of the disease.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+If you are going to set a new orchard this spring, remember that it is
+an excellent thing to prepare a plan of the orchard, showing the
+position of each tree, its variety, etc. If a tree dies it can be
+replaced by one of the same sort. Some fruit-raisers keep a book in
+which they register the age and variety of every tree in the orchard,
+together with any items in regard to their grafting, productiveness,
+treatment, etc., which are thought to be desirable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Cor. California Rural Press: The first generation of codling moth begins
+to fly about the first of May. To make sure gather some in the chrysalis
+state in March or April, put in a jar, and set the jar in a place where
+you will see it every day. When they begin to have wings, prepare your
+traps thus: The half of a kerosene can with the tin bent in at the top
+an inch; a half inch of kerosene in the can, a little flat lamp near the
+oil. The light reflected from the bright tin will draw the moth five
+rods at least. If your orchard is forty rods square, sixteen traps will
+do the work. The moth will fly about the light until it touches the oil.
+This will end it.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Industrial South has the following in relation to Albemarle and
+Nelson (Virginia) apple orchards in the space of fifteen square miles:
+"What would you think of an orchard planted, if not since the war, as I
+think it was, a very short time before, and away up on the side of the
+Blue Ridge, that to look from below you would think of insuring your
+neck before setting out to it, producing eighteen hundred barrels? This
+was the produce of picked fruit, to say nothing of the fallen--enough to
+keep a big drying establishment running for months. These are true
+figures--and it is the property of a worthy citizen of Richmond, who, in
+its management, has cause to exclaim "ab imo pectore," save me from my
+friends. Then there is another from which the owner, with a dryer of his
+own, has sold five thousand dollars of the proceeds besides cider,
+vinegar, and brandy. There is yet another, that the lady-owner sold as
+the fruit hung in the orchard, for forty-five hundred dollars. The fruit
+in the area referred to brought over fifty thousand dollars, bought by
+the agent of a New York house, and doubtless much of it will reach
+Europe."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Prof. Cook in the New York Tribune: The Rev. W. W. Meech writes that he
+has seen in several papers of high standing "the beetle Saperdabivitati,
+parent of the borer," described as a "a miller"--"a mistake very
+misleading to those who are seeking knowledge of insect pests." He adds
+that among hundreds of quince trees growing he has had but three touched
+by this enemy in eight years. He simply takes the precaution to keep
+grass and weeds away from the collar of the tree, "so that there is no
+convenient harbor for the beetle to hide in while at the secret work of
+egg-laying." He thinks a wrap of "petroleum paper around the collar"
+would be found a preventive, as it is not only disagreeable but hinders
+access to the place where the eggs are deposited. It is an unfortunate
+error to refer to a beetle as a moth. It would be better if all would
+recognize the distinction between "bug" and "beetle," and between
+"worms" and "larva," in writing popular articles. I notice that some of
+the editors of medical journals are referring to bacteria as "bugs."
+Surely reform is needed. I am not so sure of Mr. Meech's remedy. I
+imagine that fortune, not his pains, is to be thanked for his grubless
+trees. I have known this borer to do very serious mischief where the
+most perfect culture was practised. The caustic wash is much safer than
+a petroleum wrap. The eggs are often laid high up on the trunk or even
+on the branches. Nothing is better for the borers than the soap and
+carbolic acid mixture.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FLORICULTURE.
+
+Gleanings by an Old Florist.
+
+
+SMILAX AND ITS USES.
+
+Smilax, as now used by florists, is but a very recent affair. Although
+introduced first into Europe from the Cape of Good Hope as early as
+1702, it remained for the florist of our time to find out its great
+adaptability for decoration and other uses in his art or calling. To
+Boston florists belong the credit of its first extensive culture and
+use, and for several years they may be said to have had the monopoly of
+its trade, and Boston smilax, along with Boston tea roses, which was
+pre-eminently the variety called the Bon Silene, was, for years, shipped
+to this and other cities. It is scarcely a decade of years ago, in this
+city, when a batch of one hundred strings could not be bought here,
+home-grown; now there would be no difficulty in getting thousands. Like
+everything else of like character, the first introducers reaped a golden
+harvest, so far as price is concerned, having often obtained a dollar a
+string; while now, the standard price, even in mid winter, is $2 per
+dozen, and often in quantity, it can be obtained at less. But where
+there was one string used then, there are now thousands. In olden times
+the florist was often put to his wits to find material to go around his
+made-up pieces and for relief as a green; now, everything green is
+smilax, and it must be confessed, that with the choice ferns, begonia
+leaves, and the like, that he used to have to prepare with, his work
+then was really often in better taste, so far as relief to flowers is
+concerned, with the old material than the new.
+
+But for the purpose of festooning buildings, churches, and the like,
+smilax is by all odds the very thing wanted, and as much ahead of the
+old-time evergreen wreathing, that we had to use, as the methods now in
+use for obtaining cut flowers are ahead of the old. It is hard to say
+what the florist could do without smilax, so indispensable has it
+become. There are now probably twenty of the principal growers of this
+city that have at least one house in smilax, who will cut not less than
+three thousand strings in a winter, while of the balance of smaller fry
+enough to make up the total to 100,000 strings per year. In times of
+scarcity of material, it is cut not over three feet long; again, when
+the supply exceeds the demand, the buyer will often get it six to nine
+feet long, and at a lower price than he can buy the short--supply and
+demand ruling price, as a rule, between $1 and $3 per dozen.
+
+The plant now under consideration is called, botanically, Myrsiphyllum
+asparagoides; by common usage it is called smilax, although not even a
+member of the true smilax family, some of which are natives of this
+country.
+
+The plant seeds readily, hence every one who grows smilax may, by
+leaving two or three strings uncut, grow his own seed; it is then sure
+to be fresh--which is sometimes not the case when purchased. The seed is
+more likely to germinate if soaked twelve hours in warm water or milk
+before sowing.
+
+A bed may be formed any time of the year, but the usual custom is to
+prepare it so as to be ready to cut, say, in the fall, for the first
+time. Take a pan or shallow box and sow the seed any time during the
+winter before March. When well up, so they can be handled, transplant
+into small pots, and from these shift into larger, say to three or four
+inch pots. Keep the shoots pinched back so as to form a stout, bushy
+plant. During winter they will require an artificial temperature of not
+less than 50 degrees. When summer comes they may be kept in the house or
+stand out of doors until the bed in which they are to grow is ready.
+This may be prepared any time most desirable, but if to cut first in the
+fall, so manage it that they may have two or three months to perfect
+their growth.
+
+The common practice is to give the whole house to the use of the plant,
+but this may be varied at pleasure, growing either the center bunch, the
+front bunch, or both, as may be desirable.
+
+The best soil is decayed sod from a pasture enriched with cow manure. It
+requires no benches to grow this plant; all that is necessary is to
+inclose the space designed by putting up boards one foot high to form a
+coping to hold the soil. Into this the plants are set evenly over the
+entire space, in rows nine inches to one foot apart. At the time of
+planting, a stake is driven into and even with the soil at each plant,
+being careful to have them in true lines both ways, and driven deep
+enough to be quite firm; on the top of this stake is driven a small nail
+or hook. Directly over each nail, in the rafter of the house, or a strip
+nailed to them for the purpose, is placed another nail, and between the
+two a cord similar to that used by druggists or the like--but green, if
+possible, in color, for obvious reasons--is stretched as taught as may
+be, so that when finished the whole house or space used is occupied by
+these naked strings, on which, as the growth proceeds, the plants
+entwine themselves. Some care will be required at first to get them
+started, after which they will usually push on themselves.
+
+The most convenient height of the rafters above the soil is from four to
+ten feet, which will give long enough strings, and, what is important
+for quick growth, keep the plants when young not too far from the glass.
+
+In planting, some make a difference of a month or two in the time, so
+that the crop may not come in all at once; but usually the plants will
+vary some in their growth, and hence, by cutting the largest first, the
+same result is obtained. If a heat of 55 degrees can be obtained as a
+minimum, and care is taken in keeping a moist, growing temperature, a
+crop can be taken off every three months at least. So as soon as ready
+to cut and a market can be obtained for the crop, strings should be
+strung again at once, leaving some of the smaller shoots when cutting
+for a starter of the next crop. Like everything else, heavy cropping
+requires heavy manuring, and hence a rich compost should be added to the
+soil at each cutting.
+
+Some plant their beds fresh every year, others leave them longer. The
+root is perennial in character, and consists of fleshy tubers, not
+unlike asparagus, and may be divided for the new beds; but the general
+practice is to grow new plants. Always beware of buying old, dry roots,
+as they will sometimes refuse to grow, even if they look green and
+fresh. With many, in cutting, the practice is to cut clear through at
+the bottom, string and all, then by a deft movement of the hands the
+smilax is slipped from the string which, with the addition of a foot or
+two to tie again, is at once ready for the next, while others bring to
+market string and all, these being simply matters of practice or
+convenience.
+
+    EDGAR SANDERS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Was Noah's voyage an arktic expedition?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+OUR NEW CLUBBING LIST FOR 1884.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER JOURNALS.
+
+We offer more liberal terms than ever before to those who desire to
+take, in connection with THE PRAIRIE FARMER, either of the following
+weekly or monthly periodicals. In all cases the order for THE PRAIRIE
+FARMER and either of the following named journals must be sent together,
+accompanied by the money; but we do not require both papers to be sent
+to the same person or to the same post-office.
+
+We send specimen copies only of THE PRAIRIE FARMER.
+
+Our responsibility for other publications ceases on the receipt of the
+first number; when such journals are not received within a reasonable
+time, notify us, giving date of your order, also full name and address
+of subscriber.
+
+
+WEEKLIES.
+
+                                    Price of  The two
+                                    the two.    for
+
+Harper's Weekly                        $6 00   $4 60
+Harper's Bazar                          6 00    4 60
+Harper's Young People                   3 50    2 55
+New York Tribune                        4 00    2 50
+Toledo Blade                            4 00    2 20
+Chicago Times                           3 25    2 50
+Chicago Tribune                         3 50    2 50
+Chicago Inter-Ocean                     3 15    2 50
+Chicago Journal                         3 25    2 50
+Peck's Sun                              3 75    3 00
+Milwaukee Sentinel                      3 00    2 50
+Western Farmer (Madison, Wis.)          3 00    2 00
+Burlington Hawkeye                      4 00    3 00
+The Continent (Weekly Magazine)         6 00    5 00
+Detroit Free Press, with Supplement     4 00    2 50
+Detroit Free Press, State edition       3 50    2 20
+Louisville Courier-Journal              3 75    3 00
+St. Louis Globe-Democrat                3 00    2 15
+St. Louis Republican                    3 00    2 15
+Scientific American                     5 20    4 15
+Interior (Presbyterian)                 4 50    3 60
+Standard (Baptist)                      4 70    3 60
+Advance (Congregational)                5 00    3 35
+Alliance                                4 00    3 00
+New York Independent                    5 00    4 00
+Christian Union                         5 00    4 00
+Boston Pilot (Catholic)                 4 50    3 50
+American Bee Journal                    4 00    3 50
+Florida Agriculturist                   4 00    2 75
+Breeder's Gazette                       5 00    3 50
+Witness (N. Y.)                         3 50    3 00
+Methodist (N. Y.)                       4 00    3 50
+Chicago News                            3 00    2 50
+Globe (Boston)                          3 00    2 75
+Youth's Companion                       3 75    3 00
+Weekly Novelist                         5 00    4 25
+Ledger (Chicago)                        3 00    2 90
+American Bee Journal                    4 00    3 25
+
+
+MONTHLIES.
+
+Harper's Monthly                       $6 00   $4 50
+Atlantic Monthly                        6 00    4 50
+Appleton's Journal                      5 00    4 25
+The Century                             6 00    4 50
+North American Review                   7 00    5 50
+Popular Science Monthly                 7 00    5 50
+Lippincott's Magazine                   5 00    4 50
+Godey's Lady's Book                     4 00    3 00
+St. Nicholas                            5 00    3 50
+Vick's Illustrated Magazine             3 25    2 25
+Am. Poultry Journal (Chicago)           3 25    2 75
+American Bee Journal                    3 00    2 25
+Gardener's Monthly                      4 00    3 00
+Wide Awake                              4 50    3 00
+Phrenological Journal                   4 00    3 00
+American Agriculturist                  3 50    2 50
+Poultry World                           3 25    2 75
+Arthur's Home Magazine                  4 00    3 00
+Andrews' Bazar                          3 00    2 40
+Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly          5 00    4 00
+Frank Leslie's Sunday Magazine          5 00    4 00
+Frank Leslie's Ladies' Magazine         4 50    4 00
+Our Little Ones                         3 50    3 00
+Peterson's Magazine                     4 00    3 30
+Art Amateur                             6 00    5 00
+Demorest's Magazine                     4 00    3 00
+Dio Lewis' Monthly                      4 50    3 50
+
+For clubbing price with any publication in the United States not
+included in the above list send us inquiry on postal card.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+ONE CENT
+
+invested in a postal card and addressed as below
+
+WILL
+
+give to the writer full information as to the best
+lands in the United States now for sale; how he can
+
+BUY
+
+them on the lowest and best terms, also the full text
+of the U. S. land laws and how to secure
+
+320 ACRES
+
+of Government Lands in Northwestern Minnesota
+and Northeastern Dakota.
+
+ADDRESS:
+
+JAMES B. POWER,
+
+Land and Emigration Commissioner,
+
+ST. PAUL, MINN.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CONSUMPTION.
+
+I have a positive remedy for the above disease; by its use
+thousands of cases of the worst kind and of long standing
+have been cured. Indeed, so strong is my faith in its efficacy,
+that I will send TWO BOTTLES FREE, together with a VALUABLE
+TREATISE on this disease, to any sufferer. Give Express
+& P. O. address, DR. T. A. SLOCUM, 181 Pearl St., N. Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOW is the time to Subscribe for THE PRAIRIE FARMER. Price only $2.00
+per year is worth double in money.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PUBLISHERS' NOTICE.
+
+_THE PRAIRIE FARMER is printed and published by The Prairie Farmer
+Publishing Company, every Saturday, at No. 150 Monroe Street._
+
+_Subscription, $2.00 per year, in advance, postage prepaid. Subscribers
+wishing their addresses changed should give their old as well as new
+addresses._
+
+_Advertising, 25 cents per line on inside pages; 30 cents per line on
+last page--agate measure; 14 lines to the inch. No less charge than
+$2.00._
+
+_All Communications, Remittances, etc., should be addressed to_ THE
+PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING COMPANY, _Chicago, Ill._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Prairie Farmer
+
+ENTERED AT THE CHICAGO POST OFFICE AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER.
+
+CHICAGO, JANUARY 19, 1884.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+WHEN SUBSCRIPTIONS EXPIRE.
+
+WE HAVE SEVERAL CALLS FOR AN EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES FOLLOWING THE
+NAME OF SUBSCRIBERS AS PRINTED UPON THIS PAPER EACH WEEK. THE FIRST TWO
+FIGURES INDICATE THE VOLUME, AND THE LAST FIGURE OR FIGURES THE NUMBER
+OF THE LAST PAPER OF THAT VOLUME FOR WHICH THE SUBSCRIBER HAS PAID:
+EXAMPLE: JOHN SMITH, 56--26. JOHN HAS PAID FOR THE PRAIRIE FARMER TO THE
+FIRST OF JULY OF THE PRESENT YEAR, VOLUME 56. ANY SUBSCRIBER CAN AT ONCE
+TELL WHEN HIS SUBSCRIPTION EXPIRES BY REFERRING TO VOLUME AND NUMBER AS
+GIVEN ON FIRST PAGE OF THE PAPER.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Transcriber's Note: Original location of Table of Contents.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+1841.        1884.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+PROSPECTUS FOR 1884.
+
+SEE INDUCEMENTS OFFERED
+
+SUBSCRIBE NOW.
+
+
+For forty-three years THE PRAIRIE FARMER has stood at the front in
+agricultural journalism. It has kept pace with the progress and
+development of the country, holding its steady course through all these
+forty-three years, encouraging, counseling, and educating its thousands
+of readers. It has labored earnestly in the interest of all who are
+engaged in the rural industries of the country, and that it has labored
+successfully is abundantly shown by the prominence and prestige it has
+achieved, and the hold it has upon the agricultural classes.
+
+Its managers are conscious from comparison with other journals of its
+class, and from the uniform testimony of its readers, that it is
+foremost among the farm and home papers of the country. It will not be
+permitted to lose this proud position; we shall spare no efforts to
+maintain its usefulness and make it indispensable to farmers,
+stock-raisers, feeders, dairymen, horticulturalists, gardeners, and all
+others engaged in rural pursuits. It will enter upon its forty-fourth
+year under auspices, in every point of view, more encouraging than ever
+before in its history. Its mission has always been, and will continue to
+be--
+
+To discuss the most approved practices in all agricultural and
+horticultural pursuits.
+
+To set forth the merits of the best breeds of domestic animals, and to
+elucidate the principles of correct breeding and management.
+
+To further the work of agricultural and horticultural organization.
+
+To advocate industrial education in the correct sense of the term.
+
+To lead the van in the great contest of the people against monopolies
+and the unjust encroachments of capital.
+
+To discuss the events and questions of the day without fear or favor.
+
+To provide information concerning the public domain, Western soil,
+climate, water, railroads, schools, churches, and society.
+
+To answer inquiries on all manner of subjects coming within its sphere.
+
+To furnish the latest and most important industrial news at home and
+abroad.
+
+To give full and reliable crop, weather, and market reports.
+
+To present the family with pure, choice, and interesting literature.
+
+To amuse and instruct the young folks.
+
+To gather and condense the general news of the day.
+
+To be, in brief, an indispensable and unexceptionable farm and home
+companion for the people of the whole country.
+
+The style and form of the paper are now exactly what they should be. The
+paper used is of superior quality. The type is bold and clear. The
+illustrations are superb. The departments are varied and carefully
+arranged. The editorial force is large and capable. The list of
+contributors is greatly increased, and embraces a stronger array of
+talent than is employed on any similar paper in this country. We
+challenge comparison with any agricultural journal in the land.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER is designed for all sections of the country. In
+entering upon the campaign of 1884, we urge all patrons and friends to
+continue their good works in extending the circulation of our paper. On
+our part we promise to leave nothing undone that it is possible for
+faithful, earnest work--aided by money and every needed mechanical
+facility--to do to make the paper in every respect still better than it
+has ever been before.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SPECIAL NOTICE
+
+To each Subscriber who will remit us $2.00 between now and February 1st,
+1884, we will mail a copy of THE PRAIRIE FARMER FOR ONE YEAR, AND ONE OF
+OUR NEW STANDARD TIME COMMERCIAL MAPS OF THE UNITED STATES AND
+CANADA--showing all the Counties, Railroads, and Principal Towns up to
+date. This comprehensive map embraces all the country from the Pacific
+Coast to Eastern New Brunswick, and as far north as the parallel of 52
+deg., crossing Hudson's Bay. British Columbia; Manitoba, with its many
+new settlements; and the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, completed
+and under construction, are accurately and distinctly delineated. It
+extends so far south as to Include Key West and more than half of the
+Republic of Mexico. It is eminently adapted for home, school, and office
+purposes. The retail price of the Map alone is $2.00. Size, 58 × 41
+inches. Scale, about sixty miles to one inch.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+READ THIS.
+
+ANOTHER SPECIAL OFFER.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"THE LITTLE DETECTIVE."
+
+WEIGHS 1/4 OZ. TO 25 LBS.
+
+Every housekeeper ought to have this very useful scale. The weight of
+article bought or sold may readily be known. Required proportions in
+culinary operations are accurately ascertained. We have furnished
+hundreds of them to subscribers, and they give entire satisfaction.
+During January, 1884, to any person sending us THREE SUBSCRIBERS, at
+$2.00 each, we will give one of these scales, and to each of the three
+subscribers Ropp's Calculator, No. 1.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RENEW! RENEW!!
+
+Remember that every yearly subscriber, either new or renewing, sending
+us $2, receives a splendid new map of the United States and
+Canada--58 × 41 inches--FREE. Or, if preferred, one of the books offered
+in another column. It is not necessary to wait until a subscription
+expires before renewing.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WE WANT AGENTS
+
+in every locality. We offer very liberal terms and good pay. Send for
+sample copies and terms to agents.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WILL YOU
+
+    Read about Patrick Barry,
+    about the corn-root worm,
+    about mistakes in drainage,
+    about the change in prize rings at the Fat Stock Show,
+    about improvement in horses,
+    about the value of 1883 corn for pork making,
+    about Fanny Field's Plymouth Rocks,
+    about the way to make the best bee hive,
+    about that eccentric old fellow Cavendish,
+    about the every day life of the great Darwin,
+    about making home ornaments and nice things for the little folks?
+    Will you
+
+    Read the poems, the jokes, the news, the markets, the editorials,
+    the answers to correspondents? In short, will you
+
+    Read the entire paper and then sit down and think it all over and
+    see if you do not conclude that this single number is worth what
+    the paper has cost you for the whole year? Then tell your neighbors
+    about it, show it to them and ask them to subscribe for it. Tell
+    them that they will also get for the $2 a copy of our superb map.
+    By doing this you can double our subscription list in a single
+    week.
+
+WILL YOU?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Illinois State Board of Agriculture will hold a meeting at the
+Sherman House in Chicago, on the 4th of March next. The principal
+business of the meeting will be to complete arrangements for the next
+State Fair and the Fat Stock Show.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The annual meeting of the Northern Illinois Horticultural Society will
+be held at Elgin Tuesday, January 22d and continuing three days. Kindred
+societies are invited to send delegates, and a large general attendance
+is solicited. Further particulars will be gladly received by S. M.
+Slade, President, Elgin, or D. Wilmot Scott, Secretary, Galena.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Brooklyn Board of Health petitions Congress to appropriate a
+sufficient amount of money to stamp out contagious pleuro-pneumonia and
+provide for the appointment of a number of veterinarians to inspect all
+herds in infected districts, to indemnify owners for cattle slaughtered
+by the Government, and to forbid the movement of all cattle out of any
+infected State which will not take measures to stamp out the disease.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Secretary L. A. Goodman, of the Missouri State Horticultural Society
+writes THE PRAIRIE FARMER that on the 5th of January the mercury at
+Westport, Wis., indicated 26 degrees below zero, the lowest point ever
+recorded there. He adds: "The peaches are killed, as are the
+blackberries. Cherries are injured very much and the raspberries also.
+The dry September checked the growth of the berries and sun-burned them
+some, and now the cold hurts them badly. Apples are all right yet and
+prospects for good crop are excellent."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It may be of interest to many readers to know that the I. & St. L. R. R.
+will sell tickets from Indianapolis and intermediate points to St.
+Louis, to persons attending the meeting of the Mississippi Valley
+Horticultural Society, at one and one-third rates. Mr. Ragan informs us
+that this is the only railroad line from central Indiana that offers a
+reduction of fare. The Missouri Pacific system of roads, including the
+Wabash, and embracing about ten thousand miles of road, extending as far
+north and east as Chicago, Detroit and Toledo, and as far south and west
+as New Orleans, Galveston and El Paso, will return members in
+attendance, who have paid full fare over these lines, at one cent a
+mile, upon the certificate of the Secretary of the Society. The Chicago
+& Alton, C., B. & Q., Keokuk, St. L. & N. W., Chicago, B. & K. C.,
+Illinois Central, Cairo Short Line, and Hannibal & St. Joe roads will
+return members on the same terms. The Ohio & Mississippi will sell
+tickets to St. Louis and return at one and one-third fare, to members
+indorsed by the Secretary. The Louisville and Nashville will give
+reduced rates to members applying to its General Passenger Agent, C. P.
+Atmore, of Louisville, Ky.
+
+
+
+
+THE WEALTH OF THE NATION.
+
+
+The Census Bureau and Bradstreet's agency have made from the most
+accurate examination possible an estimate of the wealth and business of
+the nation: Aggregate wealth of the United States in 1880 was
+$43,642,000,000 (forty thousand and a half billions); the total amount
+of capital invested in business was $8,177,000,000 (over eight
+billions); and the number of persons engaged in commercial business was
+703,828. Twenty-two per cent of all the business capital of the country
+is credited to the State of New York. Massachusetts ranks second,
+Pennsylvania third, Ohio fourth, Illinois fifth, and Michigan sixth. The
+aggregate business capital of these six States was $5,113,087,000,
+leaving to all the other States $3,063,923,000. The total recorded
+number of traders in the United States in June, 1880--those having
+distinctive position in the commercial or industrial community--was
+703,328; a trifle over 40 per cent were in the Western States. For the
+United States as a whole the average amount of capital employed to each
+venture--as indicated by the aggregate of capital in the country
+invested in trade (as explained in the table compiled from the
+forthcoming census work) and the total number of individuals, firms, and
+corporations engaged in business--is, in round numbers, $11,600.
+
+The wealth of the country is, or was June 1, 1880, distributed as
+follows:
+
+                                                     Millions.
+Farms                                                  $10,197
+Residence and business real estate, capital employed
+  in business, including water-power                     9,881
+Railroads and equipment                                  5,536
+Telegraphs, shipping, and canals                           410
+Live stock, whether on or off farms, farming tools
+  and machinery                                          2,406
+Household furniture, paintings, books, clothing,
+  jewelry, household supplies of food, fuel,
+  etc.                                                   5,000
+Mines (including petroleum wells) and quarries,
+  together with one-half of the annual product
+  reckoned as the average supply on hand                   780
+Three-quarters of the annual product of agriculture
+  and manufactures, and of the annual importation
+  of foreign goods, assumed to be the
+  average supply on hand                                 6,160
+Churches, schools, asylums, public buildings of
+  all kinds, and other real estate exempt from
+  taxation                                               2,000
+Specie                                                     612
+Miscellaneous items, including tools of mechanics          650
+                                                       -------
+      Total                                            $43,642
+
+It will thus be seen that the farms of the United States comprise nearly
+one-fourth of its entire wealth. They are worth nearly double the
+combined capital and equipments of all the railroads, telegraphs,
+shipping, and canals; more than double all the household furniture,
+paintings, books, clothing, jewelry, and supplies of food, fuel, etc.
+The live stock is more valuable than all the church property, school
+houses, asylums, and public buildings of all kinds; more than all the
+mines, telegraph companies, shipping, and canals combined. It would take
+more than three times as much "hard" money as the nation possesses to
+purchase all these domestic animals. The farms and live stock together
+exceed the value of any two other interests in the country.
+
+
+
+
+CONTAGIOUS ANIMAL DISEASES.
+
+
+Congress seems bound to act at once upon the question of protection to
+domestic animals from contagious diseases. The pressure brought to bear
+upon members is enormous, and cannot be ignored. The action of European
+States on swine importation from America, the restrictions on the
+landing of American cattle in England, and the strong effort being made
+there to prohibit their introduction altogether, the known existence of
+pleuro-pneumonia in several of the Atlantic States, the unceasing clamor
+of our shippers and growers of live stock, all conspire to open the eyes
+of the average Congressman to the fact that something must be done. Mr.
+Singleton, of Illinois, must be something above or below the average
+Congressman, if the report is correct that he does not believe
+pleuro-pneumonia exists anywhere within the borders of the United
+States, and that he is willing to back his non-belief by a thousand
+dollars forfeit, if an animal suffering from the disease can be shown
+him. The former owner of Silver Heels, and breeder of fine horses and
+cattle at his Quincy farm, must have his eyes shaded and his ears
+obstructed by that broad brimmed hat, that has so long covered his
+silvered head and marble brow. "The world do move," nevertheless, and
+pleuro-pneumonia does prevail in this country to such an extent as to
+furnish a reasonable excuse for unfriendly legislation abroad, and we
+gain nothing by denying the fact, the Allerton and Singleton assertions
+to the contrary, notwithstanding.
+
+
+
+
+IOWA STATE FAIR.
+
+
+At the late meeting of the Iowa State Agricultural Society, President
+Smith strongly advocated the permanent location of the State Fair. He
+thought it had been hawked about long enough for the purpose of giving
+different cities a chance to skin the people. The Legislature should aid
+the society in purchasing grounds. Ample ground should be purchased, as
+the fair is growing, and they should not be governed solely by our
+present demands. Secretary Shaffer touched briefly on the weather of
+last summer, the acreage and yield of crops, the demonstration of the
+futility of trying to acclimatize Southern seed-corn in the North, and
+the appointment of a State entomologist. He thought the State should
+assist the society in distributing its publications. The improvement of
+the Mississippi river was briefly handled. The state of the corn during
+the past year, the seeding, the yield, etc., were summarized by months.
+The corn crop was a failure. The sorghum industry in its various
+bearings was discussed. Iowa will yet, he said, produce its own sugar.
+The question was raised whether the State should not encourage the
+growth of Northern cane. The sheep industry and its peril from worthless
+dogs was duly treated. This society was the first to insist on the
+necessity of Legislation on this subject looking to the extermination of
+worthless dogs. The society proceeded to locate the fair for the next
+year. Des Moines offered the present grounds for 10 per cent of the gate
+money. Dubuque offered free grounds and $2,500 in money. The first
+ballot resulted in seventy-one votes for Des Moines and twenty-three for
+Dubuque. Officers were elected as follows: President, William L. Smith,
+of Oskalossa; Vice-President, H. C. Wheeler, of Sac; Secretary, John
+Shaffer, of Fairfield; Treasurer, George H. Marsh, of Des Moines.
+
+
+
+
+STILL ANOTHER FAT STOCK SHOW.
+
+
+At the meeting of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture last week, it
+was decided to hold a Fat Stock Show at Indianapolis some time in
+December of the present year. Liberal premiums will be offered. The
+matter elicited a discussion of considerable length, and it was
+generally believed that the show, if properly managed, could be made a
+success. Even if it failed to realize expenses the first year, the
+exhibition would be incalculably beneficial to the State. The election
+of new members to the Board resulted as follows: First district, Robert
+Mitchell, of Gibson county; Second, Samuel Hargrave, of Pike; Third, J.
+Q. A. Seig, of Harrison; Fourth, W. B. Seward, of Monroe; Eighth, W. S.
+Dungan, of Johnson; Fourteenth, L. B. Custer, of Cass; Fifteenth, W. A.
+Banks, of La Porte; Sixteenth, R. M. Lockhart, of DeKalb.
+
+Three Fat Stock Shows in the West! True, the success of the Chicago
+exhibit is having a wide influence. The live stock interests of the
+country are fully awakened to the important results from these shows.
+They are, indeed, educators of the highest character, and they stimulate
+to excellence unthought of by most farmers, ten years ago. Chicago,
+Kansas City, Toronto, and now Indianapolis! Is there not room for a
+similar exhibition in the great stock State of Iowa? Why do we not hear
+from West Liberty or Cedar Rapids?
+
+
+
+
+QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
+
+
+F. J. ST. CLAIR, URSA, ILL.--Who was the first President to issue a
+Thanksgiving Proclamation?
+
+ANSWER.--Washington, in 1798, on the adoption by the States of the
+Constitution of the United States.
+
+SUBSCRIBER, PEOTONE, ILL.--How many kinds of soils are there, and what
+crops are best suited to bottom and what to upland soils?
+
+ANSWER.--There are really but two soils, agriculturally considered,
+fertile soils and barren soils. Generally speaking, fertile soils are
+the result of the disintegration of mechanical forces and chemical
+agencies of limestone rocks; and barren soils--sandy soils--are produced
+by similar means, from rocks largely or wholly composed of silex or
+quartz. The mixture of these two give rise to soils of an infinite
+variety, almost, having many differing degrees of fertility, down to
+barrenness. But you have practically but one soil to deal with, a true
+limestone soil of high fertility, which has received considerable
+accessions from silicious rocks. Your bottom lands do not differ
+materially from the upland, except that the former have received
+considerable vegetable matter, which the latter have lost. For the
+lowlands, corn, grass, and potatoes are the best crops; for the
+highlands, the small grains, sorghum, beans, etc. But provide as much
+vegetable matter for the highlands as your lowlands possess, and make
+the sum of mixture in both alike, and your highlands will grow corn,
+grass, and potatoes as well as the low.
+
+CHARLES VAN METER, SPRINGFIELD, MO.--What is the best work on Grape
+Culture? My means are small, and I can not, of course, buy a work
+costing ten or twelve dollars, however good it may be. Recommend, for
+this latitude, something good and cheap.
+
+ANSWER.--For your needs you will find nothing better than Hussman's
+Grapes and Wine, a single volume, which will be sent you from THE
+PRAIRIE FARMER office, on remittance of $1.50. But there is something
+cheaper still, and very good, indeed, but covering different grounds
+from Hussman. The Grape Catalogue of Bush & Son & Meissner. You may
+obtain it by sending twenty-five cents to Bush & Son & Meissner,
+Bushberg, Missouri.
+
+CONSTANT READER, CHICAGO, ILL.--I am thinking of going down, one of
+these days, to Florida, with a view to go into oranges and make more
+money than I have, or lose it all. I have read a good deal about the
+seductive business, in Florida, though but little of the details of
+cultivation in other countries. Tell me where I can find something about
+how they manage in Spain and the south of Europe.
+
+ANSWER.--Most of the really valuable works on this subject are in
+foreign languages--French, Spanish, or Italian. However, for a wonder, a
+late publication of the Department of State, at Washington--Reports from
+the consuls of the United States, No. 33--contains a valuable and
+lengthy paper on Orange Growing at Valencia, Spain, contributed by the
+consul there, which you may perhaps obtain through your member of
+Congress.
+
+J. D. SLADE, COLUMBUS, GA.--I am interested in a large plantation near
+this city with a friend who is a practical farmer. We have decided to
+abandon the planting of cotton to a great extent and adopt some other
+crops. Having concluded to try the castor bean, I wish to ask some
+information. 1. Will you give me the names of parties engaged in the
+cultivation of the crop in Illinois and Wisconsin? 2. Where can I get
+the beans for planting? 3. Describe the soil, mode of preparation,
+planting, and cultivation, and give me such other information as we may
+need.
+
+ANSWER.--1. Winter wheat and corn have, to a very large extent, taken
+the place of castor beans and tobacco in the agriculture of Southern
+Illinois. As for Wisconsin, we question whether a bushel of castor beans
+was grown there last year. The two sections where they are now mostly
+cultivated are in Southwestern Missouri, by the old settlers, and in
+Middle and Southern Kansas, by the first comers. For information on the
+whole subject, write the Secretary of the Kansas State Board of
+Agriculture for the quarterly report issued two or three years ago,
+which was mostly devoted to castor-bean culture. The Secretary's address
+is Topeka, Kansas. 2. Of the Plant Seed Company, St. Louis, and also
+valuable information--that city being the chief market for the castor
+beans. 3. The soil best suited to the crop is a light, rich, sandy loam,
+though any dry and fertile soil will yield good crops. For some reason
+not clearly understood, the castor bean has been found a powerful and
+energetic agent in improving some, if not all soils, the experience in
+Kansas being, that land which previously refused to yield good crops of
+wheat or corn either, after being cultivated two or three years in
+castor beans has borne great crops. This has been attributed to the
+completeness and the long time the crop shades the ground, and also to
+the long tap root of the plant, which makes it a crop of all others,
+suited to dry soils, and hot climate. After preparing the land as for
+corn, it should be laid off so the plants will stand, for your latitude,
+five feet each way. Three or four seeds are usually planted, but when
+the beans are five to six inches high, and out of the way of cut-worms,
+they are thinned to one. The cultivation is after the manner of Indian
+corn, and the planting should be at the same time. The beans for your
+latitude will begin to ripen late in July, and continue to the end of
+the season, when the plants are killed by severe frosts, light frosts
+doing scarcely any damage. In harvesting, a spot of hard ground is
+prepared and the pods as gathered are thrown on the ground and dried out
+in the sun. And here is where the trouble with making a successful and
+profitable crop comes in. The beans must be kept in the dry from the
+time of gathering the pods--one soaking rain always seriously damaging,
+and frequently destroying the merchantable value of so much of the
+harvest as happens to be on the ground. As in the case of broom corn,
+the hot, dry, and protracted late summer and fall months of that State,
+afford the Kansas farmer something like a monopoly of the castor bean
+crop. It is nevertheless giving place to corn and wheat.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM CHAMPAIGN.
+
+
+The snow continues to accumulate, the last having fallen before midnight
+the 11th. There were only about two inches, but it is drifting this
+morning, for all it is worth, before a gale from the West. The first and
+second snows stay where they were put at first, but the subsequent ones
+are in drifts or scattered all abroad, in the many snows and the
+excellence of the sleighing, this winter resembles '78-'79, but there is
+more snow and the temperature is very much more severe. I suppose there
+is well-nigh eighteen inches now on the ground, something quite unusual
+in this latitude. Let us hope it will stay sometime longer yet, and save
+the fall wheat.
+
+The intensely cold weather of last week was rough on stock of all kinds
+and in all conditions, and particularly hard on that portion having
+short rations. But I have seen many worse storms and much harder weather
+for stock; none however in which the fruits, small or large, suffered
+worse. At least that is the general judgment at the present. Peach buds
+are killed of course, and it will be lucky if the trees have escaped.
+All blackberries, but the Snyder, are dead down to the snow line--and
+some think the Snyder has not escaped, for reasons given further on.
+Examinations made of the buds of Bartlett, Duchess, Howell, Tyson,
+Bigarreau, Seckel, Buffum, Easter Buerre, and others yesterday, showed
+them all to be about equally frosted and blackened, and probably
+destroyed. Last year our pears suffered a good deal from the sleet of
+the second of February, which clung to the trees ten days, and the crop
+was a light one. This year, if appearances can be trusted, there will be
+less. In the many intense freezes of the last twenty-five years, I have
+never known pear buds to be seriously injured; last year being a marked
+exception and this still more so. Hardy grapes have probably suffered as
+much, and the tender varieties are completely done for. How well the May
+cherry has resisted the low temperature remains to be seen. As for the
+sweet cherries, it is probably the end of them.
+
+There were buds set for an unusually abundant crop of apples in
+1884--the Presidential year. The hardy varieties have escaped material
+damage, no doubt, but some of the tender Eastern varieties, like the
+Baldwin, Roxbury Russet, in all reasonable probability, have not only
+lost their buds but their lives also.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The disasters following the very low temperature of last week have no
+doubt been increased by the immaturity of the wood, due to the cool,
+moist summer. If summers like those of 1882-83 are not warm enough to
+ripen the corn crop, buds and wood of fruit trees will not acquire a
+maturity that resists intense cold as we see by our experience with
+pears, grapes, and peaches in the fruit season of 1883, and which is
+almost sure to be repeated with aggravations in 1884. Possibly the
+ground being but lightly frozen and protected by a good coat of snow,
+may save the apple trees and others from great disaster following thirty
+to thirty-five degrees below zero, when falling on half ripened wood,
+but the reasonable fear is that orchards on high land in Northern and
+Central Illinois, have been damaged more than last year. If so perhaps
+it were better after all, since it will open the eyes of a great many to
+the mistakes in location heretofore made, and lead them to put out
+future orchards where they ought to be.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+If my word of warning could reach those engaged in taking measures at
+Washington to prevent the spread of epidemic and infectious diseases in
+our stock, it would be "go slow." If the wishes of a few veterinarians
+are met and the demands of a raft of pauper lawyers and politicians are
+complied with, it will result in the creation of a half dozen
+commissions. Each one of them, as previous ones have done, will find
+sufficient reason for their continuance and reports will be made that
+half the live stock in the country, South and West, is either in danger
+from or suffering under some of the many forms of epidemic or infectious
+diseases--and by the way, what justice is there in putting Detmers out
+of the way, and clinging to Salmon and Laws, both of whom indorsed
+nearly every thing the former did? Beware of commissions, and above all
+of putting men upon them whose bread and butter is of more consequence
+to them than the stock interest, vast as it is.
+
+    B. F. J.
+
+
+
+
+WAYSIDE NOTES.
+
+BY A MAN OF THE PRAIRIE.
+
+
+Of the 2,500,000 packages of seeds distributed by the United States
+Agricultural Department during last year more than 2,000,000 packages
+were furnished to Congressmen, and I notice that some of the papers are
+making unfavorable comments on the fact. Now I do not discover anything
+that seems to me radically wrong in this practice of the Department of
+Agriculture, or rather in the instructions under which the practice
+prevails. There are some men, mostly seedsmen, and some publishers,
+mostly those interested in securing patronage through seed premiums, or
+which are run in the interest of seed dealers, who grumble a great deal
+about this matter, and who sneer at the department and derisively call
+it the "Government seed store." But I imagine if the public was
+thoroughly informed of the good the department has done by its seed
+distributions, it would have a great deal better opinion of this branch
+than it now has, and I wish Mr. Dodge, or some other efficient man, who
+knows all about it from the beginning would give to the country a
+complete history of what has been done in the way of introducing and
+disseminating new seeds, plants, and cuttings. I believe if the whole
+truth were told it would put an end to ridicule and denunciation. I am
+aware that there have been some things connected with this work that
+were not exactly correct. There may have been some helping of friends in
+the purchase of seeds; there may have been some noxious weed seeds sent
+out to the detriment of the country; Congressmen may have used their
+quota of seeds for the purpose of keeping themselves solid with their
+constituents. But, after all, it is my candid opinion the seed
+distributing branch of the department has been an untold blessing to the
+farmers of this country. As to this matter of giving a large proportion
+of the seeds to Congressmen, I have not much fault to find about that
+either, though perhaps a better system of distribution might be devised.
+I have yet to learn that an application to a Congressman for seed has
+been disregarded, if the seeds were to be had, whether that application
+came from a political friend or a political foe. And I do wish that
+farmers generally would make more frequent application to the members
+from their respective districts than they do. It will be money in their
+pockets if they will keep posted in what the department has to
+distribute which is valuable, or new and promising, and solicit samples
+either from Congressmen or direct from the Commissioner of Agriculture.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Put your thumb down there," said an experienced orchardist to me the
+other day. We were talking about the recently started theory that the
+best bearing orchards are to be found on the low lands of the prairies.
+"You just wait and see if these brag orchards ever bear another crop! It
+will be as it was after the severe winter of 1874 and '75, when the
+following autumn many of our orchards bore so profusely. The succeeding
+year the majority of the trees were as dead as smelts, and the balance
+never had vigor enough afterward to produce a decent crop. Once before,"
+said he, "we had a similar experience in Illinois. Put your thumb down
+at this place and watch for results. Do not say anything about this in
+your Wayside Blusterings, at least as coming from me," and of course I
+don't. But I wanted the readers of THE PRAIRIE FARMER to help me watch
+with fear and trembling for the fulfillment of this horticultural
+prophesy, so I straightway make a note of it and ask you all to "put
+your thumbs down here" and wait. My friend's theory is that the severe
+cold of last winter destroyed a large portion of the roots of these
+trees; that the root pruning caused the extra fruitfulness, but proved
+too severe for the vitality of the trees to withstand, and that next
+year the bulk of the trees will not leaf out at all; and further that
+the old theory as taught by Kennecott, Whitney, Edwards, and the rest of
+the "fathers," that apple trees cannot thrive with wet feet, was the
+correct theory then and is the correct theory now. He would still plant
+on high, well drained land.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+My neighbor up at the "Corners" has a large flock of grade Cotswold
+sheep--Cotswolds crossed on large native Merinos. He keeps them to
+produce early lambs for the Chicago market. For the last three or four
+years he has received, on an average, four dollars per head for his
+lambs, taken at his farm. It is a profitable and pleasant sort of
+farming. Some day I may tell how he manages, in detail.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that_ $2.00 _pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _one year, and the
+subscriber gets a copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED
+STATES, FREE! _This is the most liberal offer ever made by any
+first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country._
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+POULTRY NOTES.
+
+Poultry-Raisers. Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+CHICKEN CHAT.
+
+
+Let me see--it was sometime during the month of December that the "Man
+of the Prairie" went wandering all over the village, and even scoured
+the country round about the village in search of an extra dozen eggs,
+and went home mad, and, man fashion, threatened to kill off every hen on
+the place if they didn't proceed to do their duty like hens and fellow
+citizens. It was also during that same December that the fifty Plymouth
+Rock hens that we are wintering in the barn cellar, laid, regardless of
+the weather, 736 eggs--an average of nearly fifteen eggs apiece.
+
+"Is it a fact that the corn is too poor for manufacture into eggs?"
+
+I don't know anything about the corn in your locality, but I do know
+that our Plymouth Rocks had whole corn for supper exactly thirty-one
+nights during the month of December--not Western corn, but sound,
+well-ripened, Northern corn, that sells in our market for twenty cents
+more per bushel than Western corn. I also know that hens fed through the
+winter on corn alone will not lay enough to pay for the corn, but in our
+climate the poultry-raiser may feed corn profitably fully one-half the
+time. When the morning feed consists of cooked vegetable and bran or
+shorts, and the noon meal of oats or buckwheat, the supper may be of
+corn. I believe the analytical fellows tell us that corn won't make
+eggs, and I am sure I don't know whether it will or not, and I don't
+much care; but I know that hens will eat corn, when they can get it, in
+preference to any other grain, and I know that it "stands by" better
+than anything else, and that it is a heat-producing grain, and
+consequently just the thing to feed when the days are short and the
+nights long, and the mercury fooling around 30 degrees below zero. Hens
+need something besides egg material; they must have food to keep up the
+body heat, and the poultry-raiser who feeds no corn in winter blunders
+just as badly as the one who feeds all corn.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Talking about corn for fowls reminds me that the agricultural papers are
+full of wails from farmers who were taken in last season on seed corn.
+If they had followed the plan of an old farmer of my acquaintance they
+would not now be obliged to mourn a corn crop cut off by frost. When
+this old chap went to farming forty years ago he bought a peck of seed
+corn of the Northern yellow flint variety, and as he "don't believe in
+running after all the new seeds that are advertised in the papers," he
+is still raising the same variety--only it ripens some three weeks
+earlier than it did then. Every fall he does through his field and
+selects his seed corn from the best of the earliest ripened ears; when
+these ears are husked one or two husks are left on each ear, and then
+the husks, with the ears attached, are braided together until there are
+fifteen or twenty ears in a string. These strings of seed corn are hung
+up in the sun for a fortnight or so, and then hung from the rafters in a
+cool, dry loft over the wood-shed; there it remains till seed time comes
+again, and it never fails to grow.
+
+    FANNY FIELD.
+
+
+
+
+BUSINESS STILL RUNNING.
+
+
+"My own hens closed out business six weeks ago," not long since said
+"Man of the Prairie." He mentioned also, that he had not much faith in
+pure bred poultry. Now he severely complains that no eggs can be found
+among the farmers nor in village stores. I will not say that pure
+strains of poultry are better layers than common, but, when one pays a
+good price for poultry, it is an incentive to provide good shelter and
+bestow upon them some manifestations of interest which would not be done
+with the common fowls. Herein may lay in part the secret of better
+returns from pure strains.
+
+Years ago our chickens 'closed out business' for several months. Of late
+this procedure is unknown. We crossed our best common hens with Plymouth
+Rock stock, paying a good price. We furnished comfortable quarters, gave
+variety of feed, and at present writing the lady-like biddies furnish
+enough eggs for our own use and some to sell to stores and neighbors.
+
+We still have a few common hens (not caring to have all pure) yet we
+find that with same care and attention, the purer strains give best
+returns.
+
+Skeptical, like a good many others, we were loth to experiment. Thanks
+to Fanny Field for her wise and instructive poultry writings. In a
+recent number she seemed to be in doubt whether her writings were heeded
+or doing any one good. Let me say in behalf of myself and a few others,
+that a few married ladies now have pin money by following her
+instructions, who, before, had to go to their lords (husbands) when they
+wanted a little money, which was sometimes begrudgingly given, and often
+times not at all.
+
+    BACHELOR & MAID.
+        COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE APIARY.
+
+
+THE BEST HIVE.
+
+
+In answer to many inquiries as to the best hive, we will here state that
+is a mere matter of choice. Many good movable frame hives are now in
+use, free from patents, and while we prefer the Langstroth, there may be
+others just as good.
+
+Apiarists differ as to what constitutes the best hive. Novices in bee
+culture generally think that they can invent a better hive than any in
+use, but after trying their invention for awhile, conclude that they are
+not as wise as they thought they were. Many hives are patented yearly by
+persons ignorant of the nature of the honey-bee, and few, if any, are
+received with favor by intelligent apiarists.
+
+The requisites for a good hive are durability, simplicity, ease of
+construction and of working, and pleasing to the eye. We think the
+Langstroth embodies these. It was invented by the father of modern
+bee-culture. He gave to the world the movable frame; without its use, we
+might as well keep our bees in hollow logs, as our fathers did.
+Different sizes of movable frames are now in use, but two-thirds of the
+apiarists prefer the Langstroth.
+
+Upon many farms, bees may be found in salt barrels, nail-kegs, etc.,
+doing little good for their owner, while if they were put into hives,
+where the surplus could be obtained in good shape, they would become a
+source of income. Specialists either manufacture their own hives, or buy
+them in the flat, in the lumber region. As the farmer may need but a few
+hives, he may find leisure in winter to make them.
+
+Every farmer needs a workshop, and if he has none, should provide
+himself with one. It need not be large, and can be made quite
+inexpensively. In his barn, if it is large, partition off a room for a
+workshop 12 × 14 feet, and if he not be blessed with a good large barn,
+why a thousand feet of common boards, and a load of good stout saplings,
+with a little mechanical skill and some muscle, will provide a very good
+farm workshop.
+
+Get a few tools, such as a saw, square, plane, hatchet, a brace, and a
+few bits, and before twelve months pass away you will wonder how you
+ever managed to do without one before; many a singletree or doubletree
+can be made, or broken implements repaired during leisure, or the rainy
+days of late winter or spring, and the boys will go there to try their
+hands, and develop their mechanical skill; exercising both brain and
+muscle. Remember that the school of industry is second to no university
+in the land.
+
+Now for the hives; in the first place you need a pattern. Purchase of
+some dealer or manufacturer of apiarian supplies, a good Langstroth hive
+complete with section boxes. Then get a couple of hundred feet (more or
+less) of ten inch stock boards, mill dressed on both sides, then with
+your pattern hive, workshop, and tools, you are master of the situation.
+After your hives are made, don't forget to paint them; it is economy to
+paint hives as well as dwelling houses.
+
+
+LANGSTROTH HIVE.
+
+For the benefit of those who may not be able to obtain a pattern hive,
+or frame, we will give the dimensions. The sides of the Langstroth hive
+are 10 inches wide, by 23 inches long, the ends are 12 inches long, the
+back end the same width as the sides; front end, 3/8 inches narrower,
+and recesses or sets back 3-3/8 inches from portico, all 7/8 inches
+thick. The Langstroth frame is 17-1/4 × 9-1/4 inches outside measure.
+The length of top bar of frame is 19-1/4 inches, the frame stuff is all
+7/8 wide, the top bar is 5/8 × 7/8, and is V shaped on the under side
+for a comb guide--the upright pieces 1/2 × 7/8, the bottom pieces
+1/4 × 7/8.
+
+The above are the dimensions of an eight frame hive. Strips 1/4 × 7/8
+inches are nailed on the outside of the hive 1/4 inch from the upper
+edge, and the cap or upper hive rests upon them. We make the cap 22-1/8
+inches long by 13-7/8 inches wide in the clear, and ten inches high.
+
+Some apiarists omit the porticos, but we like them, and the bees appear
+to enjoy them. Right angled triangle blocks, made right and left, are
+used to regulate the entrance. By changing the position of these blocks
+on the alighting board the size of the entrance may be varied, and the
+bees always directed to it by the shape of the block, without any loss
+of time in searching for it--in case of robbing the hive, the hive can
+be entirely closed with them. A board was formerly used to cover the
+frames, but is now generally abandoned, apiarists preferring duck,
+enameled cloth, or heavy muslin.
+
+    MRS. L. HARRISON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NO SAFER REMEDY can be had for Coughs and Colds, or any trouble of the
+Throat, than "_Brown's Bronchial Troches_." Price 25 cents. _Sold only
+in boxes._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+ARM & HAMMER BRAND
+
+TO FARMERS.--It is important that the SODA OR SALERATUS they use should
+be _white_ and _pure_, in common with all similar substances used for
+food.
+
+[Illustration: CHURCH & CO'S SODA & SALERATUS]
+
+In making bread with yeast, it is well to use about half a teaspoonful
+of the "ARM AND HAMMER" BRAND SODA or SALERATUS at the same time, and
+thus make the bread rise better and prevent it becoming sour by
+correcting the natural acidity of the yeast.
+
+DAIRYMEN
+
+        AND
+
+            FARMERS
+
+should use only the "ARM AND HAMMER" brand for cleaning and keeping
+milk-pans sweet and clean.
+
+_To insure obtaining only the_ "ARM AND HAMMER" _brand Soda or
+Saleratus, buy it in_ "POUND _or_ HALF-POUND PACKAGES," _which bear our
+name and trade-mark, as inferior goods are sometimes substituted for
+the_ "ARM AND HAMMER" _brand when bought in bulk._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST."
+
+ENGINES
+SAW MILLS, THRESHERS,
+HORSE POWERS,
+
+(For all sections and purposes.) Write for FREE Pamphlet and Prices to
+The Aultman & Taylor Co., Mansfield, Ohio.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FAMOUS EASY-RUNNING
+
+Monarch Lightning Sawing Machine
+
+IT BEATS THE WORLD FOR SAWING LOGS
+OR FAMILY STOVE WOOD.
+
+SENT ON 30 DAYS' TEST TRIAL.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The boy in the picture on the left is sawing up logs into 20-inch
+lengths, to be split into stovewood for family use. This is much the
+BEST and CHEAPEST way to get out your firewood, because the 20-inch
+blocks are VERY EASILY split up, a good deal easier and quicker than the
+old-fashioned way of cutting the logs into 4-feet lengths, splitting it
+into cordwood, and from that sawing it up with a buck saw into
+stovewood. We sell a large number of machines to farmers and others for
+just this purpose. A great many persons who had formerly burned coal
+have stopped that useless expense since getting our Machine. Most
+families have one or two boys, 16 years of age and up, who can employ
+their spare time in sawing up wood just as well as not. The
+
+MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE
+
+will save your paying money and board to ONE hired man and perhaps TWO
+men.
+
+The boy at the right in the picture is sawing up cordwood in a buck
+frame. You can very easily use our machine in this way if you have
+cordwood on hand that you wish to saw up into suitable lengths for
+firewood.
+
+A boy sixteen years old can work the machine all day and not get any
+more tired than he would raking hay. The machine runs VERY EASILY, so
+easily, in fact, that after giving the crank half a dozen turns, the
+operator may let go and the machine will run itself for THREE OR FOUR
+REVOLUTIONS. Farmers owning standing timber cannot fail to see the many
+advantages of this great LABOR-SAVING AND MONEY-SAVING MACHINE. If you
+prefer, you can easily go directly into the woods and easily saw the
+logs into 20-inch lengths for your family use, or you can saw them into
+4-foot lengths, to be split into cordwood, when it can be readily hauled
+off to the village market. Many farmers are making a good deal of money
+with this Machine in employing the dull months of the year in selling
+cordwood.
+
+It makes a great difference in LABOR AND MONEY both in using our
+machine, because you get away with a second man. It takes two men to run
+the old-fashioned cross-cut saw, and it makes two backs ache every day
+they use it. Not so with our saw.
+
+We offer $1,000 for a sawing machine that is EASIER OPERATED and FASTER
+RUNNING than ours. Every farmer should own our machine. It will pay for
+itself in one season. Easily operated by a sixteen-year-old boy.
+
+Lumbermen and farmers should GET THE BEST--GET THE CHEAPEST--GET THE
+MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE.
+
+E. DUTTER, Hicksville, O., writes:--It runs so easy that it is JUST FUN
+to saw wood.
+
+C. A. COLE, Mexico, N. Y., writes:--With this machine I sawed off an elm
+log, twenty-one inches in diameter, in one minute, forty-three seconds.
+
+Z. G. HEGE, Winston, N. C., writes:--I have shown your machine to
+several farmers, and all pronounce it a PERFECT SUCCESS.
+
+WM. DILLENBACK, Dayton, Tex., writes:--I am WELL PLEASED with the
+MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE. My boys can saw WITH ALL EASE.
+
+L. W. YOST, Seneca, Kan., writes:--I will bet $50 that I can saw as much
+with this machine as any two men can with the old-fashioned cross-cut
+saw.
+
+T. K. BUCK, Mt. Vernon, Ill., writes:--I have given the Monarch a fair
+trial, and can truly say it is ALL YOU CLAIM FOR IT, a complete success,
+enabling a boy to do the work of two strong men, and indeed, more. I
+would not take $75 for the MONARCH and be deprived of the privilege of
+having another like it. I sawed off a twenty-inch solid water oak log
+twelve times yesterday in FORTY-FIVE MINUTES.
+
+J. M. CRAWFORD. Columbia, S. C., writes:--I tried the Monarch on an oak
+log to-day before twenty farmers. All said it WORKED PERFECTLY.
+
+N. B.--We are selling SIX TIMES as many Machines as any other firm,
+simply because our Machine gives perfect satisfaction. Our factory is
+running day and night to fill orders. Send in your order at once. The
+BEST is the CHEAPEST. Our agent sold four machines in one day. Another
+sold twenty-eight in his township. Another agent cleared $100 in one
+week. BE SURE AND MENTION THIS PAPER.
+
+WE WISH A LIVE, WIDE-AWAKE AGENT IN EVERY COUNTY IN THE UNITED STATES
+AND CANADA. Write for Latest Illustrated Catalogue giving Special Terms
+and scores of Testimonials.
+
+MONARCH MANUFACTURING CO.
+
+163 E. RANDOLPH STREET, CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that $2.00 pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _from this
+date to January 1, 1885; For $2.00 you get it for one year and a copy
+of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, FREE!
+_This is the most liberal offer ever made by any first-class weekly
+agricultural paper in this country._
+
+
+
+
+SCIENTIFIC.
+
+
+SOME GOSSIP ABOUT DARWIN.
+
+
+The last number of the American Naturalist presents the following from
+David S. Jorden, of Bloomington, Indiana. It is one of those gossipy
+bits about the great scientist that every body enjoys reading.
+
+In a recent visit to England, the writer strolled into the village of
+Down in Kent, and talked with some of the villagers in regard to Mr.
+Darwin, whose beautiful home is just outside the little town.
+
+Some of this talk, although in itself idle and valueless, may have an
+interest to readers, as showing how a great man looks to his smaller
+neighbors.
+
+The landlord of the "George Inn" said that "all the people wished to
+have Mr. Darwin buried in Down, but the government would not let them.
+It would have helped the place so much. It would have brought hosts of
+people down to see his grave. Especially it would have helped the hotel
+business which is pretty dull in winter time.
+
+"Mr. Darwin was a very fine-looking man. He had a high forehead and wore
+a long beard. Still, if you had met him on the street, perhaps, you
+would not have taken much notice of him unless you knew that he was a
+clever man."
+
+"Sir John Lubbock (Darwin's friend and near neighbor) is a very clever
+man, too, but not so clever nor so remarkable-looking as Mr. Darwin. He
+is very fond of hants (ants), and plants, and things."
+
+At Keston, three miles from Down, the landlady of the Grayhound had
+never heard of Mr. Darwin until after his death. There was then
+considerable talk about his being buried in Westminster, but nothing was
+said of him before.
+
+Several persons had considerable to say of Mr. Darwin's extensive and
+judicious charity to the poor. To Mr. Parslow, for many years his
+personal servant, Mr. Darwin gave a life pension of £50, and the rent of
+the handsome "Home Cottage" in Down. During the time of a water famine
+in that region, he used to ride about on horseback to see who needed
+water, and had it brought to them at his own expense from the stream at
+St. Mary's Cray.
+
+"He was," said Mr. Parslow, "a very social, nice sort of a gentleman,
+very joking and jolly indeed; a good husband and a good father and a
+most excellent master. Even his footmen used to stay with him as long as
+five years. They would rather stay with him than take a higher salary
+somewhere else. The cook came there while young and stayed there till
+his death, nearly thirty years later.
+
+"Mrs Darwin is a pleasant lady, a year older than her husband. Their
+boys are all jolly, nice young fellows. All have turned out so well, not
+one of them rackety, you know. Seven children out of the ten are now
+living.
+
+"George Darwin is now a professor in Oxford. He was a barrister at
+first; had his wig and gown and all, but had to give it up on account of
+bad health. He would have made a hornament to the profession.
+
+"Francis Darwin is a doctor, and used to work with his father in the
+greenhouse. He is soon to marry a lady who lectures on Botany in Oxford.
+
+"For the first twenty years after Mr. Darwin's return from South
+America, his health was very bad--much more than later. He had a stomach
+disease which resulted from sea-sickness while on the voyage around the
+world. Mr. Parslow learned the watercure treatment and treated Mr.
+Darwin in that system, for a long time, giving much relief.
+
+"Mr. Darwin used to do his own writing but had copyists to get his work
+ready for the printer. He was always an early man. He used to get up at
+half past six. He used to bathe and then go out for a walk all around
+the place. Then Parslow used to get breakfast for him before the rest of
+the family came down. He used to eat rapidly, then went to his study and
+wrote till after the rest had breakfast. Then Mrs. Darwin came in and he
+used to lie half an hour on the sofa, while she or someone else read to
+him. Then he wrote till noon, then went out for an hour to walk. He used
+to walk all around the place. Later in life, he had a cab, and used to
+ride on horseback. Then after lunch at one, he used to write awhile.
+Afterwards he and Mrs. Darwin used to go to the bedroom, where he lay
+on a sofa and often smoked a cigarette while she read to him. After this
+he used to walk till dinner-time at five. Before the family grew up,
+they used to dine early, at half-past one, and had a meat-tea at
+half-past six.
+
+"Sometimes there were eighteen or twenty young Darwins of different
+families in the house. Four-in-hand coaches of young Darwins used
+sometimes to come down from London. Mr. Darwin liked children. They
+didn't disturb him in the least. There were sometimes twenty or thirty
+pairs of little shoes to be cleaned of a morning, but there were always
+plenty of servants to do this.
+
+"The gardener used to bring plants into his room often of a morning, and
+he used to tie bits of cotton on them, and try to make them do things.
+He used to try all sorts of seeds. He would sow them in pots in his
+study.
+
+"There were a quantity of people in Westminster Abbey when he was
+buried. Mr. Parslow and the cook were among the chief mourners and sat
+in the Jerusalem chamber. The whole church was as full of people as they
+could stand. There was great disappointment in Down that he was not
+buried there. He loved the place, and we think that he would rather have
+rested there had he been consulted."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+To Our Readers.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER is the OLDEST, MOST RELIABLE, and the LEADING
+AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST, devoted exclusively to the
+interests of the Farmer, Gardener, Florist, Stock Breeder, Dairyman,
+Etc., and every species of industry connected with that great portion of
+the People of the World, the PRODUCERS. Now in the Forty-Second Year of
+its existence, and never, during more than two score years, having
+missed the regular visit to its patrons, it will continue to maintain
+supremacy as A STANDARD AUTHORITY ON MATTERS PERTAINING TO AGRICULTURE
+AND KINDRED PRODUCTIVE INDUSTRIES, and as a FRESH AND READABLE FAMILY
+AND FIRESIDE JOURNAL. It will from time to time add new features of
+interest, securing for each department the ablest writers of practical
+experience.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER will discuss, without fear or favor, all topics of
+interest properly belonging to a Farm and Fireside Paper, treat of the
+most approved practices in AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, BREEDING, ETC.;
+the varied Machinery, Implements, and improvements in same, for use both
+in Field and House; and, in fact, everything of interest to the
+Agricultural community, whether in FIELD, MARKET, OR HOME CIRCLE.
+
+IT WILL GIVE INFORMATION UPON THE PUBLIC DOMAIN, WESTERN SOILS, CLIMATE,
+ETC.; ANSWER INQUIRIES on all manner of subjects which come within its
+sphere; GIVE each week, full and RELIABLE MARKET, CROP, AND WEATHER
+REPORTS; PRESENT the family with choice and INTERESTING LITERATURE;
+amuse and INSTRUCT THE YOUNG FOLKS: AND, in a word, aim to BE, in every
+respect, AN INDISPENSABLE AND UNEXCEPTIONABLE farm and fireside
+COMPANION.
+
+Terms of Subscription and 'Club Rates':
+
+ONE COPY, 1 YEAR, postage paid      $ 2.00
+
+TWO COPIES, "   "  "                  3.75
+
+FIVE  "  "   sent at one time         8.75
+
+TEN   "  "   sent at one time, and
+        one to Club getter           16.00
+
+TWENTY "  "   sent at one time, and
+               one to Club getter    30.00
+
+Address
+
+The Prairie Farmer Publishing Co.,
+Chicago. Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This Elegant RING GIVEN AWAY
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This elegant 18K ROLLED GOLD WEDDING RING, equal in appearance to a $10
+ring, FREE TO ALL. Wishing to at once secure a large number of new
+subscribers to our well known literary and family paper, BACKLOG
+SKETCHES, and knowing that all who once read it will become regular
+subscribers, we make this most liberal offer to induce all to subscribe,
+firmly believing that in the future we shall be benefited in the
+increased business it will bring us. For only 25 Cents we will send
+BACKLOG SKETCHES three months ON TRIAL, and we will send every
+subscriber, absolutely FREE, this elegant 18K ROLLED GOLD RING. For $1,
+we send Backlog Sketches a year and send every subscriber free, a
+beautiful RING, WARRANTED SOLID GOLD. Backlog Sketches is a large, 16
+page, illustrated literary paper, size Harper's Weekly, every issue
+being filled with the most charming stories and sketches and choicest
+miscellany. It is alone worth double the subscription price. Subscribe
+now. Sample paper for stamp. Address
+
+BACKLOG PUBLISHING CO., AUGUSTA, MAINE
+
+CUT THIS OUT. IT WILL NOT APPEAR AGAIN.
+
+The above liberal offer, by a reliable firm, gives all a chance to get a
+valuable ring free. Subscribe now, before you forget it.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GOLD MEDAL, PARIS, 1878.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+BAKER'S
+BREAKFAST COCOA.
+
+Warranted _absolutely pure Cocoa_, from which the excess of Oil has been
+removed. It has _three times the strength_ of Cocoa mixed with Starch,
+Arrowroot or Sugar, and is therefore far more economical. It is
+delicious, nourishing, strengthening, easily digested, and admirably
+adapted for invalids as well as for persons in health.
+
+SOLD BY GROCERS EVERYWHERE.
+
+W. BAKER & CO., Dorchester, Mass.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A DANGEROUS AMBUSCADE.
+
+Discovered Barely in Time--The Most Deceptive and Luring of Modern Evils
+Graphically Described.
+
+(_Syracuse Journal._)
+
+Something of a sensation was caused in this city yesterday by a rumor
+that one of our best-known citizens was about to publish a statement
+concerning some unusual experiences during his residence in Syracuse.
+How the rumor originated it is impossible to say, but a reporter
+immediately sought Dr. S. G. Martin, the gentleman in question, and
+secured the following interview:
+
+"What about this rumor, Doctor, that you are going to make a public
+statement of some important matters?"
+
+"Just about the same as you will find in all rumors--some truth; some
+fiction. I had contemplated making a publication of some remarkable
+episodes that have occurred in my life, but have not completed it as
+yet."
+
+"What is the nature of it, may I inquire?"
+
+"Why, the fact that I am a human being instead of a spirit. I have
+passed through one of the most wonderful ordeals that perhaps ever
+occurred to any man. The first intimation I had of it was several years
+ago, when I began to feel chilly at night and restless after retiring.
+Occasionally this would be varied by a soreness of the muscles and
+cramps in my arms and legs. I thought, as most people would think, that
+it was only a cold and so paid as little attention to it as possible.
+Shortly after this I noticed a peculiar catarrhal trouble and my throat
+also became inflamed. As if this were not variety enough I felt sharp
+pains in my chest, and a constant tendency to headache."
+
+"Why didn't you take the matter in hand and check it right where it
+was?"
+
+"Why doesn't everybody do so? Simply because they think it is only some
+trifling and passing disorder. These troubles did not come all at once
+and I thought it unmanly to heed them. I have found, though, that every
+physical neglect must be paid for and with large interest. Men can not
+draw drafts on their constitution without honoring them sometime. These
+minor symptoms I have described, grew until they were giants of agony. I
+became more nervous; had a strange fluttering of the heart, an inability
+to draw a long breath and an occasional numbness that was terribly
+suggestive of paralysis. How I could have been so blind as not to
+understand what this meant I can not imagine."
+
+"And did you do nothing?"
+
+"Yes, I traveled. In the spring of 1879 I went to Kansas and Colorado,
+and while in Denver, I was attacked with a mysterious hemorrage of the
+urinary organs and lost twenty pounds of flesh in three weeks. One day
+after my return I was taken with a terrible chill and at once advanced
+to a very severe attack of pneumonia. My left lung soon entirely filled
+with water and my legs and body became twice their natural size. I was
+obliged to sit upright in bed for several weeks in the midst of the
+severest agony, with my arms over my head, and constant fear of
+suffocation."
+
+"And did you still make no attempt to save yourself?"
+
+"Yes, I made frantic efforts. I tried everything that seemed to offer
+the least prospect of relief. I called a council of doctors and had them
+make an exhaustive chemical and microscopical examination of my
+condition. Five of the best physicians of Syracuse and several from
+another city said I must die!
+
+"It seemed as though their assertion was true for my feet became cold,
+my mouth parched, my eyes wore a fixed glassy stare, my body was covered
+with a cold, clammy death sweat, and I read my fate in the anxious
+expressions of my family and friends."
+
+"But the _finale_?"
+
+"Came at last. My wife, aroused to desperation, began to administer a
+remedy upon her own responsibility and while I grew better very slowly,
+I gained ground surely until, in brief, I have no trace of the terrible
+Bright's disease from which I was dying, and am a perfectly well man.
+This may sound like a romance, but it is true, and my life, health and
+what I am are due to Warner's Safe Cure, which I wish was known to and
+used by the thousands who I believe, are suffering this minute as I was
+originally. Does not such an experience as this justify me in making a
+public statement?"
+
+"It certainly does. But then Bright's disease is not a common complaint,
+doctor."
+
+"Not common! On the contrary it is one of the most common. The trouble
+is, few people know they have it. It has so few marked symptoms until
+its final stages that a person may have it for years, each year getting
+more and more in its power and not suspect it. It is quite natural I
+should feel enthusiastic over this remedy while my wife is even more so
+than I am. She knows of its being used with surprising results by many
+ladies for their own peculiar ailments, over which it has singular
+power."
+
+The statement drawn out by the above interview is amply confirmed by
+very many of our most prominent citizens, among them being Judge Reigel,
+and Col. James S. Goodrich, of the Times, while Gen. Dwight H. Bruce and
+Rev. Prof. W. P. Coddington, D. D., give the remedy their heartiest
+indorsement. In this age of wonders, surprising things are quite common,
+but an experience so unusual as that of Dr. Martin's and occurring here
+in our midst, may well cause comment and teach a lesson. It shows the
+necessity of guarding the slightest approach of physical disorder and by
+the means which has been proven the most reliable and efficient. It
+shows the depth to which one can sink and yet be rescued and it proves
+that few people need suffer if these truths are observed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO PRESERVE THE HEALTH
+
+Use the Magneton Appliance Co.'s
+
+MAGNETIC LUNG PROTECTOR!
+
+PRICE ONLY $5.
+
+They are priceless to LADIES, GENTLEMEN, and CHILDREN with WEAK LUNGS;
+no case of PNEUMONIA OR CROUP is ever known where these garments are
+worn. They also prevent and cure HEART DIFFICULTIES, COLDS, RHEUMATISM,
+NEURALGIA, THROAT TROUBLES, DIPHTHERIA, CATARRH, AND ALL KINDRED
+DISEASES. Will WEAR any service for THREE YEARS. Are worn over the
+under-clothing.
+
+CATARRH, It is needless to describe the symptoms of this nauseous
+disease that is sapping the life and strength of only too many of the
+fairest and best of both sexes. Labor, study, and research in America,
+Europe, and Eastern lands, have resulted in the Magnetic Lung Protector,
+affording cure for Catarrh, a remedy which contains NO DRUGGING OF THE
+SYSTEM, and with the continuous stream of Magnetism permeating through
+the afflicted organs, MUST RESTORE THEM TO A HEALTHY ACTION. WE PLACE
+OUR PRICE for this Appliance at less than one-twentieth of the price
+asked by others for remedies upon which you take all the chances, and WE
+ESPECIALLY INVITE the patronage of the MANY PERSONS who have tried
+DRUGGING THE STOMACHS WITHOUT EFFECT.
+
+HOW TO OBTAIN This Appliance. Go to your druggist and ask for them. If
+they have not got them, write to the proprietors, enclosing the price,
+in letter at our risk, and they will be sent to you at once by mail,
+post paid.
+
+Send stamp for the "New Departure in Medical Treatment WITHOUT
+MEDICINE," with thousands of testimonials,
+
+              THE MAGNETON APPLIANCE CO.,
+                218 State Street, Chicago, Ill.
+
+NOTE.--Send one dollar in postage stamps or
+currency (in letter at our risk) with size of shoe
+usually worn, and try a pair of our Magnetic Insoles,
+and be convinced of the power residing in
+our Magnetic Appliances. Positively _no cold feet
+where they are worn, or money refunded_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+AGENTS make over ONE hundred per cent. profit selling the
+
+REFLECTING SAFETY LAMP
+
+which can be sold in every family. Gives more light than three ordinary
+lamps. SAMPLE LAMP SENT FOR FIFTY CENTS IN STAMPS. We have other
+household articles. Send for circulars.
+
+FORSEE & MCMAKIN, CINCINNATI, O.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+PUBLICATIONS.
+
+MARSHALL M. KIRKMAN'S BOOKS ON RAILROAD TOPICS.
+
+DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A RAILROAD MAN
+
+IF YOU DO, THE BOOKS DESCRIBED BELOW POINT THE WAY.
+
+The most promising field for men of talent and ambition at the present
+day is the railroad service. The pay is large in many instances, while
+the service is continuous and honorable. Most of our railroad men began
+life on the farm. Of this class is the author of the accompanying books
+descriptive of railway operations, who has been connected continuously
+with railroads as a subordinate and officer for 27 years. He was brought
+up on a farm, and began railroading as a lad at $7 per month. He has
+written a number of standard books on various topics connected with the
+organization, construction, management and policy of railroads. These
+books are of interest not only to railroad men but to the general reader
+as well. They are indispensable to the student. They present every phase
+of railroad life, and are written in an easy and simple style that both
+interests and instructs. The books are as follows:
+
+"RAILWAY EXPENDITURES--THEIR EXTENT,
+OBJECT AND ECONOMY."--A Practical
+Treatise on Construction and Operation.
+In Two Volumes, 850 pages.                         $4.00
+
+"HAND BOOK OF RAILWAY EXPENDITURES."--Practical
+Directions for Keeping
+the Expenditure Accounts.                           2.00
+
+"RAILWAY REVENUE AND ITS COLLECTION."--And
+Explaining the Organization of
+Railroads.                                          2.50
+
+"THE BAGGAGE PARCEL AND MAIL TRAFFIC
+OF RAILROADS."--An interesting work
+on this important service; 425 pages.               2.00
+
+"TRAIN AND STATION SERVICE"--Giving
+The Principal Rules and Regulations governing
+Trains; 280 pages.                                  2.00
+
+"THE TRACK ACCOUNTS OF RAILROADS."--And
+how they should be kept. Pamphlet.                  1.00
+
+"THE FREIGHT TRAFFIC WAY-BILL."--Its
+Uses Illustrated and Described. Pamphlet.            .50
+
+"MUTUAL GUARANTEE."--A Treatise on Mutual
+Suretyship. Pamphlet.                                .50
+
+Any of the above books will be sent post paid on receipt
+of price, by
+
+PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO.,
+150 Monroe St.          CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+Money should be remitted by express, or by draft check or post office
+order.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ONLY ONE DOLLAR A YEAR.
+
+LOOK at this MAGNIFICENT OFFER for 1884. One of these beautiful Cluster
+Regard Rings or 7 BEAUTIFUL OIL CHROMOS, and these HANDSOME SOLITAIRE
+PARISIAN DIAMOND EAR DROPS. This is no humbug, but a chance that will
+never be offered again, as it appears but once. So do not let THIS
+CHANCE SLIP by when you can get any of these BEAUTIFUL ARTICLES by
+subscribing for the LEADING FAMILY STORY PAPER, HOUSEHOLD AND FARM,
+providing your order is received on or before MARCH 15TH, 1884. As we
+wish to introduce our Illustrated Family Paper, THE HOUSEHOLD AND FARM,
+in fifty thousand new homes, and in order to do so we make this
+wonderful offer. THE HOUSEHOLD AND FARM (Subscription price only $1.00
+per year), is a sixteen page family paper, illustrated, cut and bound,
+and same size as Harper's Weekly, and brimful of interesting reading for
+the household. This offer is only extended to ONE MEMBER OF EACH FAMILY,
+and will not be made again. Postage Stamps taken. Address,
+
+[Illustration]
+
+HOUSEHOLD & FARM, 9 Spruce Street,
+P. O. Box 2834. NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSEHOLD.
+
+    For nothing lovelier can be found
+    In woman than to study _household_ good.--_Milton._
+
+
+"GOING UP HEAD."
+
+AN OLD SOLDIER'S STORY.
+
+
+    The low school-house stood in a green Wabash wood
+      Lookin' out on long levels of corn like a sea--
+      A little log-house, hard benches, and we,
+    Big barefooted boys and rough 'uns, we stood
+      In line with the gals and tried to get 'head
+      At spellin' each day when the lessons was said.
+
+    But one, Bally Dean, tall, bony, and green
+      As green corn in the milk, stood fast at the foot--
+      Stood day after day, as if he'd been put
+    A soldier on guard there did poor Bally Dean.
+      And stupid! God made him so stupid I doubt--
+      But I guess God who made us knows what He's about.
+
+    He'd a long way to walk. But he wouldn't once talk
+      Of that, nor the chores for his mother who lay
+      A shakin' at home. Still, day after day
+    He stood at the foot till the class 'gan to mock!
+      Then to master he plead, "Oh I'd like to go head!"
+      Now it wasn't so much, but the way it was said.
+
+    Then the war struck the land! Why the barefooted band
+      It just nailed up that door: and the very next day,
+      With master for Cap'en, went marchin' away;
+    And Bally the butt of the whole Wabash band.
+      But he bore with it all, yet once firmly said,
+      "When I get back home, I'm agoin' up head!"
+
+    Oh, that school-house that stood in the wild Wabash wood!
+      The rank weeds were growin' like ghosts through the floor.
+      The squirrels hulled nuts on the sill of the door.
+    And the gals stood in groups scrapin' lint where they stood.
+      And we boys! How we sighed; how we sickened and died
+      For the days that had been, for a place at their side.
+
+    Then one fever-crazed and his better sense dazed
+      And dulled with heart-sickness all duty forgot;
+      Deserted, was taken, condemned to be shot!
+    And Bally Dean guardin' his comrade half crazed,
+      Slow paced up and down while he slept where he lay
+      In the tent waitin' death at the first flush of day.
+
+    And Bally Dean thought of the boy to be shot,
+      Of the fair girl he loved in the woods far away;
+      Of the true love that grew like a red rose of May;
+    And he stopped where he stood, and he thought and he thought
+      Then a sudden star fell, shootin' on overhead.
+      And he knew that his mother beckon'd onto the dead.
+
+    And he said what have I? Though I live though I die.
+      Who shall care for me now? Then the dull, muffled drum
+      Struck his ear, and he knew that the master had come
+    With the squad. And he passed in the tent with a sigh,
+      And the doomed lad crept forth, and the drowsy squad led
+      With low trailin' guns to the march of the dead.
+
+    Then with face turned away tow'rd a dim streak of day,
+      And his voice full of tears the poor bowed master said,
+      As he fell on his knees and uncovered his head:
+    "Come boys it is school time, let us all pray."
+      And we prayed. And the lad by the coffin alone
+      Was tearless, was silent, was still as a stone.
+
+    "In line," master said, and he stood at the head;
+      But he couldn't speak now. So he drew out his sword
+      And dropped the point low for the last fatal word.
+    Then the rifles rang out, and a soldier fell dead!
+      The master sprang forward. "Great Heaven," he said,
+      "It is Bally, poor Bally, and he's gone up head!"
+
+    --_Joaquin Miller._
+
+
+
+
+TOO FAT TO MARRY.
+
+
+A very fat young woman came to my office and asked to see me privately.
+When we were alone she said:
+
+"Are you sure no one can overhear us?"
+
+"Quite sure."
+
+"You won't laugh at me, will you?"
+
+"Madam, I should be unworthy of your confidence if I could be guilty of
+such a rudeness."
+
+"Thank you, sir; but no one ever called upon you on such a ridiculous
+errand. You won't think me an idiot, will you?"
+
+"I beg of you to go on."
+
+"You don't care to know my name or residence?"
+
+"Certainly not, if you care to conceal them."
+
+"I have called to consult you about the strangest thing in the world. I
+will tell you all. I am twenty-three years old. When I was nineteen I
+weighed 122 pounds; now I weigh 209; I am all filling up with fat. I can
+hardly breathe. The best young man that ever lived loves me, and has
+been on the point of asking me to marry him, but of course he sees I am
+growing worse all the time and he don't dare venture. I can't blame him.
+He is the noblest man in the world, and could marry any one he chooses.
+I don't blame him for not wishing to unite himself to such a tub as I
+am. Why, Doctor, you don't know how fat I am. I am a sight to behold.
+And now I have come to see if any thing can be done. I know you have
+studied up all sorts of curious subjects, and I thought you might be
+able to tell me how to get rid of this dreadful curse."
+
+She had been talking faster and faster, and with more and more feeling
+(after the manner of fat women, who are always emotional), until she
+broke down in hysterical sobs.
+
+I inquired about her habits--table and otherwise. She replied:
+
+"Oh, I starve myself; I don't eat enough to keep a canary bird alive,
+and yet I grow fatter and fatter all the time. I don't believe anything
+can be done for me. We all have our afflictions, and I suppose we ought
+to bear them with fortitude. I wouldn't mind for myself, but it's just
+breaking his heart; if it wasn't for him I could be reconciled."
+
+I then explained to her our nervous system, and the bearing certain
+conditions of one class of nerves has upon the deposition of adipose
+tissue. I soon saw she was not listening, but was mourning her sorrow.
+Then I asked her if she would be willing to follow a prescription I
+might give her.
+
+"Willing? willing?" she cried. "I would be willing to go through fire,
+or to have my flesh cut off with red-hot knives. There is nothing I
+would not be willing to endure if I could only get rid of this horrible
+condition."
+
+I prepared a prescription for her, and arranged that she should call
+upon me once a week, that I might supervise her progress and have
+frequent opportunities to encourage her. The prescription which I read
+to her was this:
+
+1. For breakfast eat a piece of beef or mutton as large as your hand,
+with a slice of white bread twice as large. For dinner the same amount
+of meat, or, if preferred, fish or poultry, with the same amount of
+farinaceous or vegetable food in the form of bread or potato. For
+supper, nothing.
+
+2. Drink only when greatly annoyed with thirst; then a mouthful of
+lemonade without sugar.
+
+3. Take three times a week some form of bath, in which there shall be
+immense perspiration. The Turkish bath is best. You must work, either in
+walking or some other way, several hours a day.
+
+"But, doctor, I can't walk; my feet are sore."
+
+"I thought that might be the case, but if the soles of your shoes are
+four inches broad, and are thick and strong, walking will not hurt your
+feet. You must walk or work until you perspire freely, every day of the
+week. Of course, you are in delicate health, with little endurance, but,
+as you have told me that you are willing to do anything, you are to work
+hard at something six or seven hours every day."
+
+4. You must rise early in the morning, and retire late at night. Much
+sleep fattens people.
+
+5. The terrible corset you have on, which compresses the center of the
+body, making you look a great deal fatter than you really are, must be
+taken off, and you must have a corset which any dress maker can fit to
+you--a corset for the lower part of the abdomen, which will raise this
+great mass and support it.
+
+"This is all the advice I have to give you at present. At first you will
+lose half a pound a day. In the first three months you will lose from
+twenty to thirty pounds. In six months, forty pounds. You will
+constantly improve in health, get over this excessive emotion, and be
+much stronger. Every one knows that a very fat horse weighing 1,200
+pounds, can be quickly reduced to 1,000 pounds with great improvement to
+activity and health. It is still easier with a human being. That you may
+know exactly what is being done, I wish you to be weighed; write the
+figures in your memorandum, and one week from now, when you come again,
+weigh yourself and tell me how much you have lost."
+
+I happened to be out of the city and did not see her until her second
+visit, two weeks from our last meeting. It was plain when she entered
+that already her system was being toned up, and when we were again in my
+private office, she said:
+
+"I have lost six and a half pounds; not quite as much as you told me,
+but I am delighted, though nearly starved. I have done exactly as you
+prescribed, and shall continue to if it kills me. You must be very
+careful not to make any mistakes, for I shall do just as you say. At
+first the thirst was dreadful. I thought I could not bear it. But now I
+have very little trouble with that."
+
+About four months after our first meeting this young woman brought a
+handsome young man with her, and after a pleasant chat, she said to me:
+
+"We are engaged; but I have told my friend that I shall not consent to
+become his wife until I have a decent shape. When I came to you I
+weighed 209 pounds; I now weigh 163 pounds. I am ten times as strong,
+active, and healthy as I was then, and I have made up my mind, for my
+friend has left it altogether to me, that when I have lost ten or
+fifteen pounds more, we shall send you the invitations."
+
+As the wedding day approached she brought the figures 152 on a card, and
+exclaimed, with her blue eyes running over:
+
+"I am the happiest girl in the world, and don't you think I have
+honestly earned it? I think I am a great deal happier than I should have
+been had I not worked for it."
+
+The papers said the bride was beautiful. I thought she was, and I
+suppose no one but herself and husband felt as much interested in that
+beauty as I did. I took a sort of scientific interest in it.
+
+We made the usual call upon them during the first month, and when, two
+months after the wedding, they were spending the evening with us, I
+asked him if his wife had told him about my relations with her
+avoirdupois? He laughed heartily, and replied:
+
+"Oh, yes, she has told me everything, I suppose: but wasn't it funny?"
+
+"Not very. I am sure you wouldn't have thought it funny if you could
+have heard our first interview. It was just the reverse of funny; don't
+you think so madam?"
+
+"I am sure it was the most anxious visit I ever paid any one. Doctor, my
+good husband says he should have married me just the same, but I think
+he would have been a goose if he had."
+
+"Yes," said the husband, "it was foreordained that we two should be
+one."
+
+"To be sure it was," replied the happy wife, "because it was
+foreordained that I should get rid of those horrid fifty-seven pounds. I
+am going down till I reach one hundred and forty pounds, and there I
+will stop, unless my husband says one hundred and thirty. I am willing
+do anything to please him."--_Dio Lewis' Monthly._
+
+
+
+
+ORNAMENTS FOR HOMES.
+
+
+It is not the most expensively furnished houses that are the most
+homelike, besides comparatively few persons have the means to gratify
+their love of pretty little ornaments with which to beautify their
+homes. It is really painful to visit some houses; there naked walls and
+cheerless rooms meet you yet there are many such, and children in them
+too. How much might these homes be brightened by careful forethought in
+making some little ornaments that are really of no expense, save the
+time.
+
+Comb cases, card receivers, letter holders, match safes, paper racks,
+cornucopias, and many other pretty and useful things can easily be made
+of nice clean paste board boxes (and the boxes are to be found in a
+variety of colors). For any of these cut out the parts and nicely sew
+them together, and the seams and raw edges can be covered with narrow
+strips of bright hued paper or tape. Ornament them with transfer or
+scrap pictures.
+
+I have seen very pretty vases for holding dried flowers and grasses,
+made of plain dark brown pasteboard, and the seams neatly covered with
+narrow strips of paper. Pretty ottomans can be made by covering any
+suitable sized box with a bit of carpeting, and stuffing the top with
+straw or cotton. Or, if the carpeting is not convenient, piece a
+covering of worsteds. A log cabin would be a pretty pattern.
+
+To amuse the children during the long winter months, make a scrap-book
+of pictures. Collect all the old illustrated books, papers, and
+magazines, and cut out the pictures and with mucilage nicely paste them
+in a book, first removing alternate leaves so it will not be too bulky.
+Perhaps this last remark is slightly wandering from my subject, but I
+can't help it, I love the little folks and want them happy. Cares and
+trouble will come to them soon enough. Autograph albums are quite the
+rage nowadays, and children get the idea and quite naturally think it
+pretty nice, and want an album too. For them make a pretty album in the
+form of a boot. For the outside use plain red cardboard; for the inside
+leaves use unruled paper; fasten at the top with two tiny bows of narrow
+blue ribbon. A lady sent my little girl an autograph album after this
+pattern for a birthday present and it is very neat indeed. Any of the
+little folks who want a pattern of it can have it and welcome by sending
+stamp to pay postage. For the wee little girl make a nice rag doll; it
+will please her quite as well as a boughten one, and certainly last much
+longer. I have a good pattern for a doll which you may also have if you
+wish it. A nice receptacle for pins, needles, thread, etc., can be made
+in form of an easy chair or sofa. Cut the part of pasteboard and cover
+the seat, arms, and back with cloth, and stuff with cotton. Brackets
+made of pasteboard will do service a long time.
+
+    MRS. F. A. WARNER
+        SOUTH SAGINAW, MICH.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RAILROADS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A MAN WHO IS UNACQUAINTED WITH THE GEOGRAPHY OF THIS COUNTRY WILL SEE BY
+EXAMINING THIS MAP THAT THE
+
+CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC R'Y
+
+By the central position of its line, connects the East and the West by
+the shortest route, and carries passengers, without change of cars,
+between Chicago and Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Leavenworth, Atchison,
+Minneapolis and St. Paul. It connects in Union Depots with all the
+principal lines of road between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Its
+equipment is unrivaled and magnificent, being composed of Most
+Comfortable and Beautiful Day Coaches, Magnificent Horton Reclining
+Chair Cars, Pullman's Prettiest Palace Sleeping Cars, and the Best Line
+of Dining Cars in the World. Three Trains between Chicago and Missouri
+River Points. Two Trains between Chicago and Minneapolis and St. Paul,
+via the Famous
+
+"ALBERT LEA ROUTE."
+
+A New and Direct Line, via Seneca and Kankakee, has recently been opened
+between Richmond Norfolk, Newport News, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Augusta,
+Nashville, Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati Indianapolis and Lafayette,
+and Omaha, Minneapolis and St. Paul and intermediate points.
+
+All Through Passengers Travel on Fast Express Trains.
+
+Tickets for sale at all principal Ticket Offices in the United States
+and Canada.
+
+Baggage checked through and rates of fare always as low as competitors
+that offer less advantages.
+
+For detailed information, get the Maps and Folders of the
+
+GREAT ROCK ISLAND ROUTE,
+
+At your nearest Ticket Office, or address
+
+R.R. CABLE,
+Vice-Pres. & Gen'l M'g'r,
+
+E. ST. JOHN,
+Gen'l Tkt. & Pass. Agt.
+
+CHICAGO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MAPS.
+
+RAND, McNALLY & CO.'S
+NEW RAILROAD
+--AND--
+COUNTY MAP
+--OF THE--
+UNITED STATES
+--AND--
+DOMINION OF CANADA.
+
+Size, 4 × 2-1/2 feet, mounted on rollers to hang on the wall. This is an
+
+ENTIRELY NEW MAP,
+
+Constructed from the most recent and authentic sources.
+
+--IT SHOWS--
+_ALL THE RAILROADS,_
+--AND--
+EVERY COUNTY AND PRINCIPAL TOWN
+--IN THE--
+UNITED STATES AND CANADA.
+
+A useful Map in every one's home, and place of business. PRICE, $2.00.
+
+Agents wanted, to whom liberal inducements will be given. Address
+
+RAND, McNALLY & CO.,
+Chicago, Ill.
+
+By arrangements with the publishers of this Map we are enabled to make
+the following liberal offer: To each person who will remit us $2.25 we
+will send copy of THE PRAIRIE FARMER One Year and THIS MAP
+POSTPAID. Address
+
+PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO.,
+CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+"FACTS ABOUT
+Arkansas and Texas."
+
+A handsome book, beautifully illustrated, with colored diagrams, giving
+reliable information as to crops, population, religious denominations,
+commerce, timber, Railroads, lands, etc., etc.
+
+Sent free to any address on receipt of a 2-cent stamp. Address
+
+H.C. TOWNSEND,
+GEN. PASSENGER AGT., ST. LOUIS, MO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+500 VIRGINIA FARMS & MILLS
+
+FOR SALE AND EXCHANGE. Write for free REAL ESTATE JOURNAL.
+
+R.B. CHAFFIN & CO., Richmond, Virginia.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER is the Cheapest and Best Agricultural Paper
+published. Only $2.00 per year.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that $2.00 pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _from this
+date to January 1, 1885; For $2.00 you get it for one year and a
+copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED STATES,
+FREE! _This is the most liberal offer ever made by any first-class
+weekly agricultural paper in this country._
+
+
+
+
+OUR YOUNG FOLKS
+
+
+CHAT ABOUT A BEAR.
+
+
+As I promised you last week, I will try and tell you about the bear I
+saw a few months ago away down in Nova Scotia, not many miles from that
+quaint old city of Halifax. Do I hear some of THE PRAIRIE FARMER boys
+and girls exclaim, as a real grown-up lady did just before I left
+Chicago: "Halifax! why, yes, I have heard tell of the place, but did not
+think that anybody ever really went there." People do go there, however,
+by the hundreds in the summer time, and a most delightful, hospitable,
+charming class of inhabitants do they find the Blue Noses, as they are
+called--that is, when one goes to them very well introduced.
+
+But we will have a little talk about Halifax and surroundings when you
+have heard about the bear.
+
+Well, in the first place I did not, of course, see the bear in the city,
+but in a place called Sackville--a section of country about five miles
+long, and extending over hill and dale and valley; through woods and
+across streams. My host owned a beautiful farm--picturesquely beautiful
+only, not with a money-making beauty--situated upon the slope of a hill,
+where one could stand and look upon the most tender of melting sunsets,
+away off toward the broad old ocean.
+
+One morning as we were all gathered upon the front stoop, grandpa,
+mamma, baby, kitten and all, we looked down the valley and saw coming up
+the hill, led by two men, an immense yellow bear. One of the farm hands
+was sent to call the men and the bear up to the house. The men, who were
+Swiss, were glad enough to come, as they were taking bruin through the
+country to show off his tricks and make thereby a little money.
+
+The children were somewhat afraid at first, but soon felt quite safe
+when they saw he was firmly secured by a rope. Old bruin's keeper first
+gave him a drink of water, then poured a pailful over him, which he
+seemed to enjoy very much, as the day was a warm one. One of the men
+said something in Swiss, at which the bear gave a roar-like grunt and
+commenced to dance. Around and around the great lumbering fellow went on
+his two hind legs, holding his fore paws in the air. It was not what one
+would call a very "airy waltz," however. Again the keeper spoke, and
+immediately bruin threw himself upon the ground and turned somersaults,
+making us all laugh heartily. He then told him to shake hands (but all
+in Swiss), and it was too funny to see the great awkward animal waddle
+up on his hind legs and extend first one paw and then the other. But
+what interested us all most, both big and little, was to hear the man
+say, "Kisse me," and then to watch the bear throw out his long tongue
+and lick his keeper's face.
+
+We then gave the bear some milk to drink, when suddenly he gave a bound
+forward toward the baby. But he was securely tied, as we well knew. The
+milk roused all the beast's savage instincts, one of the men said.
+
+But what will interest you most of all will be the fact that on the farm
+(which consisted of five hundred acres, nearly all woodland) there were
+seen almost every morning the footprints of a real savage bear. The
+sheep were fast disappearing, and the farmers about were not a little
+worried. One day I went for a walk into these same woods, and such
+woods! you Western boys and girls could not possibly imagine them--the
+old moss-covered logs, and immense trees cut down years ago and left to
+lie there until all overgrown with mosses and lichens. I never before
+experienced such a feeling of solitude as in that walk of over a mile in
+length through those deep dark woods, where sometimes we had literally
+to cut our way through with our little hatchets (we always carried them
+with us when in the forest).
+
+As I sauntered on, those lines of Longfellow's in Evangeline, came
+unconsciously to my mind, so exactly did they describe the place:
+
+    This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,
+    Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight,
+    Stand like Druids of old, with voices sad and prophetic.
+    Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms.
+    Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep voiced neighboring ocean
+    Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest.
+
+Nova Scotia is, as you all know the Acadian country of which our own
+fireside poet writes so beautifully. It was but a few miles from where I
+was visiting that the scene of Evangeline, that exquisitely tender
+romance which so thrills the hearts of both old and young, was laid. As
+I drove through the country, coming ever and anon unexpectedly upon one
+of the many beautiful lakes from half a mile to two miles in length, in
+fancy I pictured the fair Evangeline and her guide, the good Father
+Felician, skirting these lakes in a light canoe as they traversed the
+whole and through in the sad and fruitless search for the lost lover
+Gabriel.
+
+No wonder the soul of the poet was filled with such strange, mystic
+beauty which thus found expression in rhythm and song, for Acadia has an
+enchantment all its own and can best be interpreted by the diviner
+thought of the poet.
+
+But I am afraid, boys and girls, that I have chatted with you so long
+now that there will be scarcely room this week to touch upon Halifax.
+But, however, if you wish, I will try and talk to you about it next
+week, and tell you of some of the winter sports the little Blue Noses
+indulge in in the winter time.
+
+    MARY HOWE.
+
+
+
+
+A FAIRY STORY BY LITTLE JOHNNY.
+
+
+Me an Billy we ben readn fairy tales, an I never see such woppers. I bet
+the feller wich rote em will be burnt every tiny little bit up wen he
+dies, but Billy says they are all true but the facks. Uncle Ned sed cude
+I tell one, and I ast him wot about, and he sed: "Wel Johnny, as you got
+to do the tellin I'le leav the choice of subjeck entirely to you; jest
+giv us some thing about a little boy that went and sook his forten."
+
+So I sed: "One time there was a little boy went out for to seek his
+forten, and first thing he see was great big yello posy on a punkin
+vine."
+
+Then Uncle Ned he sed: "Johnny, was that the punkin vine wich your bed
+once had a bizness connection with?" But I didn't anser, only went on
+with the story.
+
+"So the little boy he wocked into the posy, and crold down the vine on
+his hands and kanees bout ten thousan hundred miles, till he come bime
+bi to a door, wich he opened an went in an found hisself in a grate big
+house, ofle nice like a kings pallows or a hotell. But the little boy
+dident find any body to home and went out a other door, where he see a
+ocion with a bote, and he got in the bote."
+
+Then Uncle Ned he sed a uther time: "Johnny, excuse the ignance of a man
+wich has been in Injy an evry were, but is it the regular thing for
+punkin vines to have sea side resorts in em?"
+
+But I only sed: "Wen the little boy had saild out of site of land the
+bote it sunk, and he went down, down, down in the water, like he was
+tied around the neck of a mill stone, till he was swollowed by a wale,
+cos wales is the largest of created beings wich plows the deep, but
+lions is the king of beests, an the American eagle can lick ol other
+birds, hooray! Wen the boy was a seekn his forten in the stummeck of the
+wales belly he cut to a fence, an wen he had got over the fence he found
+hisself in a rode runin thru a medder, and it was a ofle nice country
+fur as he cude see."
+
+Uncle Ned sed: "Did he put up at the same way side inn wich was
+patternized by Jonah wen he pennitrated to that part of the morl
+vinyerd?"
+
+But I said: "Bimebi he seen a rope hangin down from the ski, and he
+begin for to clime it up, a sayin, 'Snitchety, snatchety, up I go,' 'wot
+time is it old witch?' 'niggers as good as a white man,' 'fee-faw-fum,'
+'Chinese mus go,' 'all men is equil fore de law,' 'blitherum, blatherum,
+boo,' and all the words of madgick wich he cude think of. After a wile
+it got reel dark, but he kep on a climeing, and pretty sune he see a
+round spot of dalite over his hed, and then he cum up out of a well in a
+grate city."
+
+Jest then my father he came in, and he said: "Johnny, you get the bucket
+and go to the wel and fetch sum water for your mother to wash the
+potatoes."
+
+But I said it was Billy's tern, and Billy he sed twasent no sech thing,
+and I said he lide, and he hit me on the snoot of my nose, and we fot a
+fite, but victery percht upon the banners of my father, cos he had a
+stick. Then wile me and Billy was crying Uncle Ned he spoke up and
+begun: "One time there was a grate North American fairy taler--"
+
+But I jest fetched Mose a kick, wich is the cat, and went out and pitcht
+into Sammy Doppy, which licked me reel mean.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BREEDERS DIRECTORY.
+
+The following list embraces the names of responsible and reliable
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+information can feel assured that they will be honorably dealt with:
+
+CATTLE.
+
+Jersey.
+
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+
+HORSES.
+
+Clydesdales.
+
+Mills, Charles F.....................Springfield, Illinois
+
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+
+Berkshire.
+
+Mills, Charles F.....................Springfield, Illinois
+
+Chester Whites.
+
+W.A. Gilbert......................Wauwatosa Wis.
+
+SHEEP.
+
+Cotswold.
+
+Mills, Charles F.....................Springfield, Illinois
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
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+
+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+at prices satisfactory to buyers.
+
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+
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+
+CHAS. F. MILLS,
+
+Springfield, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+VICTORIA SWINE.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FALSTAFF.
+
+Winner of First Prize Chicago Fat Stock Show 1878. Originators of this
+famous breed. Also breeders of Pekin Ducks and Light Brahma Fowls. Stock
+for sale. Send for circular A.
+
+SCHIEDT & DAVIS,
+
+Dyer, Lake Co. Ind.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
+Address Consulting Physician of
+MARSTON REMEDY CO., 46W. 14th St., New York.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TWO LADIES MET ONE DAY.
+
+One said to the other "By the way how is that Catarrh of yours?" "Why
+it's simply horrid, getting worse every day." "Well, why don't you try
+'DR. SYKES' SURE CURE,' I know it will cure you!" "Well, then I will,
+for I've tried everything else."
+
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+better you look, what's up! Going to get married, or what?" "Well, yes,
+and it's all owing to 'DR. SYKES' SURE CURE FOR CATARRH;' oh, why
+didn't I know of it before? it's simply wonderful."
+
+Send 10 cents to Dr. C.R. Sykes, 181 Monroe street, Chicago, for
+valuable book of full information, and mention the "Two Ladies."
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
+
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+
+We desire to make the circulation of our paper 250,000 during the next
+six months. To accomplish which we will give absolutely free a genuine
+FIRST WATER Diamond Ring, and the Home Companion for one year, for
+only $2.00. Our reasons for making this unprecedented offer are as
+follows;
+
+A newspaper with 200,000 subscribers can get 1c. per line per 1,000 of
+circulation for its advertising space, or $5,000 per issue MORE than
+it costs to produce and mail the paper. With but 10,000 or 20,000
+subscribers, its advertising revenues do not pay expenses. Only the
+papers with mammoth circulations make fortunes for their owners,
+DERIVED FROM ADVERTISING SPACE. For these and other reasons, we regard
+100,000 subscribers as being of more financial benefit to a paper than
+the paper is to the subscribers. With 100,000 or 200,000 bona-fide
+subscribers, we make $100,000 to $200,000 a year clear profit from
+advertising, above cost of publishing. Without a large circulation, we
+would lose money. Therefore, to secure a very large circulation, and
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+
+If it is not found so by the most careful and searching tests, we will
+refund the money, enter the subscriber's name on our list, and have the
+paper mailed to him free during its existence. To the publisher of this
+paper has been sent a guarantee from the manufacturing Jeweler, from
+whom we obtain these rings, that they are just as represented, so that
+readers may rely upon the promises being fulfilled to the letter.
+
+The second question is, IS THE PAPER A DESIRABLE FAMILY JOURNAL? YES.
+It contains contributions from the first writers of the times: fiction,
+choice facts, intellectual food of the most interesting, instructive and
+refined character. It is one of the
+
+LEADING PAPERS OF THE PROGRESSIVE WEST.
+
+We are determined to make it the most desirable and reliable paper in
+the United States; will spare no effort or money to achieve that object.
+Sample Copies sent free on application. Remit by draft, express, or new
+postal note, to
+
+THE HOME COMPANION.
+N.W. Cor. Fourth and Race Streets, Cincinnati, O.
+
+Don't fail to name the paper in which you see this advertisement.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Don't be Humbugged With Poor, Cheap Coulters.
+
+[Illustration]
+
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+to wabbling, are condemned and thrown aside. In our
+
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+
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+
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+
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+ON THE MARKET. Ask your dealer for it.
+
+Manufactured by the BOSS COULTER CO.,
+Bunker Hill, Ills.
+
+
+
+
+LITERATURE.
+
+
+FOR THOSE WHO FAIL.
+
+
+    "All honor to him who shall win the prize,"
+      The world has cried for a thousand years,
+    But to him who tries and who fails and dies
+      I give great honor and glory and tears.
+
+    Give glory and honor and pitiful tears
+      To all who fail in their deeds sublime,
+    Their ghosts are many in the van of years,
+      They were born with Time in advance of Time.
+
+    Oh, great is the hero who wins a name,
+      But greater many and many a time
+    Some pale-faced fellow who dies in shame
+      And lets God finish the thought sublime.
+
+    And great is the man with a sword undrawn,
+      And good is the man who refrains from wine;
+    But the man who fails and yet still fights on,
+      Lo, he is the twin-born brother of mine.
+
+    --_Joaquin Miller._
+
+
+
+
+A SINGULAR PHILOSOPHER.
+
+
+Hon. Henry Cavendish was born in England, Oct. 10, 1731, and died Feb.
+21, 1810. Cavendish was the son of Lord Charles Cavendish, a son of the
+Duke of Devonshire; and his mother was Lady Anne Grey, daughter of
+Henry, Duke of Kent. It is thus seen that the subject of this sketch
+belonged to two of the two most aristocratic, noble families in England,
+having for grandfathers the Dukes of Kent and Devonshire. This man, who
+became one of the most distinguished chemists and physicists of the age,
+born in high life, of exalted position and wealth, passed through the
+period of his boyhood and early manhood in utter obscurity, and a dense
+cloud rests upon his early life. Indeed, the place of his birth has been
+in dispute; some of his biographers asserting that he was born in
+England, others that he was born in France or Italy. It is now known
+that he was born at Nice, whither his mother had gone for the sake of
+health.
+
+It seems incredible that one highly distinguished, who lived and died so
+recently, should have almost entirely escaped observation until he had
+reached middle life. From fragments of his early history which have been
+collected, we learn that he was a peculiar boy,--shy, reticent, fond of
+solitary walks, without playfellows, and utterly insensible to the
+attractions of home and social life. He was born with inflexible
+reserve; and the love of retirement so manifest in in later life
+mastered all his instincts even when a boy. If he had been of poor and
+obscure parentage, it would not seem so strange that one who for nearly
+fifty years was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and for a lengthened
+period a member of the Institute of France, and an object of European
+interest to men of science, had no one to record the incidents of his
+early life. But he lost his mother when almost an infant, and this sad
+event probably influenced greatly his early career, and isolated him
+from the world in which he lived.
+
+We find him at Dr. Newcome's school at Hackney in 1742, and from this
+school he went directly to Cambridge, where he remained until 1753. He
+did not graduate, true to his odd instincts, although he spent the full
+period for a degree at Cambridge. No records of his college life have
+been preserved, and, as he went to London, it is wonderful that the next
+ten years of his life remain a blank. He joined the Royal Society in
+1760, but contributed nothing until 1766, when he published his first
+paper on "Factitious Airs." Cavendish was a great mathematician,
+electrician, astronomer, meteorologist, and as a chemist he was equally
+learned and original. He lived at a time when science was to a large
+extent but blank empiricism; even the philosophy of combustion was based
+on erroneous and absurd hypotheses, and the speculation of experimenters
+were wild and fantastic. He was the first to submit these speculations
+to crucial tests, to careful and accurate experiment; and the results
+which were given to the world introduced a new era in scientific
+knowledge. We have so much to say regarding the man, that we can only
+present a brief outline of his great discoveries. Alone, in a spacious
+house on Clapham Common, outside of London, did this singular man work
+through many long years, until he filled it with every possible device
+capable of unfolding or illustrating principles in science.
+
+At the time of a visit to London in 1856 this famous house was standing,
+and remained as it was when the owner left it, about a half century
+before. The exterior of the house would not attract special attention;
+but within, the whole world could not, perhaps, furnish a parallel.
+Anvils and forges, files and hammers, grindstones and tempering-troughs,
+furnaces and huge bellows, had converted the panelled and wall-frescoed
+drawing-room into the shop of a blacksmith. In the spacious dining-room
+chemical apparatus occupied the place of furniture. Electrical machines,
+Leyden-jars, eudiometers, thermometric scales, philosophical
+instruments, were distributed through the chambers. The third story,
+save two bed-chambers,--one for the housekeeper, the other for the
+footman,--had been fitted up for an observatory. The lenses and
+achromatic glasses, tubes and specula, concave mirrors, and
+object-prisms, and the huge, rough old telescope, peering through the
+roof, were still there as their owner had left them. All appliances of
+housekeeping were absent, and Cavendish House was destitute of all
+comforts, for which the owner had no taste.
+
+In this house Cavendish lived for nearly half a century, totally
+isolated from the world and all human sympathies. He seldom or never
+visited relatives, and they were never guests at his house. He had
+several servants, all of whom were males, with one exception. He was shy
+of women, and did not like to have them come in his way. If he saw his
+female servant in any of the rooms, he would order her away instantly,
+or fly himself to other quarters. Rarely, during all the years of his
+solitary life, did a woman cross his threshold; and, when one did, he
+would run from her as if she brought the plague. His servants were all
+trained to silence, and in giving his orders the fewest words possible
+were used. His meals were served irregularly, whenever in the intervals
+of absorbing labors, he could snatch a fragment of time. He uniformly
+dined upon one kind of meat,--a joint of mutton; and he seemed to have
+no knowledge that there were other kinds in the market.
+
+Upon one occasion he had invited a few scientific friends to dinner at
+Cavendish House, and when his servant asked him what he should provide,
+"A leg of mutton!" said Cavendish. "It will hardly be enough," said the
+servant. "Well, then get two." "Anything else, sir?" "Yes, get four legs
+of mutton."
+
+His dress was peculiar,--a snuff-colored coat reaching to his knees, a
+long vest of the same color, buff breeches, and a three-cornered hat.
+With him the fashion never changed; he had but one suit; not an extra
+coat, hat, or even two handkerchiefs. When his wardrobe gave out, and he
+was forced to see his tailor, he became very nervous. He would walk the
+room in agony, give orders to have the tailor sent for, and then
+immediately countermand the same. His shoes for fifty years were of one
+pattern; and when he took them off they were put in one place behind a
+door, and woe to the servant who accidentally displaced them. He hung
+his old three-cornered hat on one peg at his house, and when he attended
+the meetings of the Royal Society he had a peg in the hall known as
+"Cavendish's peg." If, through accident, it was taken by some member
+before his arrival, he would stop, look at the occupied peg, and then
+turn on his heel, and go back to his house. When he went to the
+meetings, he walked in the middle of the street, never on the sidewalk;
+and he invariably took the same route. Upon reaching the steps leading
+to the rooms, he would stop, hesitate, put his hand on the door-handle,
+and look about timidly, and sometimes return at a rapid pace.
+
+His cane, which he carried for fifty years, he placed upright in his
+left boot, which he took off at the door, covering his foot with a
+slipper. Once inside the rooms of the Royal Society, and surrounded by
+the most distinguished men of England and the world, he became
+excessively shy, and read his wonderful papers in an awkward manner.
+Applause of any kind he could not bear; and if in conversation any one
+praised his researches or papers, he would turn away abruptly, as if
+highly indignant. If he was appealed to as authority upon any point, he
+would dart away, and perhaps quit the hall for the evening. This man of
+great genius and vast acquirements was incapable of understanding or
+enduring praise or flattery. He sought in every possible way to escape
+recognition or notice, listened attentively to conversation, but seldom
+asked questions; never spoke of himself, or of what he had accomplished
+in the world of science.
+
+Cavendish was a man possessed of vast wealth, and, when he died, he was
+the richest bank-owner in all England.
+
+"At the age of forty, a large accession came to his fortune. His income
+already exceeded his expenditure. Pecuniary transactions were his
+aversion. Other matters occupied his attention. The legacy was therefore
+paid in to his bankers. It was safe there, and he gave it no more heed.
+One of the firm sought to see him at Clapham. In answer to the
+inquiries of the footman as to his Business, the banker replied to see
+Mr. Cavendish personally. 'You must wait, then,' responded the servant,
+'till he rings his bell.' The banker tarried for hours, when the
+long-expected bell rang. His name was announced. 'What does he want?'
+the master was heard to ask. 'A personal interview.' 'Send him up.' The
+banker appeared.
+
+"'I am come, sir, to ascertain your views concerning a sum of two
+hundred thousand pounds placed to your account.'
+
+"'Does it inconvenience you?' asked the philosopher. 'If so, transfer it
+elsewhere.'
+
+"'Inconvenience, sir? By no means,' replied the banker. 'But pardon me
+for suggesting that it is too large a sum to remain unproductive. Would
+you not like to invest it?'
+
+"'Invest it? Eh? Yes, if you will. Do as you like, but don't interrupt
+me about such things again. I have other matters to think about.'"
+
+With all his wealth it never occurred to him that others were in need,
+and that he might do good by benefactions. Solicited on one occasion to
+contribute to a charitable object, he exclaimed, "Give, eh! What do you
+want? How much?" "Give whatever you please, sir," said the solicitor.
+"Well, then, will ten thousand pounds do?"
+
+On another occasion he was forced, from circumstances, to attend a
+christening in a church; and, when it was intimated to him that it was
+customary to bestow some little present upon the attending nurse, he ran
+up to her, and poured into her lap a double handful of gold coins, and
+hastily departed. This was the only occasion on which he was known to
+cross the threshold of a church. Cavendish died possessed of five
+million dollars of property, and yet at no time had he the slightest
+knowledge of how much he had, and how it was invested. He despised
+money, and made as little use of it as possible.
+
+As regards matters of religion, he never troubled himself about them. He
+would never talk upon the subject, and probably never gave it a thought.
+All days of the week were alike to him: he was as busy on Sunday as on
+any other day. When asked by a friend what his views were of God, he
+replied, "Don't ask me such questions: I never think of them."
+
+The circumstances of Cavendish's death are as remarkable as his career
+in life.
+
+"Without premitory disease or sickness, or withdrawal from daily duties,
+or decadence of mental powers, or physical disability, he made up his
+mind that he was about to die. Closing his telescopes, putting his
+achromatic glasses in their several grooves, locking the doors of his
+laboratories, destroying the papers he deemed useless, and arranging
+those corrected for publication, he ascended to his sleeping-apartment
+and rang his bell. A servant appeared.
+
+"'Edgar,' said Cavendish, addressing him by name, 'listen! Have I ever
+commanded you to do an unreasonable thing?'
+
+"The man heard the question without astonishment, for he knew his
+master's eccentricities, and replied in the negative.
+
+"'And that being the case,' continued the old man, 'I believe I have a
+right to be obeyed.'
+
+"The domestic bowed his assent.
+
+"'I shall now give you my last command,' Cavendish went on to say, 'I am
+going to die. I shall, upon your departure, lock my room. Here let me be
+alone for eight hours. Tell no one. Let no person come near. When the
+time has passed, come and see if I am dead. If so, let Lord George
+Cavendish know. This is my last command. Now, go.'
+
+"The servant knew from long experience that to dispute his master's will
+would be useless. He bowed, therefore, and turned to go away.
+
+"'Stay--one word!' added Cavendish. 'Repeat exactly the order I have
+given.'
+
+"Edgar repeated the order, promised obedience once more, and retired
+from the chamber."
+
+The servant did not keep his promise, but called to his master's bedside
+Sir Everard Home, a distinguished physician.
+
+"Sir Everard inquired if he felt ill.
+
+"'I am not ill,' replied Cavendish; 'but I am about to die. Don't you
+think a man of eighty has lived long enough? Why am I disturbed? I had
+matters to arrange. Give me a glass of water.'
+
+"The glass of water was handed to him; he drank it, turned on his back,
+closed his eyes, and died.
+
+"This end of a great man, improbable as are some of the incidents
+narrated, is no fiction of imagination. Sir Everard Home's statement,
+read before the Royal Institution, corroborates every particular. The
+mental constitution of the philosopher, puzzling enough during his
+life, was shrouded certainly in even greater mystery in his death."
+
+It is as a chemist that Cavendish stands preeminent. Without
+instructors, without companionship, in the solitary rooms of his
+dwelling, he meditated and experimented. The result of his researches he
+communicated in papers read to the Royal Society, and these are quite
+numerous. He was the first to demonstrate the nature of atmospheric air
+and also of water. He was the discoverer of nitrogen and several gaseous
+bodies. He did much to overthrow the phlogiston theory, which was
+universally accepted in his time; and his researches upon arsenic were
+of the highest importance. There is scarcely any department of chemistry
+which he did not enrich by his discoveries. He was a close student of
+electrical phenomena, and made many discoveries in this department of
+research. He was also an astronomer and observed the heavens with his
+telescopes with the deepest interest. Some of his most important
+discoveries were unknown until after his death, as they were hidden in
+papers, which, for some reason, he would not publish.
+
+The life of this singular man was morally a blank, and can only be
+described by negations. He did not love; he did not hate; he did not
+hope; he did not worship. He separated himself from his fellow-men and
+from his God. There was nothing earnest, enthusiastic, heroic, in his
+nature, and as little that was mean, groveling, or ignoble. He was
+passionless, wholly destitute of emotion. Everything that required the
+exercise of fancy, imagination, faith, or affection, was distasteful to
+Cavendish. He had a clear head for thinking, a pair of eyes for
+observing, hands for experimenting and recording, and these were all.
+His brain was a calculating engine; his eyes, inlets of vision, not
+fountains of tears; his heart, an anatomical organ necessary for the
+circulation of the blood. If such a man can not be loved, he can not be
+abhorred or despised. He was as the Almighty made him, and he served an
+important end in the world.
+
+Such a man manifestly would never sit for his portrait. And he never
+did. It was taken by Borrow the painter, unobserved by Cavendish, while
+at a dinner-party given for the express purpose of securing the
+likeness. It is now in the British Museum. Cuts of this painting are
+rare.--_Popular Science News._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+AND
+
+YOUTH'S COMPANION
+
+ONE YEAR, $3 FOR THE TWO.
+
+It is not required that both papers be sent to one address, nor to the
+same post-office.
+
+  Address PRAIRIE FARMER PUB. CO.,
+  150 Monroe Street, Chicago.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEEDS, Etc.
+
+
+BUIST'S
+SEEDS
+ARE THE BEST.
+
+WARRANTED TO GIVE SATISFACTION OR MONEY RETURNED, SPECIAL-INDUCEMENTS
+FOR MARKET GARDENERS. OUR VALUABLE CATALOGUE OF 192 PAGES FREE TO ALL.
+
+SEED GROWER
+ROBERT BUIST, JR.
+PHILADELPHIA, PA.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: FERRY'S SEED ANNUAL FOR 1884]
+
+Will be mailed FREE TO ALL applicants and to customers of last year
+without ordering it. It contains illustrations, prices, descriptions and
+directions for planting all Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Plants, etc.
+INVALUABLE TO ALL.
+
+D.M. FERRY & CO.
+DETROIT, Mich.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+J. B. ROOT & CO.'S
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Illustr'd Garden Manual of VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, ready for all
+applicants.
+
+Market Gardeners SEEDS a Specialty.
+
+Write for Wholesale Price-List, SENT FREE
+ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEED-POTATOES and SEEDS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+60 newest varieties of potatoes. Garden seeds. Seed Grain, etc., at
+lowest prices. Illustrated catalogue and treatise on POTATO CULTURE,
+free. _J. W. WILSON, Austin, Ill._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEEDS!
+
+PLANTS--Catalogue Free.
+
+A. E. SPALDING,
+AINSWORTH, IOWA.
+
+
+
+
+HUMOROUS
+
+
+THE DONKEY'S DREAM.
+
+
+    A donkey laid him down to sleep,
+    And as he slept and snored full deep,
+    He was observed (strange sight) to weep,
+              As if in anguished mood.
+
+    A gentle mule that lay near by,
+    The donkey roused, and, with a sigh,
+    In kindly voice inquired why
+              Those tears he did exude.
+
+    The donkey, while he trembled o'er
+    And dropped cold sweat from every pore,
+    Made answer in a fearful roar:
+              "_I dreamed I was a dude!_"
+
+
+
+
+TOM TYPO.
+
+
+    Tom Typo was a printer good,
+      A merry, cheerful elf;
+    And whatsoever care he had,
+      He still "composed" himself.
+
+    Where duty called him he was found
+      Still working in his place;
+    But nothing tempted from his post--
+      Which really was the "case."
+
+    He courted pretty Emma Grey,
+      One of earth's living gems--
+    The sweetest Em, he used to say,
+      Among a thousand "ems."
+
+    So "chased" was Emma's love for Tom,
+      It met admiring eyes;
+    She "proved" a "copy" to her sex.
+      And wanted no "revise."
+
+    And Tom, he kept his "pages" clear
+      And grew to be a "type"
+    Of all that manhood holds most dear,
+      When he with age was ripe.
+
+    He made his last "impression" here
+      While yet his heart was warm,
+    Just in the "nick" closed his career,
+      And death "locked up his form."
+
+    He sank into his final rest
+      Without one sigh or moan;
+    His latest words--"Above my breast
+      Place no 'imposing stone.'"
+
+
+
+
+COURTSHIP OF A VASSAR GIRL.
+
+
+The parents and the old relatives are chatting over their darling's
+future. Meanwhile the fiances have escaped into the back parlor.
+
+Virginia--Where are you leading me to, John?
+
+John--I wish to tell you, while others forget us, how happy I am to
+marry you--you, so winning, so witty, the gem of Vassar College.
+
+Virginia--Oh! how many compliments to a poor graduate who only won the
+premium of rhetoric, and was second best in geometry.
+
+John--I love you, and worship you just as you are.
+
+V.--Oh, my friend, how anaphorical, and especially how epanaletical.
+
+J.--I don't understand.
+
+V.--I mean that you repeat yourself. It is the custom of lovers to abuse
+of the gorgiaques figures from the very protasis and exordium.
+
+J.--I love you because you are accomplished and perfect.
+
+V.--Did I not know you, I should think that you favored asteisin and
+ethossoia.
+
+J. (Somewhat abashed.)--Ah! do you see * * *
+
+V.--Why this aposiopesis?
+
+J.--Aposiopesis!
+
+V.--This reticence?
+
+J.--That is clearer. I acknowledge that the expressions you use annoy
+and trouble me.
+
+V.--You, on your side, speak a language stamped with schematism, while
+to be correct, even in making love, your language should be discursive.
+Allow me to tell you so frankly.
+
+J.--Anyhow, you do not doubt my love?
+
+V.--I pardon this epitrope, but pray use less metaphor and more litotes
+in the prosopography you dedicate to my modest entity--
+
+J.--What will you? Men love women; I am a man; therefore, I love you.
+
+V.--Your syllogism is perfect in its premises, but the conclusion is
+false.
+
+J.--Oh! you are a cruel angel!
+
+V.--I like that catachresis, but once again I repeat, I am practical,
+and prefer synedoche.
+
+J. [Very much perplexed.]--Will you continue the conversation in the
+garden?
+
+V.--Yes. (They go into the garden.) Look, here is a very lovely
+parallelogram of green surrounded by petasites. Let us sit under those
+maritamboues will you?
+
+J.--Willingly! Ah! here I am happy! My heart fills with joy; it seems to
+me it contains the universe.
+
+V.--You are speaking pure Spinozism.
+
+J.--When I think that you will be my wife, and I your husband! What will
+be our destiny!
+
+V.--The equation being given you are looking for the unknown quantity.
+Like you, I shall await the co-efficient.
+
+J. (Who is determined to follow out his own thoughts)--With the world of
+constellations above us, and nature surrounding us, admire with me those
+orbs sending us their pure light. Look up there at that star.
+
+V.--It is Allioth, neighbor to the polar star. They are nearing the
+cosmical moment, and if we remain here a few moments longer the
+occultation will take place.
+
+J. (Resignedly.)--And there those thousands of stars.
+
+V.--It is the galaxy. Admire also the syzygy of those orbs.
+
+J. (Exhausted.)--And the moon; do you see the moon?
+
+V.--It is at its zenith; it will be at its nadir in fifteen days, unless
+there are any occultations in the movements of that satellite.
+
+J.--How happy I am!
+
+(They go indoors.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The owner of a soap factory, who had been complained of for maintaining
+a nuisance, was terribly put out at the charge and explained to the
+court: "Your honor, the odors complained of can not exist!" "But here
+are twenty complaints." "Yes, but I have worked in my factory for the
+last fifteen years, and I'll take my oath I can not detect any smells."
+"As a rule, prisoner," replied the judge, as he sharpened his spectacles
+on his bootleg, "the best noses are on the outside of soap factories.
+You are fined $25 and costs." Moral: Where a soap factory and a
+school-house are at loggerheads the school should be removed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+AND
+
+YOUTH'S COMPANION
+
+ONE YEAR, $3 FOR THE TWO.
+
+It is not required that both papers be sent to one address, nor to the
+same post-office.
+
+
+  Address PRAIRIE FARMER PUB. CO.,
+  150 Monroe Street, Chicago.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Illinois Central Railroad.
+
+The elegant equipment of coaches and sleepers being added to its various
+through routes is gaining it many friends. Its patrons fear no
+accidents. Its perfect track of steel, and solid road-bed, are a
+guarantee against them.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MEDICAL.
+
+
+DISEASE CURED
+Without Medicine.
+
+_A Valuable Discovery for supplying Magnetism to the Human System.
+Electricity and Magnetism utilized as never before for Healing the
+Sick._
+
+THE MAGNETON APPLIANCE CO.'s
+
+Magnetic Kidney Belt!
+
+FOR MEN IS
+
+WARRANTED TO CURE _Or Money Refunded._ the following diseases without
+medicine:--_Pain in the Back_, _Hips_, _Head_, _or Limbs_, _Nervous
+Debility_, _Lumbago_, _General Debility_, _Rheumatism_, _Paralysis_,
+_Neuralgia_, _Sciatica_, _Diseases of the Kidneys_, _Spinal Diseases_,
+_Torpid Liver_, GOUT SEMINAL EMISSIONS, IMPOTENCY, ASTHMA, HEART
+DISEASE, DYSPEPSIA, CONSTIPATION, ERYSIPELAS, INDIGESTION, HERNIA OR
+RUPTURE, CATARRH, PILES, EPILEPSY, DUMB AGUE, ETC.
+
+When any debility of the GENERATIVE ORGANS occurs, LOST VITALITY, LACK
+OF NERVE FORCE AND VIGOR, WASTING WEAKNESS, and all those Diseases of a
+personal nature, from whatever cause, the continuous stream of Magnetism
+permeating through the parts, must restore them to a healthy action.
+There is no mistake about this appliance.
+
+TO THE LADIES:--If you are afflicted with LAME BACK, WEAKNESS OF THE
+SPINE, FALLING OF THE WOMB, LEUCORRHOEA, CHRONIC INFLAMMATION AND
+ULCERATION OF THE WOMB, INCIDENTAL HEMORRHAGE OR FLOODING, PAINFUL,
+SUPPRESSED, AND IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION, BARRENNESS, AND CHANGE OF LIFE,
+THIS IS THE BEST APPLIANCE AND CURATIVE AGENT KNOWN.
+
+For all forms of FEMALE DIFFICULTIES it is unsurpassed by anything
+before invented, both as a curative agent and as a source of power and
+vitalization.
+
+Price of either Belt with Magnetic Insoles, $10, sent by express C. O. D.,
+and examination allowed, or by mail on receipt of price. In ordering
+send measure of waist, and size of shoe. Remittance can be made in
+currency, sent in letter at our risk.
+
+The Magneton Garments are adapted to all ages, are worn over the
+under-clothing (NOT NEXT TO THE BODY LIKE THE MANY GALVANIC AND ELECTRIC
+HUMBUGS ADVERTISED SO EXTENSIVELY), and should be taken off at night.
+They hold their POWER FOREVER, and are worn at all seasons of the year.
+
+Send stamp for the "New Departure in Medical treatment WITHOUT
+MEDICINE," with thousands of testimonials.
+
+THE MAGNETON APPLIANCE CO.,
+218 State Street. Chicago, Ill.
+
+NOTE.--Send one dollar in postage stamps or currency (in letter at our
+risk) with size of shoe usually worn, and try a pair of our Magnetic
+Insoles, and be convinced of the power residing in our other Magnetic
+Appliances. Positively no cold feet when they are worn, or money
+refunded.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SELF CURE FREE
+
+Nervous   Lost      Weakness
+Debility  Manhood   and Decay
+
+A favorite prescription of a noted specialist (now retired.)
+Druggists can fill it. Address
+
+DR. WARD & CO., LOUISIANA, MO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SCALES.
+
+U.S. STANDARD SCALES,
+MANUFACTURED EXPRESSLY FOR
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+_Every Scale Guaranteed by the Manufacturers, and by Us, to be Perfect,
+and to give the Purchaser Satisfaction._
+
+The PRAIRIE FARMER Sent Two Years Free
+
+To any person ordering either size Wagon Scale at prices given below.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+2-Ton Wagon or Farm Scale (Platform 6 × 12 feet), $35; 3-Ton (7 × 13),
+$45; 5-Ton (8 × 14), $55. Beam Box, Brass Beam, Iron Levers, Steel
+Bearings, and full directions for setting up.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER SENT 1 YEAR FREE!
+
+To any person ordering either of the following Scales, at prices named
+below.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Housekeeper's Scale--$4.00
+
+Weighing accurately from 1/4 oz. to 25 lbs. This is also a valuable
+Scale for Offices for Weighing Mail Matter. Tin Scoop, 50c. extra; Brass
+75c. extra.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Family Scale--$7.00.
+
+Weighs from 1/4 oz. to 240 lbs. Small articles weighed in Scoop, large
+ones on Platform. Size of Platform, 10-1/2 × 13-1/2 in.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Prairie Farmer Scale--$10.00
+
+Weighs from 2 oz. to 320 lbs. Size of Platform 14 × 19 inches. A
+convenient Scale for Small Farmers, Dairymen, etc.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Platform Scales--4 Sizes.
+400 lbs., $15; 600 lbs., $20; 900 lbs., $24; 1,200 lbs., $28; Wheels and
+Axles, $2 extra.
+
+In ordering, give the Price and Description given above. All Scales
+Boxed and Delivered at Depot in Chicago. Give full shipping directions.
+Send money by Draft on Chicago or New York Post Office Order or
+Registered Letter. Address
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING COMPANY, CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISCELLANEOUS
+
+
+SEEDS FOR THE GARDEN, FARM & FIELD.
+
+ESTABLISHED 1845.
+
+Our Annual Catalogue, mailed free on application, published first of
+every January, contains full description and prices of RELIABLE
+VEGETABLE, TREE, FIELD AND FLOWER SEED, SEED GRAIN, SEED CORN, SEED
+POTATOES, ONION SETS, ETC; ALSO GARDEN DRILLS, CULTIVATORS, FERTILIZERS,
+ETC., with full information for growing and how to get our Seeds.
+
+Address PLANT SEED COMPANY,
+Nos. 812 & 814 N. 4th St.,    ST. LOUIS, MO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE STANDARD REMINGTON TYPE-WRITER is acknowledged to be the only rapid
+and reliable writing machine. It has no rival. These machines are used
+for transcribing and general correspondence in every part of the globe,
+doing their work in almost every language. Any young man or woman of
+ordinary ability, having a practical knowledge of the use of this
+machine may find constant and remunerative employment. All machines and
+supplies, furnished by us, warranted. Satisfaction guaranteed or money
+refunded. Send for circulars. WYCKOFF, SEAMANS & BENEDICT, 38 East
+Madison St., Chicago, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEEDS
+
+ALBERT DICKINSON,
+
+Dealer in Timothy, Clover, Flax, Hungarian, Millet, Red Top, Blue
+Grass, Lawn Grass, Orchard Grass, Bird Seeds, &c.
+
+POP CORN.
+
+Warehouses  {115, 117 & 119 Kinzie St.
+            {104, 106, 108 & 110 Michigan St.
+OFFICE.      115 Kinzie St.
+CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL NEWS.
+
+
+The State tax of Florida this year is but three mills.
+
+Hog cholera is again raging in Champaign county, Ill.
+
+A cat show is to be held in New York, beginning on the 23d inst.
+
+Ice harvesters along the Hudson river are on a strike for higher wages.
+
+The Ohio river is rapidly rising from the melting of heavy bodies of
+snow.
+
+Several heavy failures among grain dealers of New York occurred last
+week.
+
+Senator Anthony is unable to attend to the duties as President pro tem
+of the Senate.
+
+The glucose works at Buffalo N. Y., have been removed to Peoria, Ill.,
+and Levenworth, Kansas.
+
+On Friday last one murderer was hung in Virginia, another in South
+Carolina, and still another in California.
+
+A very heavy snow storm prevailed in Western and Northern N. Y., last
+week. It also extended to New England.
+
+The State Senate of Texas has passed a bill giving the public domain,
+except homesteads to actual settlers, to the public schools.
+
+There were over four thousand suicides in Paris last year, which is
+attributed to the tremendous pace at which the people live in France.
+
+The starch-sugar industry of the country consumes forty thousand bushels
+of corn per day, and the product is valued at about $10,000,000 per
+year.
+
+In attempting to slaughter a flock of prairie chickens near Fort Sill, a
+party of eight hunters grew so careless that three of their number were
+badly wounded.
+
+The employes in three of the nail-mills at Wareham, Mass., struck,
+Saturday, against reducing their wages ten per cent. The nailers and
+puddlers of Plymouth also struck.
+
+Canada is raising a standing army of 1,200 men to serve for three years.
+The full number applied at the recruiting office in Montreal, where the
+quota was only one hundred.
+
+The Grand Orient of France has issued an appeal to all the lodges of
+freemasons in the world asking a renewal of unity between the Grand
+Orient and all other branches of the masonic rite.
+
+The situation in Tonquin effectually ties the hands of France. The
+announcement of the blocking of Canton harbor is the only important
+event of the week in the Franco-Chinese struggle.
+
+Dr. Tanner, the famous faster, is practicing medicine in Jamestown, N.
+Y. The physicians of that city have made a fruitless attempt to secure
+his indictment by the grand jury as an illegal practitioner.
+
+The French press are advocating an organized effort against the
+prohibition of the importation of American pork. The prohibition, it is
+estimated, will cost the French ports 100,000,000 francs, and deprive
+the working people, besides, of cheap and wholesome food.
+
+Articles of incorporation were filed at Springfield, Saturday, for the
+building of a railroad from a point within five miles of the northeast
+corner of Cook county to a point in Rock Island county, on the
+Mississippi, opposite Muscatine, Iowa. The capital is $3,000,000, and
+among the incorporators are Joseph R. Reynolds, Edgar Terhune Holden,
+and Josiah Browne, of Chicago.
+
+
+
+
+CONGRESSIONAL.
+
+
+Senator Edmunds has again been chosen president pro tem of the Senate.
+Mr. Anthony, of Rhode Island, declares himself too ill to perform the
+duties of the position. On Monday nearly 500 bills were introduced into
+the House. The total number of bills introduced and referred since the
+session began, reaches nearly 4,000. There are many important measures
+among them, while there are more that are of somewhat doubtful import,
+especially those which look to a still further increase of the pension
+appropriations. There are bills for the regulation of banks and banking;
+several new bankruptcy acts; one reducing the fees on patents as
+follows: The fee upon filing original application for a patent is
+reduced from $15 to $5. The minimum fees for a design patent shall be $5
+instead of $10 and the minimum term for which granted shall be five
+instead of three and a half years; a bill to reorganize the infantry
+branch of the army; for reorganizing and increasing the navy; several to
+revise the tariff; to look after the forfeiture of land grants; to
+restrict importation of foreign adulterated goods; to stamp out
+contagious diseases of animals; to establish a department of commerce;
+to repeal the act prohibiting ex-confederate officers from serving in
+the United States army; to relieve Fitz John Porter, and hundreds of
+bills for the relief or benefit of individuals in different parts of the
+country. There are also bills for the regulation of transportation
+companies and for the establishment of a system of government telegraph.
+As yet no appropriation bills have been reported and the Ways and Means
+committee has but recently organized into subcommittees and has not
+begun the consideration of any subject. There is already business enough
+before this Congress to keep it in continuous session for years.
+
+
+
+
+MARKETS.
+
+
+FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL.
+
+OFFICE OF THE PRAIRIE FARMER,
+CHICAGO. Jan 15, 1884.
+
+
+There is an increased financial activity over last week. Bankers, on
+Monday, felt quite certain of a brisk week and were correspondingly
+cheerful. Interest rates are unchanged, being 6 and 7 per cent.
+
+Eastern exchange sold between banks at 60@70c per $1,000 premium, and
+closed firm.
+
+There is no change in Government securities.
+
+The New York stock market was weak, and it is reported that the New York
+millionaires such as Gould, Vanderbilt, Sage, etc., have suffered to the
+extent of several millions each by the late general shrinkage in the
+value of stocks. Nevertheless, it is in such times as these that the
+Vanderbilts of the country reap their richest harvests. They have money
+to buy depressed stock with, and when the wheel turns their investments
+again add to their wealth. The little fellows have to sacrifice all
+their cash and then go to the wall.
+
+Government securities are as follows:
+
+4's coupons, 1907              Q. Apr.   123-1/4
+4's reg., 1907                 Q. Apr.   123-1/4
+4-1/2's coupon, 1891           Q. Mar.   114-1/8
+4-1/2's registered, 1891       Q. Mar.   114-1/8
+3's registered                 Q. Mar.   100
+
+
+GRAIN AND PROVISIONS.
+
+There was more of a speculative feeling in the Chicago grain and
+provision markets yesterday than for some time. There was something of a
+recovery from the panicky feeling of Saturday, when the bulls had
+complete charge of the prices, but there was no advance.
+
+FLOUR was unchanged, the article not yet feeling the uncertain condition
+of the wheat market.
+
+Choice to favorite white winters              $5 25@5 50
+Fair to good brands of white winters           4 75@5 00
+Good to choice red winters                     5 00@5 50
+Prime to choice springs                        4 75@5 00
+Good to choice export stock, in sacks, extras  4 25@4 50
+Good to choice export stock, double extras     4 50@4 65
+Fair to good Minnesota springs                 4 50@4 75
+Choice to fancy Minnesota springs              5 25@5 75
+Patent springs                                 6 00@6 50
+Low grades                                     2 25@3 50
+
+WHEAT.--Red winter, No. 2, 97@99c; car lots of spring. No. 2, sold at
+89@90-1/2c; No. 3, do. 84-1/2@85c.
+
+CORN.--Moderately active. Car lots No 2, 53@53-7/8c; rejected, 46-1/2;
+new mixed, 49c.
+
+OATS.--No. 2 in store, closed 32-1/2@32-3/4.
+
+RYE.--May, in store 58@58-1/2.
+
+BARLEY.--No. 2, 59 in store; No. 3, 52-1/2c.
+
+FLAX.--Closed at $1 45 on track.
+
+TIMOTHY.--$1 28@1 35 per bushel. Little doing.
+
+CLOVER.--Quiet at $6 15@6 35 for prime.
+
+PROVISIONS.--Mess pork, February, $14 75@ 14 78 per bbl; Green hams,
+9-1/2c per lb. Short ribs, $7 47-1/2 per cwt.
+
+LARD.--January, $9 20; February, $9 75.
+
+
+LUMBER.
+
+Lumber unchanged. Quotations for green are as follows:
+
+Short dimension, per M               $ 9 50@10 00
+Long dimension, per M                 10 00@11 50
+Boards and strips, No. 2              11 00@13 00
+Boards and strips, medium             13 00@16 00
+Boards and strips, No. 1 choice       16 00@20 00
+Shingles, standard                     2 10@ 2 20
+Shingles, choice                       2 25@ 2 30
+Shingles, extra                        2 40@ 2 60
+Lath                                   1 65@ 1 70
+
+
+COUNTRY PRODUCE.
+
+NOTE.--The quotations for the articles named in the following list are
+generally for commission lots of goods and from first hands. While our
+prices are based as near as may be on the landing or wholesale rates,
+allowance must be made for selections and the sorting up for store
+distribution.
+
+BEANS.--Hand picked mediums $2 00@2 10. Hand picked navies, $2 15@2 20.
+
+BUTTER.--Dull and without change. Choice to extra creamery, 32@35c per
+lb.; fair to good do 25@32c; fair to choice dairy, 23@28c; common to
+choice packing stock fresh and sweet, 18@22c; ladle packed 10@13c; fresh
+made, streaked butter, 9@11c.
+
+BRAN.--Quoted at $11 87-1/2@13 50 per ton; extra choice $13.
+
+BROOM-CORN--Good to choice hurl 6-1/2@7-1/2c per lb; green self-working
+5@6c; red-tipped and pale do 4@5c; inside and covers 3@4c; common short
+corn 2-1/2@3-1/2c; crooked, and damaged, 2@4c, according to quality.
+
+CHEESE.--Choice full-cream cheddars 13@13-1/2c per lb; medium quality do
+9@10c; good to prime full cream flats 13@13-3/4c; skimmed cheddars
+9@10c; good skimmed flats 6@7c; hard-skimmed and common stock 3@4c.
+
+EGGS.--In a small way the best brands are quotable at 25@26c per dozen;
+20@23c for good ice house stock; 18@19c per pickled.
+
+HAY.--No 1 timothy $10@10 50 per ton; No 2 do $8 50@9 50; mixed do $7@8;
+upland prairie $8 00@10 75; No 1 prairie $6@7; No 2 do $4 50@5 50.
+Small bales sell at 25@50c per ton more than large bales.
+
+HIDES AND PELTS.--Green-cured light hides 8-1/4c per lb; do heavy cows
+8c; No 2 damaged green-salted hides 6c; green-salted calf 12@12-1/2
+cents; green-salted bull 6 c; dry-salted hides 11 cents; No. 2
+two-thirds price; No. 1 dry flint 14@14-1/2c. Sheep pelts salable at
+28@32c for the estimated amount of wash wool on each pelt. All branded
+and scratched hides are discounted 15 per cent from the price of No. 1.
+
+HOPS.--Prime to choice New York State hops 25@26c per lb; Pacific coast
+of 23@26c; fair to good Wisconsin 15@20c.
+
+POULTRY.--Prices for good to choice dry picked and unfrozen lots are:
+Turkeys 13@14c per lb; chickens 9@10c; ducks 12@13c; geese 9@11c. Thin,
+undesirable, and frozen stock 2@3c per lb less than these figures; live
+offerings nominal.
+
+POTATOES.--Good to choice 37@40c per bu. on track; common to fair
+30@35c. Illinois sweet potatoes range at $3 50@4 per bbl for yellow.
+Baltimore stock at $2 25@2 75, and Jerseys at $5. Red are dull and
+nominal.
+
+TALLOW AND GREASE.--No 1 country tallow 7@7-1/4c per lb; No 2 do
+6-1/4@6-1/2c. Prime white grease 6@6-1/2c; yellow 5-1/4@5-3/4c; brown
+4-1/2@5.
+
+VEGETABLES.--Cabbage, $8@12 per 100; celery, 25@35c per doz bunches;
+onions, $1 00@1 25 per bbl for yellow, and $1 for red; turnips,
+$1 35@1 50 per bbl for rutabagas, and $1 00 for white flat.
+
+WOOL.--from store range as follows for bright wools from Wisconsin,
+Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Eastern Iowa--dark Western lots
+generally ranging at 1@2c per lb. less.
+
+Coarse and dingy tub                           25@30
+Good medium tub                                31@34
+Unwashed bucks' fleeces                        14@15
+Fine unwashed heavy fleeces                    18@22
+Fine light unwashed heavy fleeces              22@23
+Coarse unwashed fleeces                        21@22
+Low medium unwashed fleeces                    24@25
+Fine medium unwashed fleeces                   26@27
+Fine washed fleeces                            32@33
+Coarse washed fleeces                          26@28
+Low medium washed fleeces                      30@32
+Fine medium washed fleeces                     34@35
+
+Colorado and Territory wools range as follows:
+
+Lowest grades                                  14@16
+Low medium                                     18@22
+Medium                                         22@26
+Fine                                           16@24
+
+Wools from New Mexico:
+
+Lowest grades                                  14@16
+Part improved                                  16@17
+Best improved                                  19@23
+
+Burry from 2c to 10c off: black 2c to 5c off.
+
+
+LIVE STOCK MARKETS.
+
+The total receipts and shipments for last week were as follows:
+
+                                  Received. Shipped.
+Cattle                               38,913   18,801
+Calves                                  216       37
+Hogs                                169,076   42,205
+Sheep                                24,595   14,225
+
+CATTLE.--Notwithstanding a reported advance in England, cattle did not
+improve in prices over Saturday. Indeed, there was a decline of a few
+cents per hundred. The supplies were large and the quality inferior.
+Indeed few really fat cattle came in during the week. Eastern markets
+were reported as over stocked. Shippers and dressed meat operators
+bought rather freely of common lots. We may quote as follows:
+
+Fancy fat cattle                                  $7 00@ 7 25
+Choice to prime steers                             6 25@ 6 85
+Fair to good shipping steers                       5 60@ 6 20
+Common to medium steers                            4 65@ 5 55
+Butcher's steers                                   4 50@ 5 00
+Cows and bulls, common to good                     3 25@ 4 50
+Inferior cows and bulls                            2 30@ 3 20
+Stockers                                           3 50@ 4 50
+Feeders                                            4 25@ 4 75
+Milch cows, per head                              25 00@55 00
+Veal calves, per 100 lbs.                          4 00@ 7 25
+
+HOGS.-There were fair receipts on Saturday and Monday--an aggregate of
+21,000 head or some 7,000 more than for the same days last week. As city
+packers are at work again, the market was quite active. They bought
+about 15,000 head, and shippers took nearly all that were left. Prices
+advanced from 5 to 10 cents. It may be said in general that the quality
+of the hogs now coming in is poor. Heavy lots were sold at $5 15@6 25;
+light hogs brought $5@5 60. Skips and culls $3 25@5.
+
+Note.--All sales of hogs are made subject to a shrinkage of 40 lbs for
+piggy sows and 80 lbs for stags. Dead hogs sell for 1-1/2c per lb for
+weights of 200 and over and [Transcriber's Note: blank in original] for
+weights of less than 100 lbs.
+
+SHEEP.--The supply was sufficient to meet the demand, though
+considerably less than on Monday of last week. Really choice animals
+were scarce. Shippers and butchers bought freely. Common lots were dull,
+bringing $5 25@5 50, while fancy lots sold at $5.75@6. Very inferior
+sheep sold at $2 50.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+COMMISSION MERCHANTS.
+
+J.H. WHITE & CO.,
+
+PRODUCE COMMISSION
+
+106 WATER ST., CHICAGO.
+
+Refers to this paper.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+
+First-Class Plants
+OF BEST VARIETIES OF SMALL FRUITS.
+
+Catalogues free. Address
+O. B. GALUSHA,
+Peoria, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Print Your Own Cards
+
+Labels, Envelopes, etc. with our $3 PRINTING PRESS. Larger sizes for
+circulars, etc., $8 to $75. For pleasure, money making, young or old.
+Everything easy, printed instructions. Send 2 stamps for Catalogue of
+Presses, Type, Cards, etc., to the factory.
+
+KELSEY & CO., MERIDEN, CONN.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FOR SALE.
+
+Pure bred Bronze Turkeys and Pekin Ducks. Also eggs in Season.
+
+MRS. J. F. FULTON,
+
+Petersburg. Ills.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MARLBORO RED RASPBERRY
+
+Send to the originators for history and terms. A. S. Caywood & Son,
+Marlboro, N. Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PIG EXTRICATOR
+
+To aid animals in giving birth. Send for free circular to WM. DULIN,
+Avoca, Pottawattamie Co., Ia.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+EDUCATIONAL.
+
+
+UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
+AMERICAN
+VETERINARY COLLEGE,
+141 WEST 54TH ST., NEW YORK CITY.
+
+The regular course of lectures commences in October each year. Circular
+and information can be had on application to
+
+A. LIAUTARD, M.D.V.S.,
+Dean of the Faculty.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SPECIAL OFFER.
+
+$67 FOR $18!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A Superb New Family
+
+Sewing Machine!
+
+Combining all the most recent improvements, and now selling for $65, is
+offered by THE PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING COMPANY to subscribers to THE
+PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+FOR $18,
+
+including one year's subscription to the paper.
+
+This exceptional offer will remain open for a few days only.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEWING SILK.
+
+Corticelli Sewing Silk,
+
+[Illustration]
+
+LADIES, TRY IT!
+
+The Best Sewing Silk Made.
+
+Every Spool Warranted.
+
+Full Length, Smooth and Strong.
+
+Ask your Storekeeper for Corticelli Silk.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+
+1884.
+
+_Now is the Time to Subscribe._
+
+Harper's Periodicals.
+
+Per Year:
+
+HARPER'S MAGAZINE                                $4 00
+HARPER'S WEEKLY                                   4 00
+HARPER'S BAZAR                                    4 00
+HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE                             1 50
+HARPER'S FRANKLIN SQUARE LIBRARY,
+    One year (52 Numbers)                        10 00
+
+_Postage Free to all subscribers in the United States or
+Canada._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Volumes of the WEEKLY and BAZAR begin with the first numbers for
+January, the Volumes of the YOUNG PEOPLE with the first Number for
+November, and the Volumes of the MAGAZINE with the Numbers for June and
+December of each year.
+
+Subscriptions will be entered with the Number of each Periodical current
+at the time of receipt of order, except in cases where the subscriber
+otherwise directs.
+
+Specimen copy of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE sent on receipt of four cents in
+stamps.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HARPER'S FRANKLIN SQUARE LIBRARY: A weekly publication, containing works
+of Travel, Biography, History, Fiction, and Poetry, at prices ranging
+from 10 to 25 cents per number. Full list of _Harper's Franklin Square
+Library_ will be furnished gratuitously on application to HARPER &
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+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Remittances should be made by Post-Office Money Order or Draft, to avoid
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+
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+mailed on receipt of Ten Cent in Postage Stamps.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
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+
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+pays a profit; honest business; Agents clear $20 to $30 a week
+introducing it; no risk to you; terms easy; full satisfaction; a harvest
+for live men with small capital. Address
+
+F. C. RENNER, New Midway, Frederick Co., Md.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3,
+January 19, 1884., by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRAIRIE FARMER ***
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+    <title>
+      The Project Gutenberg eBook of The Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56, No. 3., January 19, 1884.
+    </title>
+    <style type="text/css">
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+<pre>
+
+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3, January 19,
+1884., by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3, January 19, 1884.
+       A Weekly Journal for the Farm, Orchard and Fireside
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: July 10, 2007 [EBook #22040]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ISO-8859-1
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRAIRIE FARMER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Susan Skinner, Juliet Sutherland and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+</pre>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_33" id="Page_33">[Pg 33]</a></span></p>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus-001.jpg" width="600" height="189" alt="The Prairie Farmer
+
+A Weekly Journal for
+
+The Farm, Orchard, and Fireside." title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 95%;" />
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="" width="100%">
+
+<tr><td align='left' style='font-size: small;'><span class='smcap'>ESTABLISHED IN 1841.<br />ENTIRE SERIES: Vol. 56&mdash;No. 3.</span></td><td align='center'>CHICAGO, SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1884.</td><td align='right' style='font-size: small'>PRICE, $2.00 PER YEAR, IN ADVANCE.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+<hr style="width: 95%;" />
+
+<p>[Transcriber's Note: The Table of Contents was originally located on page 40 of the periodical. It has
+been moved here for ease of use.]</p>
+
+<h2>THE CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.</h2>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Agriculture</span>&mdash;The Corn Root Worm, Page <a href="#The_Corn-Root_Worm">33</a>; Biographical Sketch of Patrick
+Barry, <a href="#Patrick_Barry">33</a>; Compiled Correspondence, <a href="#Compiled_Correspondence">33</a>; Illinois Tile-Makers Convention
+Report, <a href="#Illinois_Tile-Makers">34</a>; Farmers Advice, <a href="#Farmers_Advice">35</a>; Cisterns on the farm, <a href="#Cisterns_on_the_Farm">35</a>; Field and
+Furrow Items, <a href="#Field_and_Furrow">35</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Live Stock</span>&mdash;Iowa Wool-Men, Page <a href="#Iowa_Wool_Men">36</a>; Polled Cattle-Breeders, <a href="#Polled_Cattle-Breeders">36</a>; Merino
+Sheep-Breeders, <a href="#Merino_Sheep_Breeders">36</a>; Cattle Diseases, <a href="#Cattle_Disease">36</a>; The Horse and His Treatment
+<a href="#The_Horse_and_His_Treatment">36-37</a>; Cost of Pork on 1883 Corn, <a href="#Cost_of_Pork_on_1883_Corn">37</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Veterinary</span>&mdash;Grease, So-Called, Page <a href="#Grease_So-Called">37</a>; Foul in the Foot, <a href="#Foul_in_the_Foot">37</a>; Founder,
+<a href="#Founder">37</a>; Question Answered, <a href="#Questions_Answered_1">37</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Dairy</span>&mdash;Curing Cheese, Page <a href="#Curing_Cheese">37</a>; Items, <a href="#dairyitems">37</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Horticulture</span>&mdash;Southern Ills. Hort. Society, Page <a href="#Southern_Ill_Horticultural_Society">38</a>; Notes on Current
+Topics, <a href="#Notes_on_Current_Topics">38</a>; Pear Blight, <a href="#Pear_Blight">38</a>; Treatment of Tree Wound, <a href="#Treatment_of_Tree_Wounds">38</a>; The Tomato
+Pack of 1883, <a href="#The_Tomato_Pack_of_1883">38</a>; Sweating Apples, <a href="#Sweating_Apples">39</a>; Prunings Items, <a href="#Prunings">39</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Floriculture</span>&mdash;Smilax and its Uses, Page <a href="#SMILAX_AND_ITS_USES">39</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Editorial</span>&mdash;Will You? Page <a href="#WILL_YOU">40</a>; Items, <a href="#editorial_items">40</a>; The Wealth of the Nation, <a href="#THE_WEALTH_OF_THE_NATION">40</a>;
+Contagious Animal Disease, <a href="#CONTAGIOUS_ANIMAL_DISEASES">40, 41</a>; Iowa State Fair, <a href="#IOWA_STATE_FAIR">41</a>; Still Another
+Fat Stock Show, <a href="#STILL_ANOTHER_FAT_STOCK_SHOW">41</a>; Questions Answered, <a href="#Questions_Answered_2">41</a>; Letter from Champaign, <a href="#Letter_from_Champaign">41</a>;
+Wayside Notes, <a href="#Wayside_Notes">41</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Poultry Notes</span>&mdash;Chicken Chat, Page <a href="#Chicken_Chat">42</a>; Business Still Running, <a href="#Business_Still_Running">42</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Apiary</span>&mdash;The Best Hive, Page <a href="#The_Best_Hive">42</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Scientific</span>&mdash;Some Gossip About Darwin, Page <a href="#Some_Gossip_About_Darwin">43</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Household</span>&mdash;"Going up Head" (poetry), Page <a href="#GOING_UP_HEAD">44</a>; Too Fat to Marry, <a href="#Too_Fat_To_Marry">44</a>;
+Ornaments for Homes, <a href="#Ornaments_for_Homes">44</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Young Folks</span>&mdash;Chat About a Bear, Page <a href="#Chat_About_a_Bear">45</a>; A Fairy Story, by Little
+Johnnie, <a href="#A_Fairy_Story_by_Little_Johnny">45</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Literature</span>&mdash;For Those Who Fail (poetry), Page <a href="#FOR_THOSE_WHO_FAIL">46</a>; A Singular
+Philosopher, <a href="#A_SINGULAR_PHILOSOPHER">46</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Humorous</span>&mdash;The Donkey's Dream, Page <a href="#THE_DONKEYS_DREAM">47</a>; Tom Typo <a href="#TOM_TYPO">47</a>; Courtship of a
+Vassar Girl, <a href="#Courtship_of_a_Vassar_Girl">47</a>; Items, <a href="#humour_item">47</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">News of the Week</span>&mdash;Page <a href="#GENERAL_NEWS">48</a>.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Markets</span>&mdash;Page <a href="#MARKETS">48</a>.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="The_Corn-Root_Worm" id="The_Corn-Root_Worm"></a>The Corn-Root Worm.</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Editor Prairie Farmer</span>&mdash;I write you in regard to the corn question. I
+would like to know if angle-worms damage corn.</p>
+
+<p>Eight years ago I came to the conclusion that I could raise double the
+number of bushels of corn that I was then raising. I then commenced
+experimenting on a small scale. I succeeded very well for the first
+three or four years. I got so that I could raise over ninety bushels per
+acre. In one year I got a few pounds over 100 bushels per acre. Three
+years ago my crop began to fail, and has continued to fail up to the
+present year, with the same treatment. Last year it was so bad that I
+concluded to examine the roots of the corn plants. I found both
+angle-worms and grubs in the roots. This year I went into a thorough
+examination and found nothing there but angle-worms, with a wonderful
+increase. They were right at the end of the stalk where the roots were
+thick, but the worms thicker.</p>
+
+<p>The corn at first seems to do very well, but long before the grain gets
+ripe the leaves begin to get dry and the stalks commence falling. The
+consequence is that over one-half the corn is loose on the cob and the
+ears very short. I am entirely headed in the corn line. Is it the
+angle-worms? If so, what is the remedy? I plant my corn every year on
+the same ground. I allow no weeds to grow in my cornfield. Farmers can
+not afford to raise weeds. I remove all weeds and put corn in their
+places.</p>
+
+<p>I have plowed my land for the next year's crop of corn and put on twenty
+loads of manure to the acre and plowed it under. I have no faith in
+planting the ground next year unless I can destroy the worms that I call
+angle-worms. I have consulted several of my brother farmers, and they
+say that the angle-worms never destroy a crop of corn.</p>
+
+<p>I thought last year that my seed corn was poor and run out, so I went to
+Chicago and got Sibley's "Pride of the North," but that was no better.</p>
+
+<p>If you will kindly inform me how to remedy this looseness of the kernel
+I will agree to show you how 100 bushels of corn can be raised on one
+acre every good corn year.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">Horace Hopkins.</span><br />
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 4em;">Desplaines, Ill.</span>, Jan. 2.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>We sent this communication to Professor Forbes, State Entomologist and
+received the following reply:</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Editor Prairie Farmer</span>&mdash;There can be hardly a shadow of a doubt that the
+injury which your correspondent so graphically describes is due to the
+corn root-worm (Diabrotica longicornis), a full account of which will be
+found in my report for 1882, published last November.</p>
+
+<p>The clue to his whole difficulty lies in the sentence, "I plant my corn
+every year on the same ground." As the beetles from which the root-worms
+descend lay their eggs in corn fields in autumn, and as these eggs do
+not hatch until after corn planting in the following spring, a simple
+change of crops for a single year, inevitably starves the entire
+generation to death in the ground.</p>
+
+<p>I inclose a slip, giving a brief account of this most grievous pest; but
+the article in my last report already referred to will be found more
+satisfactory.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">S. A. Forbes.</span><br />
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 4em;">Normal, Ill.</span>, January 3.</p>
+
+<p>P.S.&mdash;You will probably remember that I published a paper on this insect
+in <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> for December 30, 1882.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p>The following is the description referred to:</p>
+
+<p class='center'>
+<i>From the "Crop Report" for 1882.</i><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>"The corn-root worm, in the form in which it affects the roots of corn,
+is a slender white grub, not thicker than a pin, from one fourth to
+three-eighths of an inch in length, with a small brown head, and six
+very short legs. It commences its attack in May or June, usually at some
+distance from the stalk, towards which it eats its way beneath the
+epidermis, killing the root as fast as it proceeds. Late in July or
+early in August it transforms in the ground near the base of the hill,
+changing into a white pupa, about fifteen-hundredths of an inch long and
+two-thirds that width, looking somewhat like an adult beetle, but with
+the wings and wing-covers rudimentary, and with the legs closely drawn
+up against the body. A few days later it emerges as a perfect insect,
+about one-fifth of an inch in length, varying in color from pale
+greenish-brown to bright grass-green, and usually without spots or
+markings of any kind. The beetle climbs up the stalk, living on fallen
+pollen and upon the silk at the tip of the ear until the latter dies,
+when a few of the beetles creep down between the husks, and feed upon
+the corn itself, while others resort for food to the pollen of such
+weeds in the field as are at that time in blossom. In September and
+October the eggs are laid in the ground upon or about the roots of the
+corn, and most of the beetles soon after disappear from the field. They
+may ordinarily be found upon the late blooming plants, feeding as usual
+upon the pollen of the flowers, and also to some extent upon molds and
+other fungi, and upon decaying vegetation. There can be no further doubt
+that the insect is single-brooded, that it hibernates in the egg as a
+rule, and that this does not hatch until after the ground has been
+plowed and planted to corn in the spring probably in May or June.</p>
+
+<p>"Although the adult beetles, when numerous, do some harm by eating the
+silk before the kernels are fertilized by the pollen, and also destroy
+occasionally a few kernels in the tip of the ear, yet the principal
+injury is done by the larva in its attack upon the roots. The extent of
+this injury depends not only upon the number of the worms, but also upon
+the soil and weather and the general condition of the crop, being worst
+on high land and in dry weather. Under specially unfavorable
+circumstances the loss due to the insect may amount to from one-fourth
+to one-half or even three-fourths of the crop; but when the conditions
+are generally favorable, it rarely amounts to more than ten or twenty
+per cent, and frequently even to less. Although the roots penetrated by
+the larv&aelig; die and decay, thrifty corn will throw out new ones to replace
+those lost. The hold of the stalk upon the ground is often so weakened
+that a slight wind is sufficient to prostrate the corn. Under these
+circumstances it will often throw out new roots from the joints above
+the ground, thus rallying to a certain extent against serious injury.</p>
+
+<p>"As the result of numerous observations and comparisons, it is clearly
+to be seen that little or no mischief is done except in fields that have
+been in corn during the year or two preceding, and a frequent change of
+crops is therefore a complete preventive. Beyond this, the life history
+of the insect gives us little hope of fighting it effectually except at
+too great expense, as the eggs and worms are scattered and hidden in the
+ground, and the perfect beetle is widely dispersed throughout the
+field."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">California</span> has about eighty thousand tons of wheat to ship to Europe.
+Besides this a large amount is already stowed in ships.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Patrick_Barry" id="Patrick_Barry"></a>Patrick Barry.</h2>
+
+
+<p>Our portrait this week is of Patrick Barry, Esq., the noted nurseryman
+and horticulturist of Rochester, N. Y. Mr. Barry was born near Belfast,
+Ireland, in 1816. His father was a small farmer, but he gave the boy a
+good education, and at eighteen he was appointed to teach in one of the
+national schools. At the age of twenty he resigned this position, and
+came to America, where he began clerking in the Linn&aelig;an nurseries, at
+Flushing, L. I. During his stay of four years here he mastered the
+principles of the nursery business. In 1840 he moved to Rochester, and
+forming a partnership with Mr. Ellwanger, started the famous Mount Hope
+Nurseries. They began on a tract of but seven acres. In 1852 he issued
+the "Fruit Garden," which is to this day a standard work among
+horticulturists. Previous to this he had written largely for the
+agricultural and horticultural press. In 1852 he also began editing the
+Horticulturist, then owned by Mr. James Vick. Mr. Barry's second great
+work, and the one involving most time and labor was the Catalogue of the
+American Pomological Society.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus-003.jpg" width="400" height="584" alt="Patrick Barry" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Patrick Barry</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Mr. Barry has long been President of the Western New York Horticultural
+Society. He is also a member of the Board of Control of the New York
+Experiment Station. He has served several terms in the city council of
+Rochester and in the Board of Supervisors of the country. Mr. Barry is
+an active business man and besides his great labor in conducting the
+nursery affairs, he discharges the duties of President of many corporate
+enterprises in which he has large financial interests. Mr. Barry was
+happily married in 1847, and the amiable sharer of his hardships and his
+successes is still living.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Compiled_Correspondence" id="Compiled_Correspondence"></a>Compiled Correspondence.</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Hancock Co.</span>, Dec. 31.&mdash;Weather very disagreeable; snow six inches deep,
+and from rain and sleet and thaw and freeze, has formed a hard crust, so
+as to make bad traveling&mdash;in the roads icy and slippery. To-day cloudy,
+damp and cool. A few days ago the mercury reached 8 degrees below zero,
+the lowest of the season. It is very hard on stock, and many of the
+cattle are without shelter, as usual. Accept New Year greetings for all
+<span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> family.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">L. T</span>.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mills Co., Mo.</span>, Jan. 8.&mdash;Since the first of January we have had hard
+winter weather. An old weather prophet says we are to have just such
+weather for forty days. I sincerely hope not. On Friday night, January
+4th and 5th, all the thermometers commonly used by farmers went clear
+down out of sight. As they only mark about 30 degrees below zero it was
+uncertain how cold it really was. Unsheltered stock suffered terribly. A
+few farmers were caught without wood, and suffered from the storm in
+securing a supply. We have had five days of snow so that there is a
+heavy coat all over.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">A. J. L.</span></p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">St. Louis, Mo.</span>, January 13.&mdash;Advices from Mobile say the late cold snap
+caused immense damage in that section. The loss to the orange groves is
+estimated at nearly a $1,000,000, and the value of vegetables killed in
+Mobile county alone will reach the same sum. Great damage was also done
+to orange groves in Florida, but many orange growers profited by the
+Signal Service warning and built fires in their groves, and thus saved
+their trees. News from the Michigan peach belt is that the fruits are
+uninjured.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_34" id="Page_34">[Pg 34]</a></span></p><p><span class="smcap">Strawberries</span> are sold in New York city at fifteen cents each.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="Agricultural" id="Agricultural"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-005.jpg" width="500" height="152" alt="Agricultural
+Farmers, Write for Your Paper." title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="Illinois_Tile-Makers" id="Illinois_Tile-Makers"></a>Illinois Tile-Makers.</h2>
+
+<p>The Illinois State Tile-Makers' Convention at Springfield, last week,
+was more largely attended than in any previous year since the
+association was formed. Nearly one hundred joined the association.</p>
+
+<p>The convention was welcomed to the city by Governor Hamilton in an
+appropriate address in which he expressed his deep sympathy with and
+interest in all the manufacturing enterprises that are giving employment
+to the people and adding wealth to the State. He announced himself as in
+favor of protection and encouragement to the manufacturing interests. He
+thought the tile men were greatly adding to the wealth and
+productiveness of Illinois, and that they were also indirectly improving
+the health of the people.</p>
+
+<p>The President's address was brief but full of information and good
+sense. He pointed out at length the improvements in tile kilns, and in
+various appliances, which have been made in recent years, and declared
+that valuable as these all are, they can not make up for the lack of
+skill and experience. He believed the increased interest in terra cotta,
+and in useful ornamental and out tiling points to the great source of
+supply as the timber of the country decreases in quantity. The
+drain-tile manufacture was simply the beginning of an era of skillful
+clay working, which would not only add greatly to the fertility of the
+soil, but to the means of the beauty and endurance in numerous forms of
+building. Of the statistics of the business, he said the latest
+information is that there are in the State 600 factories, built at an
+average cost of $3,000 each, employing about 5,400 men seven months each
+year, who receive about $250,000 and their board. The total annual
+capacity of these factories he estimates at 56,100 miles annually. He
+estimates the amount invested in the industry, including the value of
+tile already laid, at $5,000,000, and the increased value of land
+drained at $10,000,000.</p>
+
+<p>The Secretary's report gave the general condition of the society. In
+1879 it was composed of forty-five members; in 1880, of thirty-five; in
+1881, of twenty-eight; in 1882, fifty-three; in 1883, of eighty-three,
+and in 1884, of eighty-six. The first meetings of the association were
+necessarily crude, the programme having been prepared after the
+association met. Now, however, they were in working harness, and met
+with a regularly prepared programme. The proceedings of the meetings and
+a summary of the papers read and discussed, are now published in the
+report of the State Board of Agriculture.</p>
+
+<p>The treasurer, John McCabe, Esq., of Rushville, made his report of which
+the following is the summary:</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>Amount on hand at last report</td><td align='right'>$29 35</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Received from members last year</td><td align='right'>82 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td></td><td align='right' class='bt'>$111 35</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Paid out last year</td><td align='right'>87 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Balance in the treasury</td><td align='right' class='bt'>$ 23 85</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p>These reports were followed by an essay by Mr. C. G. Elliott, which is
+of so much merit that we give it in full deferring a further report of
+proceedings until next week.</p>
+
+
+<h4>MISTAKES IN DRAINAGE.</h4>
+
+<p>To speak of our successes rather than our mistakes, is far more
+agreeable to ourselves and also to others. We all take pride in giving
+our experience in any work when we have been successful, but our errors
+and mistakes we often carefully hide from public gaze. The transactions
+of our industrial conventions are largely made up of the successful
+parts of the experiences of members. Our tile manufacturers fail to
+speak of their losses in correcting mistakes the number of kilns they
+have rebuilt, the number of tile they weekly commit to the waste pile,
+the percentage of good and poor tile in each kiln, and many other things
+that your humble servant will probably never suspect until he attempts
+to manufacture tile.</p>
+
+<p>A similar statement may be made with reference to drainage mistakes. How
+many dry weather drains do we hear mentioned in our conventions, or see
+described in our newspapers. By such drains, I mean those which in
+favorable seasons so operate as to permit the land to produce a heavy
+crop&mdash;one worth publishing&mdash;while in wet years, merely a total loss
+results. Cases of such drainage can be numbered by the score. How many
+miles of drain tile have been taken up and relaid during the past year
+because of some mistake in plan, size of tile, or execution of the work?
+Much might be said of drainage mistakes in a general way, but it is
+proposed in this paper to treat the subject in a specific and practical
+manner. It may be encouraging to remember that it is only by comparing
+success with mistakes that we make progress in any valuable science or
+art. Great skill and success rest upon a foundation of corrected
+mistakes.</p>
+
+
+<h4>MISTAKE NO. 1&mdash;LACK OF INFORMATION ON DRAINAGE.</h4>
+
+<p>We might more properly call this the cause of many mistakes. "Knowledge
+is power," says the old adage, and we might add that knowledge in
+drainage is success. This knowledge may be obtained in three ways:
+First, from reliable books; second, by inquiring of others who have had
+experience; third, by our own experience. The first is of prime
+importance to the beginner, for in books are found statements of the
+general principles and philosophy of drainage, together with the best
+methods and practice known. The second is often unreliable, for the
+reason that the error of one is often copied by another and becomes wide
+spread before it is detected. The third, though valuable is costly, and
+discouraging to the learner. Gleanings from all of these sources will,
+perhaps, give the most complete satisfaction.</p>
+
+<p>Tile drainage began to be practiced in my own neighborhood about seven
+years ago. Those who were about to begin knew nothing about drainage,
+except from hearsay knowledge that had crept into the community. Not a
+single book upon the subject was consulted or even inquired for. Even
+now they are as rare in farmers libraries as the classic poets. Farmer
+A. wished to drain and consulted farmer B., who had put in some tile the
+year before. Did he think it paid? Yes. What kind of tile did he use and
+how was the work done? So A. planned and did his work in accordance with
+information obtained from B. Neighbor C. followed A., and so the work
+spread. It is now found that mistakes were made in the beginning which
+were handed from one to the other, until now, no alternative remains but
+to remove the whole work, and no little trouble and expense. This case
+is but one out of many which might be stated illustrating the lack of
+information at the beginning of drainage work. My observation upon this
+point has been that those have availed themselves of information given
+in books and papers upon drainage matters made fewer mistakes and did
+better work than those who relied upon the general wave of progress to
+push them along in the footsteps of their nearest neighbor. The theory,
+as well as the art, of drainage should be studied, and all knowledge
+adapted to the peculiarities of each case.</p>
+
+
+<h4>MISTAKE NO. 2&mdash;NOT PLANNING FOR FUTURE DRAINAGE.</h4>
+
+<p>A mistake often made by the novice is, that at first, drains are located
+without reference to the future drainage of other parts of the farm.
+Drains are put in as experiments, very much as we would plant a new
+variety of fruit or grain, expecting that probably the chances are
+against their success. Subsequently, when plans for more extended
+drainage are made, the drains already in operation were found to poorly
+serve the desired purpose.</p>
+
+<p>In order to guard against this mistake, have faith in drainage. Put it
+down on the whitest page of your memorandum, and with your best pen and
+ink, that drainage will pay, and the fewer mistakes made about it the
+better it will pay. Put it down that the time will come when you will
+drain all of your wet land, and make your plans accordingly. Many times
+have I heard this objection to locating a drain so as to benefit a
+certain field, "O no; I'll never drain that field. It's all right as it
+is. If I can only get this wet over here dry I shall be satisfied." In
+two years this same farmer was planning how he could drain the rejected
+field, and regretting that he had not made provision for it from the
+beginning. I have in mind several miles of tile that will be taken up
+during the coming season and relaid with reference to the drainage of
+all land having a natural slope in that direction.</p>
+
+
+<h4>MISTAKE NO. 3&mdash;NOT BEGINNING AT THE RIGHT PLACE.</h4>
+
+<p>Many of the drains first put in are at the head of the water shed
+instead of at the lower part or outlet. They discharge improperly and
+fail to fit into a more thorough system, where plans for better drainage
+are laid out.</p>
+
+<p>To avoid this error, begin at the outlet and work with reference to
+ultimately draining the whole section naturally sloping toward this
+outlet. If a surface ditch is necessary, make it. If tile can be used,
+lay them, even if only a fraction of the entire work is done each year.
+Drain laterally toward the main as it is carried upward. The outlay at
+first, rod for rod, will be greater, but the final cost will be less,
+and yearly profits greater.</p>
+
+<p>I have in mind several cases of unsatisfactory drainage growing out of a
+desire to avoid difficulty and expense in making a sufficient outlet.
+Among them may be named the following: Putting a drain across one side
+of a pond because sufficient depth can not be had to admit of its being
+run through the center. Placing drains each side of a slough, parallel
+to its center line, leaving the center undrained. Draining cultivated
+fields and allowing the water to discharge upon land occupying a lower
+level. All of these are make-shifts for the purpose of avoiding the
+expense of a good outlet.</p>
+
+<p>There is in this connection a difficulty which can not be overlooked,
+one which is beyond the control of the individual farmer, and that is,
+when the drainage section is owned by two or more parties. The
+adjustment of such cases has occupied the attention of our legislators,
+and some progress has been made in framing laws to meet the case, yet
+many difficulties remain unprovided for. If all parties agree to accept
+such awards and assessments as a commission may make, then the matter of
+drainage outlets can be satisfactorily adjusted, but if any party is
+disposed to resist, the desired drainage can be practically defeated. I
+may, at present, be justified in saying that where only a few neighbors
+are concerned, it is a mistake to attempt to use the law at all. Arrange
+the matter by mutual agreement or by leaving it to disinterested men to
+decide.</p>
+
+
+<h4>MISTAKE NO. 4&mdash;TOO SMALL TILE.</h4>
+
+<p>No mistake has become apparent sooner than this. The following
+observations will account for this, and also aid in correcting it. The
+whole area of land which naturally discharges toward the drain is not
+always taken into account. It is generally thought that land lying at
+some distance from the drain, though sloping toward it, does not affect
+the capacity required for the drain, whereas in times of heavy rains,
+when drains are taxed to their utmost, water flows from those more
+distant parts over the surface to the ground acted upon by the tile
+drain. We must then provide for the drainage not only of land contiguous
+to the drains but for an additional amount of water coming from
+adjoining slopes.</p>
+
+<p>Another popular error is that the diameter of the tile is the measure of
+its capacity, whereas the grade upon which it is laid is as important as
+the size of the tile. The extreme porosity of many of our soils, and the
+lack of thorough lateral drainage is another thing by reason of which
+main drains become over-taxed, simply because drainage water is not held
+in check by close soils, or distributed by lateral drains, but is
+brought in large quantities over the surface to the drain line, and must
+be taken away in a short time or injury is done to the land. In making
+mains or sub-mains it is better to err in making them too large than too
+small.</p>
+
+
+<h4>MISTAKE NO. 5&mdash;NOT LATERAL ENOUGH.</h4>
+
+<p>We expect too much from a single line of tile. We often see a line of
+tile put through a fifteen or twenty acre field with the expectation
+that the field will be drained, and thanks to our tractable soil, and
+the magic influence of tile, a great work is done for the field. It is,
+however, the dry weather drains previously alluded to. Put in the
+lateral drains so that the whole flat will come under the direct
+influence of tile, and you will have a garden spot instead of a field
+periodically flooded. Your sleep will not then be disturbed by fears
+that the morning will reveal your tiled field covered with water, and
+your corn crop on the verge of ruin. We often see a single line laid
+through a pond containing from one half to three acres. Ponds with such
+drainage always get flooded. Put in an abundance of laterals and the
+difficulty is overcome.</p>
+
+<p>I am glad to say that the tendency now among farmers who have practiced
+random drainage is toward more thorough work in this direction. The loss
+of an occasional crop soon demonstrates in favor of more thorough work.</p>
+
+
+<h4>MISTAKE NO. 6&mdash;INATTENTION TO DETAILS.</h4>
+
+<p>Farmers have been too much under the rule of professional ditchers.
+Having no well defined ideas of good drainage work, they have left the
+matter largely to the judgment, or rather the cupidity of the ditcher
+and the layer. There are many first-class, conscientious workmen, but it
+is to be regretted that the average ditcher does work far below the
+standard of excellence. If by some magic means the conditions of many of
+the drains in our State could be spread out before us in open view, it
+would be a wonder to this convention that tile drainage has wrought out
+such favorable results as it has. We would see tile laid on the siphon
+plan, good and poor joints, faulty connections, ditches crooked enough
+to baffle the sagacious mole should he attempt to follow the line.
+Patience would scarcely hold out to enumerate the exasperating defects
+of much of our drainage work. Nothing can overcome the egotism and
+self-confidence of the average ditcher except the constant supervision
+of the employer. Such work is so soon covered, and errors placed beyond
+immediate detection that nothing else will suffice. To guard against
+such mistakes, know what work you want and how you want it done, and
+then look after it yourself or employ some one in whom you have
+confidence to superintend it. When any mistake is guarded against, from
+beginning to end, the work will not be too well done. The cut-and-cover,
+hurry-scurry methods of doing things, common on some Western farms, will
+not do in drainage work. Carefulness in regard to every detail is the
+only safe rule to adopt.</p>
+
+
+<h4>MISTAKE NO. 7&mdash;FAILURE TO MAKE OPEN DITCHES FOR WATER COURSES.</h4>
+
+<p>The farmers of Illinois have, in many sections, been avoiding the main
+question in the drainage of our rich prairies, and that is the
+improvement of the natural water courses so that they will carry off the
+drainage water of sections for which they afford outlets. Every feasible
+plan and device has been used to circumvent the forces of nature and
+relieve valuable farm lands from surplus water. In the flat sections of
+our State nothing will serve this purpose but the deepening of our large
+sloughs by constructing capacious open ditches. Our land can not be
+properly drained without them. They must be of ample depth and width,
+and well made in every respect. No problem connected with the drainage
+interests of our State should, at present, receive more careful
+attention than this. Nature, has, in most cases, marked out the line for
+work, and says, "let man enlarge and complete for his undivided use
+according to his strength and skill." When such work is done, the demand
+for tile to supplement the drainage thus made possible will be
+unprecedented. The drainage of our roads will be facilitated, and the
+greatest difficulty thus far encountered in the drainage of our flat
+prairies will be overcome. Much has been attempted in this direction in
+some portions of the State, but many open ditches are too shallow, too
+small, and too carelessly made to serve the desired purpose.</p>
+
+<p>In pointing out some of the mistakes made in drainage, I am well aware
+that there are differences of opinion as to what may be properly
+considered a mistake. The aim of drainage is to fit the wet land of the
+entire farm for the successful cultivation of all the field crops at the
+least expense consistent with thoroughness. Now, if experiments must be
+tried by tiling here and there, and afterward take the tile up and
+remold the whole work, there is a loss which, were it not for the large
+profit resulting from the use of tile, would be disastrous.</p>
+
+<p>Should a Board of Public Works build several bridges of insufficient
+capacity in order to find out the necessary dimensions and strength of
+one which will serve their purpose, we should at once regard them
+incompetent and wasteful. I know of tile which have been taken up at
+three different times, larger tile being used each time. This farmer
+discards the use of lateral drains and rests his success upon single
+lines of large tile. He will probably be disappointed in this and,
+perhaps, finally hit upon the correct method. Would it not have been the
+part of wisdom to have obtained some reliable information upon that
+matter at first from books, from inquiring of others of longer
+experience, from a competent engineer, or from all of these sources?
+Anything which needlessly adds to the expense, or detracts from the
+efficiency of the work, should be regarded as a mistake.</p>
+
+<p>As a summary of what has been said regarding mistakes and how to avoid
+them, I append here a few</p>
+
+
+<h4>DRAINAGE MAXIMS.</h4>
+
+<ol><li> Become informed upon the theory and best methods known and used.</li>
+
+<li> Do not literally copy the methods of others, but carefully adapt them
+to your own case.</li>
+
+<li> Provide good outlets and large mains.</li>
+
+<li> Have faith in good tile and thorough work.</li>
+
+<li> Study economy and efficiency in locating drains.</li>
+
+<li> In difficult cases, or where you have doubt about the success of your
+plans, submit the case to a good engineer before expending money or
+labor.</li>
+
+<li> Employ good help by the day, and work it under a competent
+superintendent, rather than job out the work by the rod.</li>
+
+<li> Drain as you would plant fruit trees&mdash;for the future as well as the
+present.</li></ol>
+
+
+<p>I have been prosy and practical enough<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_35" id="Page_35">[Pg 35]</a></span> and now have used my allotted
+time and space. It may not be wholly out of place to further tax your
+time and patience, and ask you to lift your eyes from taking a critical
+view of defective drains, muddy ditches, and unattractive detail work,
+and look at the result of careful and thorough labor. As the years come
+and go with their changing seasons, your drained fields are ever your
+friends, always cheering you with a bountiful harvest, always answering
+to every industrious touch you may bestow upon them. "No excellence
+without labor," says the scholar to the discouraged student. "No
+excellence without labor," says the soil to the farmer, as he drains and
+plows and digs, and so we all learn that success in dealing with nature
+is brought about by thorough and honest work.</p>
+
+<p>Our enthusiasm scarcely knows bounds when we see that by our drainage
+work the apparently obstinate soil is made to reflect the sunlight from
+a covering of golden grain; when gardens and orchards bloom and yield
+fruit where once the willows dipped their drooping branches in the slimy
+fluid below, and frogs regaled the passer-by with their festive songs.
+Roses now twine over the rural cottage and send their fragrance into the
+wholesome air, where once the beaver reared his rude dwelling, and
+disease lurked in every breath, ready to seize his unsuspecting victim.</p>
+
+<p>Think you that these changes can be wrought without earnest and careful
+effort? I have but little sympathy with the glittering generalities and
+highly colored pictures of success in industrial pursuits, held before
+the public gaze by unpractical but well meaning public teachers. We need
+the dissemination of ideas of thoroughness and the knowledge necessary
+to put those ideas into practical use in order that the farmers of
+Illinois may make the fewest possible mistakes in drainage.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Farmers_Advice" id="Farmers_Advice"></a>Farmers Advice.</h2>
+
+<p>Farmers get plenty of advice. Were we able to work as easy and as well
+as the advice generally given to us would seem to indicate we could how
+easy and independent our occupation would become. In no other line of
+business is advice so freely given, and so much blame attached because
+the advice is not followed.</p>
+
+<p>The great trouble is that nearly everybody imagines they know how to
+farm. Although these same people may never have been practical farmers,
+they yet seem to think that anybody can farm, and, of course, they know
+as much about it as any one, and can tell at least how it ought to be
+done.</p>
+
+<p>Theoretical farming is always very fine&mdash;more so than any other calling.
+Very few believe in theory in other branches in business. As a rule, to
+be successful in other occupations, a long training is necessary; step
+by step must one go until each detail is learned. And it is only by
+industry, experience, and hard work that these are fully mastered.
+Advice is offered sparingly, because it is known that experience is the
+only true guide. But in farming theories are supposed to take the place
+of experience, and men who have very little, if any, practical knowledge
+can tell us how to farm. The fact is there is hardly a business or
+occupation that practically requires more study and experience than
+farming. A practical farmer, who makes his farm and farm work a study,
+learns something every day, and unless he is willing to learn not only
+by his own experience, but by that of others, he will soon discover that
+he is falling behind.</p>
+
+<p>Such a man is able to discriminate between the practical experience of
+one and the theory of the other. If new plans or new methods are
+presented, he can, in some degree, judge whether they are in any way
+practical, and if they are, he is willing to give them a trial. He knows
+that what might prove just the right thing to plant in one section of
+country, under certain conditions, and in some soils would, under a
+different climate and soil, result far from satisfactory. The large per
+cent of this kind of real practical knowledge can only be gained by
+experience.</p>
+
+<p>Whenever we meet a man who will not learn, we can not help but conclude
+that he will never make a successful farmer. We want to learn, too, not
+only by our successes, but by our failures. If we try a new plan and
+fail, we want to be able to know why we failed&mdash;just as much as to know
+why we succeeded.</p>
+
+<p>One great trouble with us in learning is that we are too apt to keep in
+mind our successes and forget the failures. This is the great fault of
+theoretical farming. If by a combination of favorable conditions success
+is obtained, it is given out as a fact&mdash;no exception being given or
+allowed for the very favorable conditions under which the method was
+tried. Such things may rightly be compared to the many specifics given
+to cure the various ills of life. A remedy is tried which, under
+favorable conditions, effects a cure, and forthwith the cure is given
+out as a specific. Others, with the same complaint but under different
+conditions, try the same remedy and fail to receive the least benefit.
+No mention is made of these failures, and, of course, others are induced
+to give the remedy a trial. For this reason it is always interesting to
+hear of failures as well as successes, provided the real cause can be
+stated.</p>
+
+<p class="smcap">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Miller Co., Mo.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">N. J. Shepherd</span>.<br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Cisterns_on_the_Farm" id="Cisterns_on_the_Farm"></a>Cisterns on the Farm.</h2>
+
+<p>There is hardly any one thing on a well-regulated farm so much needed as
+a cistern near the kitchen door, so the farmer's wife will have to go
+but a little distance for water, and no man knows how much is used in a
+farmer's kitchen, unless he carries it for his wife for six months or a
+year, and if he has to carry it a hundred yards or so from the spring,
+he will wonder what in the world his wife does with so much water.</p>
+
+<p>The cistern should be a large one and hold not less than 200 barrels,
+and well built, that is, walled up with brick and scientifically
+plastered. All of the pipes from the roof should lead into one hopper,
+and one pipe leading from the bottom of the hopper (under ground is the
+best) into the cistern. In the bottom of the hopper should be fitted a
+piece of woven wire, which can be readily taken out and put in again;
+the meshes of the wire should not be larger than one-eighth of an inch.
+This piece of woven wire should never be in its place except when water
+is running into the cistern, when it will serve as a strainer to keep
+leaves or trash of any kind from running into the cistern. A waste-water
+pipe should be attached to the down pipe (all of the down pipes should
+lead into one) which leads into the hopper, to waste all the water that
+comes from the roof until the water is perfectly clear and free from
+leaves or trash of any kind; then the waste-water pipe should be taken
+off and a pipe of proper length slipped onto the down pipe conducting
+the water, pure and clean, into the hopper. But before letting the water
+into the hopper, the piece of woven wire should be put in its place in
+the bottom of the hopper, and after the rain is over it should be taken
+out and hung up in a dry place until wanted again, and the waste-water
+pipe put on. If the piece of woven wire is left in the hopper the meshes
+will get filled up, and the hopper will fill with leaves and trash of
+all kinds and run over, and no water get into the cistern&mdash;and if it
+does it will not be pure. By this arrangement only pure water will run
+into the cistern; but even then it ought to be cleaned out very fall or
+early in the spring. Farmers will find a cistern in their house lots or
+inside the barn a great convenience&mdash;but the one near the kitchen is of
+the greatest importance because the men will not carry water if they can
+help it, and the farmer's wife, if she has any spunk, will insist upon
+the water being carried for her or raise the roof off the house, and I
+don't blame her&mdash;the hair on the top of my head is very thin&mdash;and
+scarce.</p>
+
+<p class="smcap">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Hike's Point, Ky.<br /></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">E. F. C.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Field_and_Furrow" id="Field_and_Furrow"></a>Field and Furrow.</h2>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mass. Ploughman</span>: Farm accounts, even when kept in the most simple form,
+not only afford great satisfaction, but they do much to aid the farmer
+in his efforts to success. If at the end of the season he is able to
+strike the balance, and thus learn the cost of his principal crops, he
+is in a position to correctly judge what crops will promise the most
+profit another year.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Farm Economist has this to say in regard to marketing corn. While it
+is contrary to general opinion, it is nevertheless true, as facts and
+figures are capable of proving: "Farmers in discussing their declining
+markets should remember that every bushel of corn sold in the form of
+whisky cuts off the sale of ten bushels in the form of meat. It might be
+well to consider this in discussing how the market for farm products can
+be improved." This same paper further remarks, "Where's the sense in a
+farmer growling because he is not represented in the government when he
+won't go to a convention and see that he is represented. Quit your
+growling and do your duty. One good vote in the primaries or in the
+convention is worth 1,757,362 growls afterward."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter states that the new phase to the Sumatra
+question has brought out considerable discussion among dealers in the
+Edgerton market and that the prevailing impression appears to be that
+even if the recent decision be upheld, under the jugglery by which
+Sumatra is run into the country, prices for 1883 Wisconsin leaf will not
+be materially affected, as it can not entirely supplant its use and
+there will be a good demand for all our product. The editor adds: The
+scarecrow argument will doubtless be used by some buyers in bearing the
+market, but we are inclined to look upon it more as a bugaboo than many
+others, whatever the effect may be on future crops. We know of no good
+reason why 1883 Wisconsin should sell for lower prices than have ruled
+thus far this season and the report from Eastern markets seem to warrant
+this view.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A. B. Allen</span>, in N. Y. Tribune: My cistern is about five feet in diameter
+and five feet deep. After cleaning it out in spring, I put about one
+bushel of sand in the bottom, and then let the rain-water come in. This
+keeps the water sweet and clear for a whole year. I have tried charcoal
+and various things for this purpose, but find pure clear sand best of
+all. It must not have other soil mixed with it, or any vegetable matter.
+The kind I use is white, and very like such as is found at the sea
+shore. Of course the roof end of the pipe should have wire gauze
+fastened over it so that no foul stuff can be carried down, and the
+eaves-troughs must be kept clean, the roof and chimneys also, and never
+be painted, or the latter even whitewashed. The sand is an excellent
+absorber of even the finest of foul stuff, and this is the reason, in
+addition to its own purity, of its keeping the water so free from
+generating the smell of ammonia.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Peoria Transcript:</span> During some of the comparatively idle days of winter,
+the farmer may combine pleasure with profit by hitching up, taking his
+family, and driving to some one of his successful farm neighbors for a
+friendly visit. Such an act may be looked upon by the man-of-toil as a
+poor excuse to get out of doing a day's work, but we venture that he who
+tries the experiment once will be very apt to repeat it as often as time
+or opportunity will justify. In our neighborhood, and we presume the
+same condition of affairs exists in nearly every locality, there are
+farmers who have lived within a mile or two of each other for years, who
+hardly know their neighbors from a stranger when they meet upon the
+public highway or at town meeting, and as for going to the house,
+nothing short of death in the family or some event of great importance
+will ever bring them into the friendly relations which should exist
+between neighboring farmers.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A New Jersey</span> correspondent of the Rural New Yorker writes: My clear
+water carp pond covers an area of about three-fourths of an acre, and is
+located about eighty feet below springs in the hillside, which furnish a
+never-failing supply of pure, clear water. The normal temperature of
+these springs, where they empty into the pond, varies but little
+according to season, but maintains an average of fifty degrees, Fah.
+Several times through the summer I found the water in the pond indicated
+an average of 80 degrees, Fah. The pond is so constructed that the water
+is constantly drawn from the bottom, thus keeping the surface at this
+high temperature. About one-half the pond is covered with mud to the
+depth of two feet or more&mdash;an essential in all carp ponds for
+hibernating. A limited supply of pure German carp fingerlings to place
+in the pond was sent me by Prof. S. F. Baird, United States Commissioner
+of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D. C., and placed therein on April
+6th last. No food was given besides that which grew in the pond. I saw
+them at rare intervals during the summer, and was agreeably surprised,
+when I drew the pond November 16th last past, to find that they had
+grown to be sixteen inches in length, and a pair weighed eight pounds.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h4>The Monarch Lightning Sawing Machine.</h4>
+
+<p>On our 268th page appears the advertisement of the New Improved Monarch
+Lightning Sawing Machine, manufactured by the Monarch Mfg. Co., 163
+Randolph. St., Chicago. The result of long experience in the manufacture
+of implements for cutting up wood is the superior and valuable machine
+which is advertised in our paper.</p>
+
+<p>Such of our readers who live in a timbered district, and who need such a
+machine, should send for their large illustrated free catalogue. This
+company is the largest and most successful corporation in this city
+engaged in manufacturing one man power drag saws. The Monarch Lightning
+Sawing Machine has been sold all over the Western States, and always
+gives satisfaction. It is a first-class firm, thoroughly reliable, and
+their machine is of superior excellence.&mdash;Farm, Field and Fireside,
+January, 1884.</p>
+
+<p>See their <a href="#Monarch_Lightning_Sawing_Machine">advertisement</a> on another page of this issue.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h3>FARM MACHINERY, Etc.</h3>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DEDERICK'S HAY PRESSES.</b></p>
+
+<p class='center'>are sent any where
+on trial to operate
+against all other presses,
+the customer
+keeping the one that suits best.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus-012a.jpg" width="400" height="181" alt="DEDERICK&#39;S HAY PRESSES." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Order on trial, address for circular and location of Western and
+Southern Storehouses and Agents.</p>
+
+<p><span style="font-size: large;"><b>TAKE NOTICE.</b></span>&mdash;As parties infringing our patents falsely claim premiums
+and superiority over Dederick's Reversible Perpetual Press. Now,
+therefore, I offer and guarantee as follows:</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">First.</span> That baling Hay with One Horse, Dederick's Press will bale to the
+solidity required to load a grain car, twice as fast as the presses in
+question, and with greater ease to both horse and man at that.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Second.</span> That Dederick's Press operated by One Horse will bale faster and
+more compact than the presses in question operated by Two Horses, and
+with greater ease to both man and beast.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Third.</span> That there is not a single point or feature of the two presses
+wherein Dederick's is not the superior and most desirable.</p>
+
+<p>Dederick Press will be sent any where on this guarantee, on trial at
+Dederick's risk and cost.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><b>P. K. DEDERICK &amp; CO., Albany, N. Y.</b></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 20%;">
+<img src="images/illus-012b.jpg" width="130" height="400" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 75%;">
+<p class="center" style='font-size: large'><span style="text-decoration:underline">GREAT SAVING FOR FARMERS.</span></p><br />
+<p class="center" style='font-size: x-large'>THE Lightning Hay Knife!</p>
+<p class="center">(<span class="smcap">Weymouth's Patent</span>.)</p>
+<br />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 150px;">
+<img src="images/illus-012c.jpg" width="150" height="85" alt="" title="" />
+</div><p class="center">
+Awarded "FIRST ORDER OF Merit" at Melbourne Exhibition, 1880.<br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="center">Was awarded the <b>first premium</b> at the International Exhibition in
+Philadelphia, 1876, and accepted by the Judges as <b>Superior to Any Other
+Knife in Use.</b></p>
+<p class="center">It is the <b>BEST KNIFE</b> in the <i>world</i> to cut <i>fine feed</i> from bale, to
+cut down <i>mow</i> or <i>stack</i>, to cut <i>corn-stalks</i> for feed, to cut <i>peat</i>,
+or for ditching in marshes, and has no equal for cutting ensilage from
+the silo. TRY IT.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>IT WILL PAY YOU.</b></p>
+<p class="center">Manufactured only by<br />
+<br />
+<b>HIRAM HOLT &amp; CO., East Wilton, Me., U.S.A.</b></p>
+<p class="center"><i>For sale by Hardware Merchants and the trade generally</i></p>
+</div>
+
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p class ='center' style='font-size: x-large'>THE CHICAGO<br />
+DOUBLE HAY AND STRAW PRESS</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus-012d.jpg" width="400" height="236" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class='center'>Guaranteed to load more Hay or Straw in a box car
+than any other, and bale at a less cost per ton. Send
+for circular and price list. Manufactured by the Chicago
+Hay Press Co., Nos. 3354 to 3358 State St., Chicago.
+Take cable car to factory. Mention this paper.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p class="center" style='font-size: x-large'>Sawing Made Easy</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>Monarch Lightning Sawing Machine!</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">Sent on 30 Days test Trial.</p>
+
+<p class="center">A Great Saving of Labor &amp; Money.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus-012e.jpg" width="400" height="209" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">A boy 16 years old can saw logs FAST and EASY. <span class="smcap">Miles Murray</span>,
+Portage, Mich. writes, "Am much pleased with the <b>MONARCH LIGHTNING
+SAWING MACHINE</b>. I sawed off a 30-inch log in 2 minutes." For sawing
+logs into suitable lengths for family stove-wood, and all sorts of
+log-cutting, it is peerless and unrivaled. Illustrated Catalogue, <b>Free.
+AGENTS WANTED.</b> Mention this paper. Address <b>MONARCH MANUFACTURING CO.</b>,
+163 N. Randolph St., Chicago, Ill.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 45%;">
+<img src="images/illus-012fa.jpg" width="100" height="76" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 50%;">
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large"><b>CHICAGO SCALE CO.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">2 TON WAGON SCALE, $40. 3 TON, $50.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>4 Ton $60, Beam Box Included.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">240 lb. FARMER'S SCALE, $5.</p>
+
+<p class="center">The "Little Detective," &frac14; oz. to 25 lb. $3.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>300 OTHER SIZES. Reduced PRICE LIST FREE.</b></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 45%;">
+<img src="images/illus-012fb.jpg" width="100" height="140" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 50%;">
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large">FORGES, TOOLS, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p class="center">BEST FORGE MADE FOR LIGHT WORK, $10,</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>40 lb. Anvil and Kit of Tools. $10.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">Farmers save time and money doing odd jobs.</p>
+
+<p class="center">Blowers, Anvils, Vices &amp; Other Articles</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>AT LOWEST PRICES, WHOLESALE &amp; RETAIL.</b></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 45%;">
+<img src="images/illus-012g.jpg" width="163" height="200" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 50%;">
+<p style='font-size: x-large;'><b>THE PROFIT FARM BOILER</b></p>
+
+<p>is simple, perfect, and cheap; <b>the BEST FEED COOKER;</b> the only dumping
+boiler; empties its kettle in a minute. <b>Over 5,000 in use;</b> Cook your
+corn and potatoes, and save one-half the cost of pork Send for circular.
+
+<b>D.R. SPERRY &amp; CO., Batavia, Illinois.</b></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: x-large;">CHAMPION BALING PRESSES.</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 60%;">
+<img src="images/illus-012h.jpg" width="300" height="117" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 35%;">
+<p class='center'>A Ton per Hour. Run by two men and one team. Loads 10 to 15 tons in car.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>Send for descriptive circular with prices, to <b>Gehrt &amp; Co.</b>, 216, 218
+and 220 Maine St., Quincy, Ill.</p>
+
+</div>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_36" id="Page_36">[Pg 36]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<p>REMEMBER <i>that</i> $2.00 <i>pays for</i> <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> <i>from this
+date to January</i> 1, 1884; $2.00 <i>pays for it from this date to January</i>
+1, 1885. <i>For</i> $2.00 <i>you get it for one year and a copy of</i> <span class="smcap">The
+Prairie Farmer County Map of the United States, free</span>! <i>This is the
+most liberal offer ever made by any first-class weekly agricultural
+paper in this country</i>.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="Live_Stock_Department" id="Live_Stock_Department"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-013.jpg" width="500" height="270" alt="Live Stock Department." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2><a name="Iowa_Wool_Men" id="Iowa_Wool_Men"></a>Iowa Wool Men.</h2>
+
+<p>The Iowa Wool-Growers' Association met at Des Moines last week. The
+attendance was light. The general sentiment expressed was that sheep
+growing was profitable in Iowa, if the dogs could be got rid of. The
+Legislature will be importuned to abolish the curs. The session the last
+evening was devoted to the tariff on wool. The petition of the Ohio
+sheep-growers, presented to Congress, asking a restoration of the tariff
+law of 1867 on wool, was read and unanimously accepted. Officers for the
+ensuing year were elected as follows: S. P. McNeil, Gordon Grove,
+President; J. C. Robinson, Albia, Samuel Russell, West Grove, and A. N.
+Stewart, Grove Station, Vice-Presidents; A. J. Blakely, Grinnell,
+Secretary.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Polled_Cattle-Breeders" id="Polled_Cattle-Breeders"></a>Polled Cattle-Breeders.</h2>
+
+<p>Twenty-seven head of Galloway and Angus cattle, belonging to A. B.
+Matthews, Kansas City, were sold at auction at Des Moines, Iowa, January
+9th, at prices ranging from $235 to $610. The sale aggregated $10,425,
+or $386 per head. In the evening of the same day some twenty-five polled
+cattle-breeders met and organized a State association. An address was
+read by Abner Graves, of Dow City, in which the breed was duly extolled.
+An interesting discussion followed, in the course of which it was stated
+that the polled breeds have two anatomical peculiarities in common with
+the American bison, indicating a close relation to, or possible descent
+from the buffalo family. The officers elected were: President, Abner
+Graves, of Dow City; Vice-Presidents, Messrs. Bryan, of Montezuma, D. J.
+Moore, of Dunlop, and Charles Farwell, of Montezuma; Secretary and
+Treasurer, H. G. Gue, of Des Moines. Liberal subscriptions were made to
+the articles of incorporation which were formed inside the organization,
+after the meeting adjourned.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Merino_Sheep_Breeders" id="Merino_Sheep_Breeders"></a>Merino Sheep Breeders.</h2>
+
+<p>The sixth annual meeting of the Northern Illinois Merino Sheep Breeders'
+Association was held at Elgin, January 9th. The meeting was well
+attended and enthusiastic. George E. Peck presided. The annual report of
+Secretary Vandercook showed the association to be in a growing
+condition. The discussion of the day was mainly on the tariff question.
+A communication from Columbus Delano, President of the National
+Wool-Growers Association was read, asking for the co-operation of the
+society in a move upon Congress for the restoration of duties on
+imported wools as they were established by the act of 1867 met with a
+hearty reception. Thomas McD. Richards delivered an interesting address
+on wool-growing and the merino as a mutton sheep. He argued that a
+prevailing idea to the effect that good mutton could not come from
+fine-wool sheep was entirely erroneous. Touching on the tariff question
+he said the past year had been an unprofitable one to mere wool-growers,
+and that sheep had been unsalable at paying prices. The removal of the
+duty on wool had paralyzed the industry, and the tariff must be
+restored. There was an abundance of competition among the wool-growers
+of our own land without compelling them to compete with the stockmen of
+South America and Australia. The farmers had not clamored for a removal
+of the duty on wool. If the tariff was not restored the wool interests
+of the country would be ruined. Already legislation had lowered the
+price of wool several cents, and had depreciated the value of sheep at
+least $1 per head. The tariff was also dilated upon by Col. John S.
+Wilcox, of Elgin, Daniel Kelley, of Wheaton, and Asa H. Crary. The
+conclusion arrived at was that energetic and united action for the
+restoration of the duty was the thing desired. V. P. Richmond read an
+interesting essay on "Merinos; Their Characteristics and Attributes."
+The annual election of officers resulted as follows: President, George
+E. Peck, Geneva; Vice-Presidents, Thomas McD. Richards, Woodstock, and
+Daniel Kelley, Wheaton; Secretary and Treasurer, W. C. Vandercook,
+Cherry Valley. It was decided to hold the association's annual public
+sheep-shearing at Richmond, McHenry county, April 29 and 30, and C. R.
+Lawson, L. H. Smith, and A. S. Peck were designated a committee to
+represent the association at the annual sheep-shearing of the Wisconsin
+association.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Cattle_Disease" id="Cattle_Disease"></a>Cattle Disease.</h2>
+
+<p>The House committee on agriculture last week discussed in a general way
+the subject of pleuro pneumonia in cattle. Mr. Loring, Commissioner of
+Agriculture, expressed his views upon the subject in a short speech. Mr.
+Grinnell, of Iowa, chairman of the committee appointed by the convention
+of cattle men, in Chicago, to visit Washington to influence Legislation
+in reference to diseased cattle, was present. It was arranged that a
+sub-committee, consisting of Congressmen Hatch, Dibrell, Williams,
+Winans, Wilson, and Ochiltree, should meet the representatives of the
+cattle interests at the Agricultural Department. Pleuro-pneumonia among
+cattle will be the first subject considered. The House committee on
+agriculture will report a bill at an early day.</p>
+
+<p>The assistant Secretary of the Treasury has transmitted to the House the
+report of the cattle commission, consisting of James Law, E. F. Thayer,
+and J. H. Sanders, for the past year. The commission recommended that
+the National Government prevent the shipment northward, out of the area
+infected with Texas fever, of all cattle whatsoever, excepting from the
+beginning of November to the beginning of March. Special attention is
+invited by the Assistant Secretary to the recommendation of the
+commission that the Secretary of the Treasury be empowered to order the
+slaughter and safe disposal of all imported herds that may be found
+infected on their arrival in the United States, or may develop a
+dangerous or contagious disease during quarantine; and that he be also
+empowered to have all ruminants (other than cattle) and all swine
+imported into the United States, subjected to inspection by veterinary
+surgeons, and if necessary to prevent the spread of contagious diseases,
+slaughtered or submitted to quarantine until they shall be considered
+uninfected; and that an appropriation of $1,500,000 be made to defray
+the expenses of preventing a further spread of the lung plague among
+cattle in this country, and for stamping out the plague now existing. A
+supplemental report of the majority of commission, submitted by Law and
+Thayer, and of a later date than the first report is also submitted.
+This report deals especially with the inadequacy to the end sought to be
+accomplished of the inspection of cattle at ports of export, and
+recommends that such inspection and guarantee be delayed. Their reason
+for doubting the adequacy of the inspection at ports of exports is that
+neither lung plague nor Texas fever can be certainly detected by such
+examination, because those diseases pass through an average stage of
+incubation for thirty days, during which it is impossible for the most
+accomplished expert to detect the presence of the germ in the system.
+The result would be, if such an inspection were the only thing relied
+upon, that cattle which had been exposed to infection in the stock yards
+several days before inspection would pass that inspection, but three
+weeks later, when they arrived at a foreign port, would show marked
+symptoms of the disease. This result destroys absolutely the efficacy of
+the certificates of inspection as to guarantees to foreign imported
+cattle. The report closes with the statement that so long as the
+infected districts in this country can not be secluded, the landing of
+infected cattle in England from this country can not be prevented, and
+so long as American cattle show these diseases on their arrival in
+England we can hope for no modification of the present restrictions that
+country places against American cattle.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p>At the conference between House sub-committee on agriculture and the
+Chicago convention committee a general discussion on contagious diseases
+among cattle was indulged in. The committee of cattle men, in answer to
+the inquiries of representatives, said diseases existed in Delaware, the
+District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, New
+York, and possibly in other places. In New York a few counties are
+reported infected.</p>
+
+<p>Mr. Hunt, of New Jersey, said if Congress would appropriate an adequate
+amount payable to the order of the authorities of the different States
+and protect New Jersey for six months from the importation of diseased
+cattle, the State in that time would stamp out pleuro-pneumonia in its
+territory.</p>
+
+<p>Dr. Law, of the Cattle Commission of the Treasury Department, said the
+disease was undoubtedly the result of importation. He said that with
+plenty of money and a Federal law it could be eradicated in twelve
+months. New York City had at one time stamped it out in three months. He
+advocated the burning of buildings where the disease occurred.</p>
+
+<p>Judge Carey, of Wyoming, gave the history of the disease, saying it was
+like Asiatic cholera spreading through Europe and reaching New York
+forty years ago. It existed on the continent of Europe, in Great
+Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and this country. He said $100,000,000
+was invested in the cattle business of the United States.</p>
+
+<p>Representative Hatch said that Mr. Singleton, of Illinois, had offered
+$1,000 reward for an animal afflicted with pleuro-pneumonia, but no one
+had accepted.</p>
+
+<p>Several members of the cattle committee at once offered to show the
+disease to any one doubting its existence.</p>
+
+<p>Representative Weller gave notice that he would offer a bill
+appropriating $10,000,000 by the Government for suppressing contagious
+diseases among cattle, to be distributed among the States and
+Territories in the ratio of representation in Congress, provided that
+each State appropriated a sum equal to the amount given by the
+Government.</p>
+
+<p>The legislation proposed is to make the shipment of cattle known to be
+diseased a penal offense; to establish a cattle bureau in the Department
+of Agriculture; increase the power of the Commissioner of Agriculture;
+provide funds for an elaborate investigation of the diseases of cattle;
+and provide an appropriation to purchase diseased cattle so they can be
+destroyed. An appropriation will be asked the first year of $500,000.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="The_Horse_and_His_Treatment" id="The_Horse_and_His_Treatment"></a>The Horse and His Treatment.</h2>
+
+<h3>NUMBER TWO.</h3>
+
+<p>First, as regards food. The horse is naturally a wild animal and
+therefore, though domesticated, he demands such food as nature would
+provide for him. But man seems to forget this. Nature's food would be
+largely of grass. It is true that when domesticated and put to hard work
+he needs some food of a more concentrated and highly nutritious nature
+than grass; but while labor may necessitate grain, the health of his
+system yet demands a liberal allowance of grass. In direct opposition to
+this many farmers keep their horses off pasture while they are at work,
+which comprises almost the entire season of green pasture. I have
+frequently heard farmers say that their horses did best during the
+spring and summer, if kept in the stable at night. I can only say that I
+have found the very opposite to be true and I believe I have carefully
+and faithfully tested the matter. I have found that when the horses were
+allowed the range of a blue grass pasture at night, they endured work
+the best because they digested their grain and hay better, and good
+digestion made good appetites. In fact, I consider pasture the best food
+and the best medicine a horse can be given. If his coat is rough, if he
+is stiff and lifeless, if he is losing flesh and strength, turn him on
+pasture and he will soon grow better.</p>
+
+<p>Some grasses make far better pasture than others. All in all, I consider
+blue grass the best. It comes earliest in the spring, and while very
+palatable and easily digested, seems to possess more substance than
+other grasses. Next I would place timothy. Clover is good medicine for a
+sick horse, but because of its action on the salivary glands is apt to
+make work horses "slobber" at certain seasons.</p>
+
+<p>For winter, hay is provided. But how is it provided in a majority of
+cases? The grass is cut out of season; is cured negligently, very likely
+is exposed to rain; and then piled up to mold and rot. A few tarpaulins
+to put over the cocks in case of rain, and barracks or mow to protect
+and preserve the hay would give the horse good hay, and be one of the
+very best of investments. It should be remembered that the digestive
+organs of none other of our farm animals are so easily deranged as those
+of the horse. Musty, moldy hay is the moving cause of much disease. The
+man who can not provide a good mow should sell his horses to some farmer
+who can manage better.</p>
+
+<p>Though blue grass is the best for pasture, timothy is the best for hay.
+Clover makes better hay than blue grass. Corn fodder has substance, and
+pound for pound contains about two-thirds as much nutriment as hay. But
+it is not good forage for the horse. Where hay is procurable corn
+fodder should never be fed.</p>
+
+<p>I am convinced that the great majority of farmers do nor feed their
+horses enough forage. I know of farmers who do not feed hay at all when
+their horses are at work, which is more than half the year. Grain is fed
+exclusively. Yet they wonder why their horses lose flesh and have rough
+coats. Feeding a horse all grain is like feeding a man all meat. The
+food is so oily and difficult of digestion that it soon deranges the
+digestive organs. The horse should have all the hay he wishes to eat, at
+all seasons of the year. This brings me to another error in his
+treatment.</p>
+
+<p>When at work the horse should have at least ninety minutes for each
+meal. My observation convinces me that a large number of farmers do not
+give him this much time. Their reason for neglecting to do so is, that
+it would be a loss of time. But the very opposite of this is the case.
+Time is gained. The horse has opportunity to eat slowly, which is
+essential to complete digestion; can eat all he wishes; and has time to
+rest after eating, giving the organs of digestion a chance to work. Give
+your horse an hour and a half to eat his noon-day meal, at least, and at
+the end of the season you will find that by so doing you have gained
+time. He may not have walked before the plow and harrow so many hours,
+but he has stepped faster and pulled more energetically.</p>
+
+<p>Another error is the feeding of too much grain. Some farmers have grain
+in the feeding troughs all the time during the spring and summer. The
+horse is sated. This manner may do for a hog, whose only business is to
+lie around, grunt, and put on fat; but for a horse it will not do. A
+horse should never be given all the grain he will eat. At every meal he
+should clean out his box, and then be ready to eat hay for at least
+fifteen minutes.</p>
+
+<p>Another error is in confining the grain feed almost altogether to corn.
+Corn is a heavy, gross diet. It contains a large proportion of oil, and
+tends to produce lymph and fat, which are inimical to health, and
+destructive of vigor and endurance. Oats is a much better food; yet it
+is very rarely fed in the South, and not half of the farmers of the
+North feed it. Corn heats the blood, and on this account should not be
+fed in hot weather. Oats is a lighter, easier diet, does not heat the
+blood, and makes muscle, rather than fat. All in all, oats is the most
+economical food, at least for horses at work in hot weather.</p>
+
+<p>One more error which I shall notice in feeding is the giving of too much
+dry food. The horse does best upon moist food, or that which has a large
+percentage of water in its composition. Carrots, turnips, beets,
+pumpkins, etc., may be given in small quantities with decided advantage,
+especially in the winter. In summer the hay should be sprinkled with
+water, and the oats soaked. This will not only make the food more
+palatable and easily digested, but will obviate the necessity of
+watering after meals. Many object to watering after the horse has eaten,
+because the fluid carries the grain into the intestines where it can not
+be digested. But if grain and forage are dampened, the horse will not
+require watering after a meal. He will rarely drink if water is offered
+him, and the moisture will aid digestion. This is surely better and more
+humane than to give a horse dry food and then work him for six or seven
+hours in the hot sun, afterward, without any drink.</p>
+
+<p>Of the quality of water given to the horse there is not much to condemn.
+He generally gets better water than the hog, or sheep, because he is
+very fastidious in this matter and will not drink foul water unless
+driven to do so by dire necessity. But I believe that three times is not
+often enough to water a horse at work in hot weather, though this is the
+common and time honored practice. The stomach of the horse is
+small&mdash;very small in proportion to the size of his body. When he has
+labored in summer for half a day his thirst is intense, and when he is
+permitted to slake it he drinks too much, producing really serious
+disorders. No valid objection can be urged against watering five times
+per day. The arguments are all in its favor.</p>
+
+<p>The errors in stabling are fully as grievous as any we have noticed. I
+have lately written of the evils of lack of light and proper ventilation
+in these columns, and also discussed the problem of currying in various
+phases, so shall not repeat here what I have heretofore written. One of
+the other evils of stable management often allowed, is the accumulation
+of manure. It is not within the scope of this article to notice the evil
+the neglect to save manure works to the farm and the farmer. But that
+the accumulation of the manure in the stable is a hurt to the horse, no
+sensibly reasoning person can doubt. Its fermentation gives off
+obnoxious gases which pollute and poison the air the<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_37" id="Page_37">[Pg 37]</a></span> horse is
+compelled to breathe, and thus in turn poison the animal's blood. This
+is a more fruitful cause of disease than is generally supposed. The
+gases prove injurious to the eye, and when we consider the accumulation
+of manure and the exclusion of light, we are not apt to wonder much at
+the prevalence of blindness among horses. The manure should be cleaned
+out in the morning, at noon, and again at night. Use sawdust or straw
+liberally for bedding. It will absorb the urine, and as soon as foul,
+should be removed to the compost heap with the dung, where it will soon
+be converted into fine, excellent manure.</p>
+
+<p>Another thing that deserves attention is the stable floor. I
+unhesitatingly say that a composition of clay and fine gravel is best.
+Pavement is the worst, and planks are next. The clay and gravel should
+be put in just moist enough to pack solidly. Stamp till very firm and
+then allow to dry and harden for a week. The stable floor should be kept
+perfectly level. Do not make the horse stand in a strained, unnatural
+position. The stall should be large enough for him to move around&mdash;at
+least six feet wide. Narrow stalls are a nuisance but very common.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">John M. Stahl.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Cost_of_Pork_on_1883_Corn" id="Cost_of_Pork_on_1883_Corn"></a>Cost of Pork on 1883 Corn.</h2>
+
+<p>About three weeks ago the "Man of the Prairie" wanted to know how many
+pounds of pork a bushel of corn would make this year. As I wanted to
+know the same thing I have weighed my hogs every week and also the corn
+I fed them, and for the benefit of your readers I will give the results:</p>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="2" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>December</td><td align='left'>10&mdash;</td><td align='left'>15</td><td align='left'>hogs,</td><td align='left'>weight</td><td align='left'>4,130</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>17&mdash;</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>4,280</td><td align='left'>ate</td><td align='left'>960</td><td align='left'>lbs Corn.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>24&mdash;</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>4,410</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>864</td><td align='center'>"</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>31&mdash;</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>4,572</td><td align='center'>"</td><td align='left'>816</td><td align='center'>"</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<p>This gives a gain, in twenty-one days, of 442 lbs, and they ate in that
+time 2,640 lbs., or 47<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>1</sup>/<sub>7</sub></span> bu. corn.</p>
+
+<p>The corn was planted about the eighth of May; was the large white
+variety; is quite loose on the cob, and a good many of the ears are
+mouldy. A common bushel basket holds of it in ear 35 lbs. The hogs were
+fed the corn in ear twice a day, and had all the water they wanted to
+drink. This gives 9<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>62</sup>/<sub>165</sub></span> lbs. pork to the bushel. At the present price
+of pork ($5.25) it would make the corn worth about 49&frac12; cts. per
+bushel.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">G. W. Powess.</span><br />
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 4em;">Winnebago Co., Ill.</span></p>
+
+<p>P.S. The weight of corn given is its weight shelled, as it shells out 55
+lbs from 80 lbs. in ear.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">G. F. P.<br /></span>
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="VETERINARY" id="VETERINARY"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-017.jpg" width="500" height="112" alt="VETERINARY" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2><a name="Grease_So-Called" id="Grease_So-Called"></a>Grease, So-Called.</h2>
+
+<p>This ailment occurs sometimes in the fore feet, but oftener in the hind
+feet; and though neither contagious nor epizootic, it not unfrequently
+appears about one time or within a brief period, on most or all of the
+horses in a stable. It essentially consists in a stoppage of the normal
+secretions of the skin, which is beneficially provided for maintaining a
+soft condition of the skin of the heel, and preventing chapping and
+excoriation; and it usually develops itself in redness, dryness, and
+scurfiness of the skin; but in bad or prolonged cases, it is accompanied
+with deep cracks, an ichorous discharge, more or less lameness, and even
+great ulceration, and considerable fungus growth; and in the worst cases
+it spreads athwart all the heel, extends on the fetlock, or ascends the
+leg, and is accompanied with extensive swelling and a general oozing
+discharge, of a peculiar strong, disagreeable odor.</p>
+
+<p>Most of the causes of grease are referable to bad management, especially
+in regard to great and sudden changes in the exterior temperature of the
+heels. The feet of the horse may be alternately heated by the bedding
+and cooled by draft from the open stable door; or they may first be made
+hot and sensitive by the irritating action of the urine and filth on the
+stable floor, and then violently reacted on by the cold breezes of the
+open air, or they may be moist and reeking when the horse is led out to
+work, and then chilled for a long period by the slow evaporation of the
+moisture from them amid the clods and soil of the field; or they may be
+warm and even perspiring with the labor of the day, and next plunged
+into a stream or washed with cold water, and then allowed to dry partly
+in the open air and partly in the stable; and in many of these ways, or
+of any others which occasion sudden changes of temperature in the heels,
+especially when those changes are accompanied or aggravated by the
+irritating action of filth, grease is exceedingly liable to be induced.
+Want of exercise, high feeding, and whatever tends to accumulate or to
+stagnate the normal greasy secretion in the skin of the heels, also
+operate, in some degree, as causes. By mere good management and by
+avoiding these known causes, horse owners might prevent the appearance
+of this disease altogether.</p>
+
+<p>In the early, dry, scurfy stage of grease, the heels may be well cleaned
+with soft soap and water, and afterwards thoroughly dried, and then
+treated with a dilution of Goulard's extract&mdash;one part to eight parts of
+water, or one part with six parts of lard oil. In the mildest form of
+the stage of cracks and ichorous discharge, after cleansing, some drying
+powder, such as equal quantities of white lead and putty (impure
+protoxide of zinc), may be applied, or simply the mixture of Goulard's
+extract with lard oil may be continued. In the virulent form of cracks,
+accompanied with ulceration, the heels ought to be daily washed clean
+with warm water, and afterwards bathed with a mild astringent lotion,
+and every morning and evening thinly poulticed or coated with carbolized
+ointment; and the whole system ought to be acted on by alteratives, by
+nightly bran mash, and, if the animal be in full condition, with a dose
+of purgative medicine. In the worst and most extensively spread cases,
+poultices of a very cooling kind, particularly poultices of scraped
+carrots or scraped turnips, ought to be used day and night, both for the
+sake of their own action, and as preparatives to the action of the
+astringent application; and the whole course of treatment ought to aim
+at the abatement of the inflammatory action, previous to the stopping of
+the discharge. Nothing tends so much to prevent grease and swelling of
+the legs as frequent hand rubbing and cleansing the heels carefully as
+soon as a horse comes in from exercise or work. In inveterate cases of
+grease, where the disease appears to have become habitual, in some
+degree, a run at grass, when in season, is the only remedy. If a dry
+paddock is available, where a horse can be sheltered in bad weather, it
+will be found extremely convenient; as in such circumstances, he may
+perform his usual labor, and at the same time be kept free from the
+complaint.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Foul_in_the_Foot" id="Foul_in_the_Foot"></a>Foul in the Foot.</h2>
+
+<p>This name is given to a disease in cattle, which presents a resemblance
+to foot rot in sheep, but is different from this. It appears to be
+always occasioned by the neglect and aggravation of wounds and ulcers
+originating in mechanical injury&mdash;particularly in the insinuating of
+pieces of stone, splinters of wood, etc., between the claws of the hoof,
+or in the wearing, splitting, or bruising of the horn, and consequent
+abrasion of the sensible foot; by walking for an undue length of time,
+or a long distance upon gravelly or flinty roads, or other hard and
+eroding surfaces. It is sometimes ascribed, indeed, to a wet state of
+the pasture; but moisture merely predisposes to it, by softening the
+hoof and diminishing its power of resisting mechanical injury.</p>
+
+<p>The ulcers of foul in the foot usually occur about the coronet and
+extend under the hoof, causing much inflammatory action, very great
+pain, and more or less separation of the hoof; but they often originate
+in uneven pressure upon the sole, and rise upward from a crack between
+the claws, and are principally or wholly confined to one side or claw of
+the foot. A fetid purulent discharge proceeds from the ulcers, and a
+sinus may sometimes be discovered by means of a probe to descend from
+the coronet beneath the hoof. The affected animal is excessively lame,
+and may possibly suffer such a degree of pain as to lose all appetite
+and become sickly and emaciated.</p>
+
+<p>If the disease is of a mild form, or be merely in the initiatory stage,
+it may be readily cured by cleaning, fomentation, and rest; if it be of
+a medium character, between mild and violent, it may be cured by
+cleaning, by carefully paring away loose and detached horn, by destroying
+any fungus growth, and by applying, with a feather, a little butyr of
+antimony; and if it be of a very bad form, or has been long neglected,
+it will require to be probed, lanced, or otherwise dealt with according
+to the rules of good surgery, and afterwards poulticed twice a day with
+linseed meal, and frequently, but lightly, touched with butyr of
+antimony.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Founder" id="Founder"></a>Founder.</h2>
+
+<p>This disease consists in inflammation of the lamin&aelig; and of the vascular
+parts of the sensible foot. It sometimes attacks only one foot,
+sometimes two, and sometimes all four; but, in a great majority of
+cases, it attacks either one or both of the front feet. A chronic form
+sometimes occurs, and exhibits symptoms somewhat similar to those of
+contraction of the hoof; but acute inflammation of the lamin&aelig; is what is
+generally called founder.</p>
+
+<p>This disease is occasioned by overstraining of the lamin&aelig; from long
+standing, by prolonged or excessive driving over hard roads, by
+congestion from long confinement, by sudden reaction from standing in
+snow after being heated, or from covering with warm bedding after
+prolonged exposure to cold, by sudden change of diet from a
+comparatively cool to a comparatively heating kind of food, and by
+translation of inflammatory action from some other part of the body,
+particularly after influenza.</p>
+
+<p>In the early stages of founder, a horse evinces great pain, shows
+excessive restlessness of foot, and tries to lighten the pressure of his
+body on the diseased feet. In the more advanced stages he is feverish,
+breathes hard, has violent throbbing in the arteries of the fetlock,
+lies down, stretches out his legs, and sometimes gazes wistfully upon
+the seat of the disease; and in the ulterior stages, if no efficacious
+remedies have been applied, the diseased feet either naturally recover
+their healthy condition, or they suppurate, slough, cast part or all of
+the hoof, and gradually acquire a small, weak, new hoof, or they undergo
+such mortification and change of tissues as to render the animal
+permanently useless.</p>
+
+<p>The shoe of a foundered foot must be removed; the hoof should be pared
+in such a manner that the sole and central portion of the same alone
+come to sustain the weight of the body. Therefore, the wall of the hoof,
+or that portion of the hoof which, under normal conditions, is made to
+bear upon the shoe, should be pared or rasped away, all around, to such
+an extent that it does not touch the ground when the animal stands upon
+the foot. A well-bedded shed, or a roomy, well-bedded box-stall, should
+be provided, with a view of allowing ample room for stretching out, as
+well as for changing position on a floor which should not be slanting,
+and which conveniences can not be had in a single stall, or when the
+animal is kept tied up in a confined space. Fomentations, evaporating
+lotions, wet cloths, and moist poultices should be applied to the feet.
+The animal ought to have light and spare diet, and bran mashes. When
+much fever exists febrifuges and diuretics should be given.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Questions_Answered_1" id="Questions_Answered_1"></a>Questions Answered.</h2>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Cow Drying up Unevenly. D. W., Auburn, Ill.</span>&mdash;1. What is the cause of a
+cow going dry in one teat? She dropped her calf the 25th of May, and it
+sucked till it was three months old two teats on one side; that was her
+third calf; her next one will be due the last of April next. For some
+six weeks past the quantity of milk has been diminishing, till now she
+does not give more than a gill from one teat, while the opposite one
+gives more than double that of either of the others. Can any thing be
+done to remedy the difficulty? 2. If a cow gives more milk on one side
+than the other, does it indicate the sex of the coming calf?</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Reply.</span>&mdash;Most likely the cow will give milk from all four quarters after
+calving. She should be allowed to gradually dry up now, and toward the
+time of calving, she should not be fed exclusively on dry food. 2. No.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="The_Dairy" id="The_Dairy"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-019.jpg" width="500" height="84" alt="The Dairy." title="" />
+<span class="caption">Dairymen, Write for Your Paper.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Curing_Cheese" id="Curing_Cheese"></a>Curing Cheese.</h2>
+
+<p>The curing of cheese develops not only flavor, but texture and
+digestibility. As a rule, says an English exchange, no American cheese
+is well cured, and this is for want of suitable curing houses. Dr. H.
+Reynolds, of Livermore Falls, Me., remarks upon this subject as follows:
+"Increased attention needs to be given by cheese-makers to this matter
+of curing cheese. Cheese factories should be provided with suitable
+curing rooms, where a uniform temperature of the required degree can be
+maintained, together with a suitable degree of moisture and sufficient
+supply of fresh air. The expense required to provide a suitable curing
+room would be small compared to the increased value of the cheese
+product thereby secured. Small dairymen and farmers, having only a few
+cows, labor under some difficulties in the way of providing suitable
+curing room for their cheese. Yet if they have a clear idea of what a
+curing room should be, they will generally be able to provide something
+which will approximate to what is needed. Good curing rooms are
+absolutely needed in order to enable our cheese-makers to produce a
+really fine article of cheese. The nicer the quality of cheese produced,
+the higher the price it will bring, and the more desirable will it
+become as an article of food. In the curing of cheese certain
+requisites are indispensable in order to attain the best results. Free
+exposure to air is one requisite for the development of flavor. Curd
+sealed up in an air-tight vessel and kept at the proper temperature
+readily breaks down into a soft, rich, ripe cheese, but it has none of
+the flavor so much esteemed in good cheese. Exposure to the oxygen of
+the air develops flavor. The cheese during the process of curding takes
+in oxygen and gives off carbonic acid gas. This fact was proved by Dr.
+S. M. Babcock, of Cornell University, who, by analyzing the air passing
+over cheese while curding, found that the cheese was constantly taking
+in oxygen and giving off carbonic acid gas. The development of flavor
+can be hastened by subjecting the cheese to a strong current of air. The
+flavor is developed by the process of oxidation. If the cheese is kept
+in too close air during the process of curding, it will be likely to be
+deficient in flavor."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p><a name="dairyitems" id="dairyitems"></a>An anonymous writer very truly remarks that the dairyman, by the force
+of circumstances, has to become versed in the breeding and management of
+stock, especially that of dairy breeds; hence, in the very nature of
+things, he becomes a thoughtful, studious, observing man, and, what is
+better, he attains a higher intelligence. The advantages of dairying
+call out, among other things, enhanced revenues, because butter and
+cheese have become necessities; it enriches the farm, and is perfectly
+adapted to foster the breeding and raising of better and more stock. It
+embodies thrift, progress, and prosperity. Under "new methods" it makes
+fine butter and choice beef, not by any means less, but even more, and
+affords better grain. It does not imply farm houses with added burdens,
+but, on the contrary, relieved of drudgery, and the time thus gained can
+be spent in cultivating the refining graces, and thus making farmers'
+homes abodes of culture, refinement, and education, placing the dairy
+farmer upon a level financially, socially, and intellectually with any
+other class or profession.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<h3>MISCELLANEOUS.</h3>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Rural New-Yorker</b></p>
+
+<p>The great national farm and garden journal of America, with its
+Celebrated Free Seed Distribution, and</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Prairie Farmer</b></p>
+
+<p>one year, post-paid, all for only $3.00. It is a rare chance. Specimen
+copies cheerfully sent gratis. Compare them with other rural weeklies,
+and then subscribe for the best. Apply to</p>
+
+<p><b><span style="margin-left: 2em;">34 Park Row, New York.</span></b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p style="font-size: x-large;" class='center'><b>For Sale or Rent.</b></p>
+
+<p>Farm of four hundred and eighty acres situated in Marlon County,
+Illinois, two and a half miles from Tonti Station, and six miles from
+Odin, on branch of Illinois Central R. R., and O. &amp; M. Road&mdash;300 acres
+under plow, 180 acres timber. The latter has never been culled and is
+very valuable. Farm is well fenced into seven fields. Has an orchard on
+it which has yielded over two thousand dollars worth of fruit a year. No
+poor land on the farm, and is called the best body of land in Marion
+County. It was appraised by the Northwestern Insurance Co. for a loan at
+$18,000 and a loan made of six thousand. Buildings are not very good.
+Will sell for $14,800&mdash;$2,800 cash, $6,000 May 31, 1887, and $6,000 Feb.
+24, 1892, deferred payments to bear 6 per cent interest, or, to a
+first-class party, having a few thousand dollars to put into stock, a
+liberal arrangement will be made to rent it for a term of years.
+Property belongs to an estate. Address</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">J. E. YOUNG,<br /></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">71 Park Avenue, Chicago.<br /></span>
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 45%;">
+<img src="images/illus-020a.jpg" width="200" height="199" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 50%;">
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large;"><b>Henry Davis,<br />
+Dyer, Ind.</b></p>
+<p>Breeder of Light Brahmas,
+Plymouth Rocks,
+Bronze Turkeys, Toulouse
+Geese, and Pekin Ducks.
+Stock for sale. Eggs in
+Season. Have won 200
+prizes at leading shows,
+including 1st on Toulouse
+Geese at St. Louis and
+Chicago Shows. Write
+for prices.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 30%;">
+<img src="images/illus-020b.jpg" width="150" height="72" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 65%;">
+
+<p>YOUR NAME printed on 50 Cards ALL NEW designs of <i>Gold Floral.
+Remembrances, Sentiment, Hand Floral</i>, etc., with <i>Love, Friendship</i>,
+and <i>Holiday Mottoes</i>, 10c. 7 pks. and this elegant Ring, 50c., 15 pks.
+&amp; Ring, $1.</p>
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 30%;">
+<img src="images/illus-020c.jpg" width="130" height="87" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 65%;">
+
+<p>12 NEW "CONCEALED NAME" Cards (name concealed with hand holding flowers
+with mottoes) 20c. 7 pks. and this Ring for $1. Agents' sample book and
+full outfit, 25c. Over 200 new Cards added this season. Blank Cards at
+wholesale prices.</p>
+<p>NORTHFORD CARD CO. Northford, Conn.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">SEEDS</span> Our large <b>GARDEN
+Guide</b> describing <i>Cole's
+Reliable Seeds</i> is <b>Mailed
+FREE to all</b>. We offer the <i>LATEST
+Novelties</i> in <b>Seed Potatoes</b>, Corn and
+Oats, and the <i>Best Collection</i> of Vegetable,
+Flower, Grass and Tree <b>Seed</b>. Everything is tested.
+COLE &amp; BRO., Seedsmen, PELLA, IOWA</p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">AGENTS</span> WANTED, Male and Female, for Spence's Blue Book, a most
+fascinating and salable novelty. Every family needs from one to a dozen.
+Immense profits and exclusive territory. Sample mailed for 25 cts in
+postage stamps. Address J. H. CLARSON, P.O. Box 2296, Philadelphia, Pa.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">PATENT</span> Procured or no charge. 40p. book
+patent-law free. Add. <span class="smcap">W. T. Fitzgerald</span>,
+1006 F St., Washington, D.C.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">CARDS</span> 40 SATIN FINISH CARDS</b>, New Imported designs, name on and Present Free
+for <b>10c</b>. Cut this out. CLINTON BROS. &amp; Co., Clintonville, Ct.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">AGENTS</span> WANTED EVERYWHERE to solicit Subscriptions
+for this paper. Write <span class="smcap">Prairie
+Farmer Publishing Co.</span>, Chicago, for particulars.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_38" id="Page_38">[Pg 38]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p>REMEMBER <i>that</i> $2.00 <i>pays for</i> <span class="smcap">The Prairie
+Farmer</span> <i>one year, and the subscriber gets
+a copy of</i> <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer County Map
+of the United States, free</span>! <i>This is the most
+liberal offer ever made by any first-class weekly
+agricultural paper in this country.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="Horticultural" id="Horticultural"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-021.jpg" width="500" height="146" alt="Horticultural" title="" />
+<span class="caption">Horticulturists, Write for Your Paper.</span>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Southern_Ill_Horticultural_Society" id="Southern_Ill_Horticultural_Society"></a>Southern Ill. Horticultural Society.</h2>
+
+<p>The members of the Southern Illinois Horticultural Society recently held
+a meeting at Alton, and resolved to put a little more life into the
+organization. A new constitution was adopted, and the following officers
+were elected for the ensuing year:</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">President&mdash;E. A. Riehl, Alton.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">First Vice-President&mdash;G. W. Endicott, Villa Ridge.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Second Vice-President&mdash;Wm. Jackson, Godfrey.</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Secretary and Treasurer&mdash;E. Hollister, Alton.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>The following select list of fruits was recommended for the district, or
+Southern grand division of the State:</p>
+
+<div class="blockquot"><p>Apples&mdash;Summer&mdash;Red Astrachan, Keswick Codlin, Benoni, Saps of
+Wine, and Maiden's Blush.</p>
+
+<p>Fall&mdash;It was unanimously agreed that fall apples were not
+profitable for market purposes.</p>
+
+<p>Winter&mdash;Ben Davis, Rome Beauty, Jonathan, Wine-Sap, Winter May,
+Gilpin, and Janet.</p>
+
+<p>Apples for family use&mdash;Summer&mdash;Early Harvest, Red Astrachan,
+Carolina Red June, Benoni, Maiden's Blush, Bailey Sweet and
+Fameuse.</p>
+
+<p>Fall&mdash;Fall Wine, Rambo, Grimes' Golden, Yellow Belleflower.</p>
+
+<p>Winter&mdash;Jonathan, Rome Beauty, Winesap, Ben Davis, Janet, Gilpin,
+Moore's Sweet, Sweet Vandevere.</p>
+
+<p>Peaches for Market&mdash;Bartlett, Howell, and Duchess.</p>
+
+<p>Pears for Family Use&mdash;Bartlett, Seckel, Howell, White Doyenne,
+D'Anjou, and Sheldon.</p>
+
+<p>Peaches&mdash;For Family Use and Market&mdash;Alexander, Mountain Rose, L. E.
+York, Oldmixon Free, Crawford's Late Stump, Picquet's Late, Smock,
+Salway, and Heath Cling.</p>
+
+<p>Grapes&mdash;Home Use and Market&mdash;Worden or Concord, Cynthiana or
+Norton's Va., Mo. Reisling, Noah, Ives.</p>
+
+<p>Strawberries&mdash;Home and Market&mdash;Capt. Jack, Downing, and Wilson.</p>
+
+<p>Raspberries&mdash;Black Caps&mdash;Doolittle and Gregg.</p>
+
+<p>Reds&mdash;Cuthbert, Brandywine, and Turner for home use only.</p></div>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Notes_on_Current_Topics" id="Notes_on_Current_Topics"></a>Notes on Current Topics.</h2>
+
+
+<h4>FARM ECONOMY.</h4>
+
+<p>Now, if one wants to ascertain how many agricultural implements are used
+by the farmers of the West, let him take a trip across the country for a
+day or two, and he will see reapers and mowers, and hay rakes and
+cultivators, and plows and seeders, standing in the fields and meadows,
+at the end of the rows where they had last been used. A stranger might
+think that this is not the place for them at this particular time of
+year. But in this he shows his ignorance of Western farm economy&mdash;for it
+is the very place for them; the identical locality where a great many of
+our farmers choose to keep their costly implements. Besides&mdash;don't you
+see, our farmers believe in fostering the manufactures of our country;
+and this place of caring for their tools after using them adds 15 or 20
+per cent to the business of the manufacturers.</p>
+
+
+<h4>ABOUT THE BORER.</h4>
+
+<p>I referred to the fact that I had lately been cutting away, digging up,
+and making stove-wood of a number of dead and decaying apple trees. Some
+of them had been dead and dying for two or three years. In splitting up
+the body and roots of one of these, I dislodged scores of the borers, of
+all ages and sizes&mdash;making quite a dinner for a hen and chickens that
+happened to be nigh. This fact brought forcibly to my mind what I should
+have thought of before, namely&mdash;that these dead and dying trees ought
+not to be allowed to remain a day after their usefulness has departed;
+but should be removed bodily and consigned to the flames. Otherwise they
+remain as breeding places for the pests, to the great detriment of the
+rest of the orchard. Cut away your decaying trees at once.</p>
+
+
+<h4>COAL ASHES.</h4>
+
+<p>Now that coal has become so common as a substitute for wood for fuel,
+not only on the railroads and manufactories, but in the villages and on
+the farms, wood ashes will still be harder to procure. Though not near
+so valuable for the purposes for which wood ashes is chiefly used in
+horticulture, it is believed that ashes from the coal has too great a
+value to be wasted. It should all be saved and applied to some good
+purpose on the garden or orchard. Has any one tried it as a preventive
+to pear blight? or mildew on the gooseberry? or the grape rot? or for
+the yellows or leaf-curl in peach trees? or for the rust in the
+blackberry and raspberry? In any or all of these it may have a decided
+value, and should be faithfully experimented with. As an absorbent
+alone it ought to be worth saving, to use in retaining the house slops
+and other liquid manures that are too often wasted.</p>
+
+
+<h4>ONE CAUSE OF FAILURE</h4>
+
+<p>in our orchard trees, of which we read and hear so much in late years,
+is doubtless to be found in the fact that we fail to feed them properly.
+A hog will fail to put on fat if he is not fed; a hen will not lay eggs
+if she is starved for food; and is it more reasonable to expect an apple
+or a peach or a pear tree to thrive and grow and yield of its luscious
+fruit in perfection while it is being starved? Our fresh soils&mdash;some of
+them at least&mdash;contain a fair proportion of the food needed to support
+the life of a tree; we plant our orchards, and for some years, more or
+less, they give us paying returns for our investments. But that food
+will not always last; it is gradually exhausted, and we fail to feed
+them again, or in that proportion their necessities require. They
+languish and die; a disease seizes them, and we complain and grumble at
+the dispensations of Providence.</p>
+
+<p>Think of it, fellow fruit-growers; let us begin to treat our fruit trees
+as we do our hogs and our hens, and see if we can not be favored with
+corresponding results. It is doubtless true that many of the diseases to
+which our trees are subject are caused by starvation, or by improper
+feeding; and a sickly tree is much more certain to be attacked by
+insects than a healthy one.</p>
+
+<p>Rare, indeed, is the case where a tree is carefully fed and cared for,
+and its wants regularly and bountifully supplied, that it does not repay
+as bountifully in its life-giving fruits.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">T. G.<br /></span>
+</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Pear_Blight" id="Pear_Blight"></a>Pear Blight.</h2>
+
+<h3>THE TWO THEORIES WITH REGARD TO ITS CAUSE, AND THEIR PRACTICAL VALUE.</h3>
+
+<p>It is assumed that this pest has cost agriculturists many millions of
+dollars during the past decade; not only in the loss of trees, but the
+time&mdash;as it seldom appears until after the first crop&mdash;consequently the
+land, manure, labor, enclosure, and taxes are not insignificant items.
+Climate, soil, and cultivation have utterly failed, so also the
+nostrums, such as "carbonate of lime" suggested by the best authority,
+and the experts now admit that parasites (such as cause the rust or smut
+in our cereals) are the cause of this mischief. The only question is
+whether they act directly or indirectly: this question determines
+whether it is remediable. If these parasites accomplish all this
+mischief by direct contact, as in the case of rust, their ubiquitous
+character is so demonstrated that we are utterly discouraged; whereas,
+if we prove that their indirect action is the only one that is to be
+dreaded, and that indirect action is remediable we are encouraged to
+cultivate the pear, though we have lost more than five hundred of one
+variety and almost all of the other varieties before we discovered the
+real cause of the failure. "Where you lose you may find;" success does
+not indicate merit, and "fools never learn by experience." As a
+celebrated surgeon said in his lecture. "A good oculist is made at the
+expense of a hatful of eyes."</p>
+
+<p>The celebrated Johnson who wrote the Encyclopedia of Agriculture a few
+years since, is now regarded as an old fogy, because he assumed that the
+spores of smut travel from the manure and seed of the previous crop in
+the circulation of the plant to the capsule, and thus convert the grain
+into a puff-ball, so also the ears of corn, the oats, and rye. This
+monstrosity on the rye grains is called ergot, or spurred rye, and when
+it is eaten by chickens or other fowls their feet and legs shrivel or
+perish with dry gangrene, not because the spores of the fungus which
+produced the spurred rye circulate in the blood of the chicken, nor that
+the spawn or mycelium thus traverses the fowl, but the peculiar and
+specific influence acts upon the whole animal precisely like the poison
+of the poison oak, producing its specific effect on the most remote
+parts of the system, and not as mustard confined to the part it touches.
+The mustard acts directly, but the "poison Ivy" acts indirectly; so also
+the virus of cow-pox poisons the whole system, but usually appears in
+but one spot unless the lymphatics of the whole arm are weak, and in
+that case crops of umbilicated pustules precisely like the original, may
+recur on all parts of the arm for several months. The specific effect of
+ergot or the fungus when indirect is manifested by contracting and even
+strangulating the tubes or capillaries causing them to pucker up (as a
+persimmon acts directly on the mouth), but in this case permanently
+though indirectly, so that rye bread sometimes causes dry gangrene in
+the human subject; the shins and feet shrivel precisely as those parts
+of the limbs of the pear do, moreover a dark fluid exudes (as the
+circulation is arrested where a patch occurs) in both cases alike,
+consequently if the remedy in both cases is based on the same
+principles, and is demonstrated to be equally effectual, the cause and
+the disease are similar.</p>
+
+<p>I have seen dry gangrene in the human subject originate apparently from
+an old "frost bite;" which means merely chronic debility of the
+capillaries of the foot or shin. Thus the extremities of the pear, or
+the weakest part, always succumb first, and the most vigorous trees
+never manifest it until they are weakened by their first crop of fruit.
+All are familiar with the fact that an old frost bite will swell or
+succumb to a temperature which will be innocuous to any other part of
+the body. The microscope may invariably reveal fungi in the patch of
+pear blight precisely as the housewife discovers the mold plant in her
+preserves and canned fruit, and even in the eggs of fowls, the mycelium
+(or spawn) penetrating the fruit or preserve though it be covered while
+boiling hot. If so, the reason why all parts of the tree are not
+attacked at the same time, is not because the fungus is not ubiquitous.
+We first notice the action of strychnia in the legs, or in paralyzed
+limbs exclusively, because they are weaker and become subject to its
+influence more easily; so also the same tree may escape for a long time
+after the limb which has succumbed is removed. Moreover the grafts,
+however numerous, may all be blighted, but the standard seedling on
+which so many varieties were grafted has survived more than fifty
+winters, and it fruited last year.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">David Stewart, M. D.</span><br />
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 4em;">Port Penn, Del.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Treatment_of_Tree_Wounds" id="Treatment_of_Tree_Wounds"></a>Treatment of Tree Wounds.</h2>
+
+<p>Valuable trees that have been wounded or mutilated are often sacrificed
+for lack of the discreet surgery which would repair the injury they have
+suffered; and Professor C. A. Sargent, of the Bussey Institution, has
+done good service to farmers, fruit-raisers, and landscape-gardeners, by
+translating from the French the following practical hints, which we give
+with slight abridgment:</p>
+
+<p>Bark once injured or loosened can never attach itself again to the
+trunk; and whenever wounds, abrasures, or sections of loose bark exist
+on the trunk of a tree, the damaged part should be cut away cleanly, as
+far as the injury extends. Careful persons have been known to nail to a
+tree a piece of loosened bark, in hope of inducing it to grow again, or
+at least of retaining on the young wood its natural covering.
+Unfortunately the result produced by this operation is exactly opposite
+to that intended. The decaying wood and bark attract thousands of
+insects, which find here safe shelter and abundant food, and, increasing
+rapidly, hasten the death of the tree. In such cases, instead of
+refastening the loosened bark to the tree, it should be entirely cut
+away, care being taken to give the cut a regular outline, especially on
+the lower side; for if a portion of the bark, even if adhering to the
+wood, is left without direct communication with the leaves, it must die
+and decay. A coating of coal-tar should be applied to such wounds.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Loosened Bark.</span>&mdash;It is necessary to frequently examine the lower portions
+of the trunk, especially of trees beginning to grow old; for here is
+often found the cause of death in many trees, in large sheets of bark
+entirely separated from the trunk. This condition of things, which often
+can not be detected, except by the hollow sound produced by striking the
+trunk with the back of the iron pruning-knife, arrests the circulation
+of sap, while the cavity between the bark and the wood furnishes a safe
+retreat for a multitude of insects, which hasten the destruction of the
+tree. The dead bark should be entirely removed, even should it be
+necessary, in so doing, to make large wounds. Cases of this nature
+require the treatment recommended for the last class.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Cavities in the Trunk.</span>&mdash;Very often, when a tree has been long neglected,
+the trunk is seriously injured by cavities caused by the decay of dead
+or broken branches. It is not claimed that pruning can remove defects of
+this nature; it can with proper application, however, arrest the
+progress of the evil. The edge of the cavity should be cut smooth and
+even; and all decomposed matter, or growth of new bark formed in the
+interior, should be carefully removed. A coating of coal-tar should be
+applied to the surface of the cavity, and the mouth plugged with a piece
+of well-seasoned oak securely driven into the place. The end of the plug
+should then be carefully pared smooth and covered with coal-tar,
+precisely as if the stump of a branch were under treatment. If the
+cavity is too large to be closed in this manner, a piece of thoroughly
+seasoned oak board, carefully fitted to it, may be securely nailed into
+the opening, and then covered with coal-tar. It is often advisable to
+guard against the attacks of insects by nailing a piece of zinc or other
+metal over the board in such a way that the growth of the new wood will
+in time completely cover it.</p>
+
+<p>Coal-tar, a waste product of gas-works, can be applied with an ordinary
+painter's brush, and may be used cold, except in very cold weather, when
+it should be slightly warmed before application. Coal-tar has remarkable
+preservative properties, and may be used with equal advantage on living
+and dead wood. A single application, without penetrating deeper than
+ordinary paint, forms an impervious coating to the wood-cells, which
+would, without such covering, under external influences, soon become
+channels of decay. This simple application then produces a sort of
+instantaneous cauterization, and preserves from decay wounds caused
+either in pruning or by accident. The odor of coal-tar drives away
+insects, or prevents them, by complete adherence to the wood, from
+injuring it. After long and expensive experiments, the director of the
+parks of the city of Paris finally, in 1863, adopted coal-tar, in
+preference to other preparations used, for covering tree wounds. In the
+case of stone fruit trees it should, however, be used with considerable
+caution, especially on plum trees. It should not be allowed to
+needlessly run down the trunk; and it is well to remember, that the more
+active a remedy is the greater should be the care in its application.
+The practice of leaving a short stump to an amputated branch, adopted by
+some to prevent the loss of sap, although less objectionable in the case
+of coniferous trees than in that of others, should never be adopted.
+Such stumps must be cut again the following year close to the trunk, or
+cushions of wood will form about their base, covering the trunk with
+protuberances. These greatly injure the appearance and value of the
+tree, and necessitate, should it be found desirable, the removal, later
+on, of such excrescences, causing wounds two or three times as large as
+an original cut close to the trunk would have made.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="The_Tomato_Pack_of_1883" id="The_Tomato_Pack_of_1883"></a>The Tomato Pack of 1883.</h2>
+
+<p>Through the co-operation of packers in all parts of the United States,
+the American Grocer was enabled to present its annual statement of the
+1883 pack of tomatoes some weeks earlier than usual. Despite a cold,
+backward spring, unusually low temperature throughout the summer, with
+cool nights in August and September, drouth in some sections, early and
+severe frosts in others, the trade is called upon to solve the question:
+Can the demand absorb a supply of three million cases?</p>
+
+<p>The pack of 1883 is heavily in excess of that of 1882, due to an
+increase in the number packers, and to an unusually heavy yield in New
+Jersey and Delaware. In detail, the result in the different States is as
+follows:</p>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='right'>Cases, two doz. each.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Maryland</td><td align='right'>1,450,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>New Jersey</td><td align='right'>612,703</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Delaware</td><td align='right'>156,391</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>California</td><td align='right'>117,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Ohio</td><td align='right'>112,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Indiana</td><td align='right'>90,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Virginia</td><td align='right'>75,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Kansas</td><td align='right'>65,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>New York</td><td align='right'>59,344</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Iowa</td><td align='right'>47,925</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Missouri</td><td align='right'>34,500</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Michigan</td><td align='right'>30,700</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Massachusetts</td><td align='right'>25,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Canada</td><td align='right'>20,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Connecticut</td><td align='right'>18,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Illinois</td><td align='right'>14,516</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Pennsylvania</td><td align='right'>15,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='center'>Total</td><td align='right' class='bt'>2,943,579</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<p>The above total of 2,943,579 cases, of two dozen tins each represents
+seventy million, six hundred and forty-five thousand, eight hundred and
+ninety-six cans, as the minimum quantity of canned tomatoes packed in
+the United States this year.</p>
+
+<p>Never in recent years have the holdings of the jobbers been as light as
+at present. Undoubtedly there is an unusually large stock of tomatoes in
+packers' hands, but there are innumerable parties in all the great
+centers of trade ready to take hold freely at 80 cents.</p>
+
+<p>At no time has the stock of extra brands been equal to the inquiry, and
+hence we have seen the anomaly of a range in prices of from 80 cents to
+$1.40 per dozen. There is room for improvement in quality, as well as
+for methods of marketing the large production of Harford county. A move
+in the right direction has been started by the forming of associations,
+which seek to build extensive<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_39" id="Page_39">[Pg 39]</a></span> warehouses and aid weak packers to carry
+stock, instead of forcing it upon a dull market.</p>
+
+<p>Three million cases or seventy-two million cans means a supply of only
+one and two-fifths cans per capita per annum, or seven cans per annum
+for every family of five persons. With tomatoes retailing from 8 to 15
+cents per can, the consumption could reach three times that quantity,
+and then each family would only find tomatoes upon its bill of fare once
+every fortnight.</p>
+
+<p>While many packers have failed to secure a fair return for their work,
+others have been well paid. Some few have made heavy losses, and will,
+in the future, be less inclined to bet against wet weather, drought and
+frost.</p>
+
+<p>If general business is good during the first half of 1884, The Grocer
+can see no good reason why the stock of tomatoes should not go into
+consumption between 85 cents and $1 per dozen for standards. Any marked
+advance would be sure to check demand, and, therefore, low prices must
+rule if the stock is absorbed prior to the receipt of 1884 packing.</p>
+
+<p>The year closes with Maryland packed obtainable from 75 to 85 cents; New
+Jersey and Delaware, 90 to 95 cents; fancy brands, $1.10 to $1.35,
+delivered on dock in New York.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Sweating_Apples" id="Sweating_Apples"></a>Sweating Apples.</h2>
+
+<p>According to the Popular Science News, apples do not sweat after they
+are gathered in the autumn. Here is an account of what takes place with
+them.</p>
+
+<p>The skin of a sound apple is practically a protective covering, and
+designed for a two-fold purpose: first, to prevent the ingress of air
+and moisture to the tender cellular structure of the fruit; and, second,
+to prevent the loss of juices by exudation. There is no such process as
+sweating in fruits. When men or animals sweat, they become covered with
+moisture passing through the skin; when an apple becomes covered with
+moisture, it is due to condensation of moisture from without. Apples
+taken from trees in a cool day remain at the temperature of the air
+until a change to a higher temperature occurs, and then condensation of
+moisture from the warmer air circulating around the fruit occurs, just
+as moisture gathers upon the outside of an ice-pitcher in summer. This
+explains the whole matter; and the vulgar notion of fruits "sweating"
+should be dispelled from the mind.</p>
+
+<p>It is almost impossible to gather apples under such conditions of
+temperature that they will not condense moisture after being placed in
+barrels. It would be better if this result could be avoided, as dryness
+of fruit is essential to its protracted keeping.</p>
+
+<p>Our northern autumns are characterized by changes from hot to cold, and
+these occur suddenly. The days are hot, and the nights cool, and this
+favors condensation. Apples picked on a moderately cool day, and placed
+in a moderately cool shed, protected from the sun, will not gather
+moisture, and this is the best method to pursue when practicable.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Prunings" id="Prunings"></a>Prunings.</h2>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Mr. N. Atwell</span>, one of the Michigan commissioners, whose duty it is to
+look after the peach districts of that State and check if possible the
+ravages of the destructive disease known as "yellows," claims that there
+is no known remedy, and that the only safe plan is to uproot and burn
+the trees upon the first appearance of the disease.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">If</span> you are going to set a new orchard this spring, remember that it is
+an excellent thing to prepare a plan of the orchard, showing the
+position of each tree, its variety, etc. If a tree dies it can be
+replaced by one of the same sort. Some fruit-raisers keep a book in
+which they register the age and variety of every tree in the orchard,
+together with any items in regard to their grafting, productiveness,
+treatment, etc., which are thought to be desirable.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Cor. California Rural Press:</span> The first generation of codling moth begins
+to fly about the first of May. To make sure gather some in the chrysalis
+state in March or April, put in a jar, and set the jar in a place where
+you will see it every day. When they begin to have wings, prepare your
+traps thus: The half of a kerosene can with the tin bent in at the top
+an inch; a half inch of kerosene in the can, a little flat lamp near the
+oil. The light reflected from the bright tin will draw the moth five
+rods at least. If your orchard is forty rods square, sixteen traps will
+do the work. The moth will fly about the light until it touches the oil.
+This will end it.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Industrial South has the following in relation to Albemarle and
+Nelson (Virginia) apple orchards in the space of fifteen square miles:
+"What would you think of an orchard planted, if not since the war, as I
+think it was, a very short time before, and away up on the side of the
+Blue Ridge, that to look from below you would think of insuring your
+neck before setting out to it, producing eighteen hundred barrels? This
+was the produce of picked fruit, to say nothing of the fallen&mdash;enough to
+keep a big drying establishment running for months. These are true
+figures&mdash;and it is the property of a worthy citizen of Richmond, who, in
+its management, has cause to exclaim "ab imo pectore," save me from my
+friends. Then there is another from which the owner, with a dryer of his
+own, has sold five thousand dollars of the proceeds besides cider,
+vinegar, and brandy. There is yet another, that the lady-owner sold as
+the fruit hung in the orchard, for forty-five hundred dollars. The fruit
+in the area referred to brought over fifty thousand dollars, bought by
+the agent of a New York house, and doubtless much of it will reach
+Europe."</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Prof. Cook</span> in the New York Tribune: The Rev. W. W. Meech writes that he
+has seen in several papers of high standing "the beetle Saperdabivitati,
+parent of the borer," described as a "a miller"&mdash;"a mistake very
+misleading to those who are seeking knowledge of insect pests." He adds
+that among hundreds of quince trees growing he has had but three touched
+by this enemy in eight years. He simply takes the precaution to keep
+grass and weeds away from the collar of the tree, "so that there is no
+convenient harbor for the beetle to hide in while at the secret work of
+egg-laying." He thinks a wrap of "petroleum paper around the collar"
+would be found a preventive, as it is not only disagreeable but hinders
+access to the place where the eggs are deposited. It is an unfortunate
+error to refer to a beetle as a moth. It would be better if all would
+recognize the distinction between "bug" and "beetle," and between
+"worms" and "larva," in writing popular articles. I notice that some of
+the editors of medical journals are referring to bacteria as "bugs."
+Surely reform is needed. I am not so sure of Mr. Meech's remedy. I
+imagine that fortune, not his pains, is to be thanked for his grubless
+trees. I have known this borer to do very serious mischief where the
+most perfect culture was practised. The caustic wash is much safer than
+a petroleum wrap. The eggs are often laid high up on the trunk or even
+on the branches. Nothing is better for the borers than the soap and
+carbolic acid mixture.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="FLORICULTURE" id="FLORICULTURE"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-026.jpg" width="500" height="172" alt="FLORICULTURE." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2><a name="Gleanings_by_an_Old_Florist" id="Gleanings_by_an_Old_Florist"></a>Gleanings by an Old Florist.</h2>
+
+
+<h3><a name="SMILAX_AND_ITS_USES" id="SMILAX_AND_ITS_USES"></a>SMILAX AND ITS USES.</h3>
+
+<p>Smilax, as now used by florists, is but a very recent affair. Although
+introduced first into Europe from the Cape of Good Hope as early as
+1702, it remained for the florist of our time to find out its great
+adaptability for decoration and other uses in his art or calling. To
+Boston florists belong the credit of its first extensive culture and
+use, and for several years they may be said to have had the monopoly of
+its trade, and Boston smilax, along with Boston tea roses, which was
+pre-eminently the variety called the Bon Silene, was, for years, shipped
+to this and other cities. It is scarcely a decade of years ago, in this
+city, when a batch of one hundred strings could not be bought here,
+home-grown; now there would be no difficulty in getting thousands. Like
+everything else of like character, the first introducers reaped a golden
+harvest, so far as price is concerned, having often obtained a dollar a
+string; while now, the standard price, even in mid winter, is $2 per
+dozen, and often in quantity, it can be obtained at less. But where
+there was one string used then, there are now thousands. In olden times
+the florist was often put to his wits to find material to go around his
+made-up pieces and for relief as a green; now, everything green is
+smilax, and it must be confessed, that with the choice ferns, begonia
+leaves, and the like, that he used to have to prepare with, his work
+then was really often in better taste, so far as relief to flowers is
+concerned, with the old material than the new.</p>
+
+<p>But for the purpose of festooning buildings, churches, and the like,
+smilax is by all odds the very thing wanted, and as much ahead of the
+old-time evergreen wreathing, that we had to use, as the methods now in
+use for obtaining cut flowers are ahead of the old. It is hard to say
+what the florist could do without smilax, so indispensable has it
+become. There are now probably twenty of the principal growers of this
+city that have at least one house in smilax, who will cut not less than
+three thousand strings in a winter, while of the balance of smaller fry
+enough to make up the total to 100,000 strings per year. In times of
+scarcity of material, it is cut not over three feet long; again, when
+the supply exceeds the demand, the buyer will often get it six to nine
+feet long, and at a lower price than he can buy the short&mdash;supply and
+demand ruling price, as a rule, between $1 and $3 per dozen.</p>
+
+<p>The plant now under consideration is called, botanically, Myrsiphyllum
+asparagoides; by common usage it is called smilax, although not even a
+member of the true smilax family, some of which are natives of this
+country.</p>
+
+<p>The plant seeds readily, hence every one who grows smilax may, by
+leaving two or three strings uncut, grow his own seed; it is then sure
+to be fresh&mdash;which is sometimes not the case when purchased. The seed is
+more likely to germinate if soaked twelve hours in warm water or milk
+before sowing.</p>
+
+<p>A bed may be formed any time of the year, but the usual custom is to
+prepare it so as to be ready to cut, say, in the fall, for the first
+time. Take a pan or shallow box and sow the seed any time during the
+winter before March. When well up, so they can be handled, transplant
+into small pots, and from these shift into larger, say to three or four
+inch pots. Keep the shoots pinched back so as to form a stout, bushy
+plant. During winter they will require an artificial temperature of not
+less than 50 degrees. When summer comes they may be kept in the house or
+stand out of doors until the bed in which they are to grow is ready.
+This may be prepared any time most desirable, but if to cut first in the
+fall, so manage it that they may have two or three months to perfect
+their growth.</p>
+
+<p>The common practice is to give the whole house to the use of the plant,
+but this may be varied at pleasure, growing either the center bunch, the
+front bunch, or both, as may be desirable.</p>
+
+<p>The best soil is decayed sod from a pasture enriched with cow manure. It
+requires no benches to grow this plant; all that is necessary is to
+inclose the space designed by putting up boards one foot high to form a
+coping to hold the soil. Into this the plants are set evenly over the
+entire space, in rows nine inches to one foot apart. At the time of
+planting, a stake is driven into and even with the soil at each plant,
+being careful to have them in true lines both ways, and driven deep
+enough to be quite firm; on the top of this stake is driven a small nail
+or hook. Directly over each nail, in the rafter of the house, or a strip
+nailed to them for the purpose, is placed another nail, and between the
+two a cord similar to that used by druggists or the like&mdash;but green, if
+possible, in color, for obvious reasons&mdash;is stretched as taught as may
+be, so that when finished the whole house or space used is occupied by
+these naked strings, on which, as the growth proceeds, the plants
+entwine themselves. Some care will be required at first to get them
+started, after which they will usually push on themselves.</p>
+
+<p>The most convenient height of the rafters above the soil is from four to
+ten feet, which will give long enough strings, and, what is important
+for quick growth, keep the plants when young not too far from the glass.</p>
+
+<p>In planting, some make a difference of a month or two in the time, so
+that the crop may not come in all at once; but usually the plants will
+vary some in their growth, and hence, by cutting the largest first, the
+same result is obtained. If a heat of 55 degrees can be obtained as a
+minimum, and care is taken in keeping a moist, growing temperature, a
+crop can be taken off every three months at least. So as soon as ready
+to cut and a market can be obtained for the crop, strings should be
+strung again at once, leaving some of the smaller shoots when cutting
+for a starter of the next crop. Like everything else, heavy cropping
+requires heavy manuring, and hence a rich compost should be added to the
+soil at each cutting.</p>
+
+<p>Some plant their beds fresh every year, others leave them longer. The
+root is perennial in character, and consists of fleshy tubers, not
+unlike asparagus, and may be divided for the new beds; but the general
+practice is to grow new plants. Always beware of buying old, dry roots,
+as they will sometimes refuse to grow, even if they look green and
+fresh. With many, in cutting, the practice is to cut clear through at
+the bottom, string and all, then by a deft movement of the hands the
+smilax is slipped from the string which, with the addition of a foot or
+two to tie again, is at once ready for the next, while others bring to
+market string and all, these being simply matters of practice or
+convenience.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">Edgar Sanders.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Was</span> Noah's voyage an arktic expedition?</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+
+
+<p class='center'>
+<span style="font-size: large;">OUR<br /></span>
+<span style="font-size: x-large;">New Clubbing List<br /></span>
+<span style="font-size: large;">FOR 1884.<br /></span>
+<br />
+<span style="font-size: x-large;">THE PRAIRIE FARMER<br /></span>
+IN CONNECTION<br />
+<span style="font-size: large;">WITH OTHER JOURNALS.<br /></span>
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+<p>We offer more liberal terms than ever before to those who desire to
+take, in connection with <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span>, either of the following
+weekly or monthly periodicals. In all cases the order for <span class="smcap">The Prairie
+Farmer</span> and either of the following named journals must be sent together,
+accompanied by the money; but we do not require both papers to be sent
+to the same person or to the same post-office.</p>
+
+<p>We send specimen copies only of <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span>.</p>
+
+<p>Our responsibility for other publications ceases on the receipt of the
+first number; when such journals are not received within a reasonable
+time, notify us, giving date of your order, also full name and address
+of subscriber.</p>
+
+<p class="center">WEEKLIES.</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table summary="" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%">
+<tbody><tr><td align="right"></td><td align="right">Price of the two.</td><td align="right">The two for</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Harper's Weekly</td><td align="right">$6 00</td><td align="right">$4 60</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Harper's Bazar</td><td align="right">6 00</td><td align="right">4 60</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Harper's Young People</td><td align="right">3 50</td><td align="right">2 55</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">New York Tribune</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">2 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Toledo Blade</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">2 20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Chicago Times</td><td align="right">3 25</td><td align="right">2 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Chicago Tribune</td><td align="right">3 50</td><td align="right">2 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Chicago Inter-Ocean</td><td align="right">3 15</td><td align="right">2 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Chicago Journal</td><td align="right">3 25</td><td align="right">2 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Peck's Sun</td><td align="right">3 75</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Milwaukee Sentinel</td><td align="right">3 00</td><td align="right">2 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Western Farmer (Madison, Wis.)</td><td align="right">3 00</td><td align="right">2 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Burlington Hawkeye</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">The Continent (Weekly Magazine)</td><td align="right">6 00</td><td align="right">4 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Detroit Free Press, with Supplement</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">2 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Detroit Free Press, State edition</td><td align="right">3 50</td><td align="right">2 20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Louisville Courier-Journal</td><td align="right">3 75</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">St. Louis Globe-Democrat</td><td align="right">3 00</td><td align="right">2 15</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">St. Louis Republican</td><td align="right">3 00</td><td align="right">2 15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Scientific American</td><td align="right">5 20</td><td align="right">4 15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Interior (Presbyterian)</td><td align="right">4 50</td><td align="right">3 60</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Standard (Baptist)</td><td align="right">4 70</td><td align="right">3 60</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Advance (Congregational)</td><td align="right">5 00</td><td align="right">3 35</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Alliance</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">New York Independent</td><td align="right">5 00</td><td align="right">4 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Christian Union</td><td align="right">5 00</td><td align="right">4 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Boston Pilot (Catholic)</td><td align="right">4 50</td><td align="right">3 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">American Bee Journal</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Florida Agriculturist</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">2 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Breeder's Gazette</td><td align="right">5 00</td><td align="right">3 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Witness (N.Y.)</td><td align="right">3 50</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Methodist (N.Y.)</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Chicago News</td><td align="right">3 00</td><td align="right">2 50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Globe (Boston)</td><td align="right">3 00</td><td align="right">2 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Youth's Companion</td><td align="right">3 75</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Weekly Novelist</td><td align="right">5 00</td><td align="right">4 25</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Ledger (Chicago)</td><td align="right">3 00</td><td align="right">2 90</td></tr>
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+
+<p class="center">MONTHLIES.</p>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table summary="" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="80%">
+<tbody><tr><td align="left">Harper's Monthly</td><td align="right">$6 00</td><td align="right">$4 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Atlantic Monthly</td><td align="right">6 00</td><td align="right">4 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Appleton's Journal</td><td align="right">5 00</td><td align="right">4 25</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">The Century</td><td align="right">6 00</td><td align="right">4 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">North American Review</td><td align="right">7 00</td><td align="right">5 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Popular Science Monthly</td><td align="right">7 00</td><td align="right">5 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Lippincott's Magazine</td><td align="right">6 00</td><td align="right">4 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Godey's Lady's Book</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">St. Nicholas</td><td align="right">5 00</td><td align="right">3 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Vick's Illustrated Magazine</td><td align="right">3 25</td><td align="right">2 25</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Am. Poultry Journal (Chicago)</td><td align="right">3 25</td><td align="right">2 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Gardener's Monthly</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Wide Awake</td><td align="right">4 50</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Phrenological Journal</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">American Agriculturist</td><td align="right">3 50</td><td align="right">2 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Poultry World</td><td align="right">3 25</td><td align="right">2 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Arthur's Home Magazine</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Andrews' Bazar</td><td align="right">3 00</td><td align="right">2 40</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly</td><td align="right">5 00</td><td align="right">4 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Frank Leslie's Sunday Magazine</td><td align="right">5 00</td><td align="right">4 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Frank Leslie's Ladies' Magazine</td><td align="right">4 50</td><td align="right">4 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Our Little Ones</td><td align="right">3 50</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Peterson's Magazine</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 30</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">Art Amateur</td><td align="right">6 00</td><td align="right">5 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Demorest's Magazine</td><td align="right">4 00</td><td align="right">3 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Dio Lewis' Monthly</td><td align="right">4 50</td><td align="right">3 50</td></tr>
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+<p>For clubbing price with any publication in the United States not
+included in the above list send us inquiry on postal card.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class='center'><b>MISCELLANEOUS.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ONE CENT</b></span></p>
+
+<p>invested in a postal card and addressed as below</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>WILL</b></span></p>
+
+<p>give to the writer full information as to the best lands in the United
+States now for sale; how he can</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>BUY</b></span></p>
+
+<p>them on the lowest and best terms, also the full text of the U.S. land
+laws and how to secure</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>320 ACRES</b></span></p>
+
+<p>of Government Lands in Northwestern Minnesota and Northeastern Dakota.</p>
+
+<p>ADDRESS:</p>
+
+<p>
+
+<span style="font-size: x-large; margin-left: 1em;">JAMES B. POWER,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Land and Emigration Commissioner,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 3em;">ST. PAUL, MINN.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">CONSUMPTION.</p>
+
+<p>I have a positive remedy for the above disease; by its use thousands of
+cases of the worst kind and of long standing have been cured. In deed,
+so strong is my faith in its efficacy, that I will send TWO BOTTLES
+FREE, together with a VALUABLE TREATISE on this disease, to any
+sufferer. Give Express &amp; P.O. address. DR. T.A. SLOCUM, 181 Pearl St.,
+N.Y.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><span style="font-size: x-large; text-decoration: underline;">NOW</span> Is the time to Subscribe for <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span>. Price only
+$2.00 per year. It is worth double the money.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_40" id="Page_40">[Pg 40]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">PUBLISHERS' NOTICE.</p>
+
+<p><i>THE PRAIRIE FARMER is printed and published by The Prairie Farmer
+Publishing Company, every Saturday, at No. 150 Monroe Street</i>.</p>
+
+<p><i>Subscription, $2.00 per year, in advance, postage prepaid.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Subscribers wishing their addresses changed should give their old as well as new
+addresses.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>Advertising, 25 cents per line on inside pages; 30 cents per line on
+last page&mdash;agate measure; 14 lines to the inch. No less charge than
+$2.00.</i></p>
+
+<p><i>All Communications, Remittances, etc., should be addressed to</i> <span class="smcap">The
+Prairie Farmer Publishing Company</span>, <i>Chicago, Ill.</i></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/illus-029.jpg" width="500" height="132" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><b>Entered at the Chicago Office as Second-Class Matter.</b></p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">CHICAGO, JANUARY 19, 1884.</p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p>[Transcriber's Note: Original location of Table of Contents.]</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class='center'><b>WHEN SUBSCRIPTIONS EXPIRE.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>We have several calls for an explanation of the figures following the
+name of subscribers as printed upon this paper each week. The first two
+figures indicate the volume, and the last figure or figures the number
+of the last paper of that volume for which the subscriber has paid:
+EXAMPLE: John Smith, 56&mdash;26. John has paid for THE PRAIRIE FARMER to the
+first of July of the present year, volume 56. Any subscriber can at once
+tell when his subscription expires by referring to volume and number as
+given on first page of the paper.</b></p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<div class="center">
+<table summary="" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="40%">
+<tbody><tr><td align="left"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1841.</span></td><td align="right"><span style="font-size: x-large;">1884.</span></td></tr>
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">The Prairie Farmer</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">PROSPECTUS FOR 1884.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">SEE INDUCEMENTS OFFERED</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">SUBSCRIBE NOW.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p>For forty-three years <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> has stood at the front in
+agricultural journalism. It has kept pace with the progress and
+development of the country, holding its steady course through all these
+forty-three years, encouraging, counseling, and educating its thousands
+of readers. It has labored earnestly in the interest of all who are
+engaged in the rural industries of the country, and that it has labored
+successfully is abundantly shown by the prominence and prestige it has
+achieved, and the hold it has upon the agricultural classes.</p>
+
+<p>Its managers are conscious from comparison with other journals of its
+class, and from the uniform testimony of its readers, that it is
+foremost among the farm and home papers of the country. It will not be
+permitted to lose this proud position; we shall spare no efforts to
+maintain its usefulness and make it indispensable to farmers,
+stock-raisers, feeders, dairymen, horticulturalists, gardeners, and all
+others engaged in rural pursuits. It will enter upon its forty-fourth
+year under auspices, in every point of view, more encouraging than ever
+before in its history. Its mission has always been, and will continue to
+be&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>To discuss the most approved practices in all agricultural and
+horticultural pursuits.</p>
+
+<p>To set forth the merits of the best breeds of domestic animals, and to
+elucidate the principles of correct breeding and management.</p>
+
+<p>To further the work of agricultural and horticultural organization.</p>
+
+<p>To advocate industrial education in the correct sense of the term.</p>
+
+<p>To lead the van in the great contest of the people against monopolies
+and the unjust encroachments of capital.</p>
+
+<p>To discuss the events and questions of the day without fear or favor.</p>
+
+<p>To provide information concerning the public domain, Western soil,
+climate, water, railroads, schools, churches, and society.</p>
+
+<p>To answer inquiries on all manner of subjects coming within its sphere.</p>
+
+<p>To furnish the latest and most important industrial news at home and
+abroad.</p>
+
+<p>To give full and reliable crop, weather, and market reports.</p>
+
+<p>To present the family with pure, choice, and interesting literature.</p>
+
+<p>To amuse and instruct the young folks.</p>
+
+<p>To gather and condense the general news of the day.</p>
+
+<p>To be, in brief, an indispensable and unexceptionable farm and home
+companion for the people of the whole country.</p>
+
+<p>The style and form of the paper are now exactly what they should be. The
+paper used is of superior quality. The type is bold and clear. The
+illustrations are superb. The departments are varied and carefully
+arranged. The editorial force is large and capable. The list of
+contributors is greatly increased, and embraces a stronger array of
+talent than is employed on any similar paper in this country. We
+challenge comparison with any agricultural journal in the land.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> is designed for all sections of the country. In
+entering upon the campaign of 1884, we urge all patrons and friends to
+continue their good works in extending the circulation of our paper. On
+our part we promise to leave nothing undone that it is possible for
+faithful, earnest work&mdash;aided by money and every needed mechanical
+facility&mdash;to do to make the paper in every respect still better than it
+has ever been before.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">SPECIAL NOTICE</p>
+
+<p>To each Subscriber who will remit us $2.00 between now and February 1st,
+1884, we will mail a copy of <b>THE PRAIRIE FARMER for One Year, and one of
+our New Standard Time Commercial Maps of the United States and
+Canada</b>&mdash;showing all the Counties, Railroads, and Principal Towns up to
+date. This comprehensive map embraces all the country from the Pacific
+Coast to Eastern New Brunswick, and as far north as the parallel of 52
+deg., crossing Hudson's Bay. British Columbia; Manitoba, with its many
+new settlements; and the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, completed
+and under construction, are accurately and distinctly delineated. It
+extends so far south as to Include Key West and more than half of the
+Republic of Mexico. It is eminently adapted for home, school, and office
+purposes. The retail price of the Map alone is $2.00. Size, 58 &times; 41
+inches. Scale, about sixty miles to one inch.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>READ THIS.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>Another Special Offer.</b></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/illus-030.jpg" width="500" height="281" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"The Little Detective."</b></p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>Weighs 1-4 oz. to 25 lbs.</b></p>
+
+<p>Every housekeeper ought to have this very useful scale. The weight of
+article bought or sold may readily be known. Required proportions in
+culinary operations are accurately ascertained. We have furnished
+hundreds of them to subscribers, and they give entire satisfaction.
+During January, 1884, to any person sending us <b>THREE SUBSCRIBERS</b>, at
+$2.00 each, we will give one of these scales, and to each of the three
+subscribers Ropp's Calculator, No. 1.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large;"><b>RENEW! RENEW!!</b></p>
+
+<p>Remember that every yearly subscriber, either new or renewing, sending
+us $2, receives a splendid new map of the United States and
+Canada&mdash;58 &times; 41 inches&mdash;FREE. Or, if preferred, one of the books offered
+in another column. It is not necessary to wait until a subscription
+expires before renewing.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large;"><b>WE WANT AGENTS</b></p>
+
+<p>in every locality. We offer very liberal terms and good pay. Send for
+sample copies and terms to agents.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="WILL_YOU" id="WILL_YOU"></a>WILL YOU</h2>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 2em; text-indent: -3em;">
+Read about Patrick Barry,<br />
+about the corn-root worm,<br />
+about mistakes in drainage,<br />
+about the change in prize rings at the Fat Stock Show,<br />
+about improvement in horses,<br />
+about the value of 1883 corn for pork making,<br />
+about Fanny Field's Plymouth Rocks,<br />
+about the way to make the best bee hive,<br />
+about that eccentric old fellow Cavendish,<br />
+about the every day life of the great Darwin,<br />
+about making home ornaments and nice things for the little folks? Will you</p>
+<p style="margin-left: 2em; text-indent: -3em;">Read the poems, the jokes, the news, the markets, the editorials,
+the answers to correspondents? In short, will you</p>
+<p style="margin-left: 2em; text-indent: -3em;">Read the entire paper and then sit down and think it all over and
+see if you do not conclude that this single number is worth what
+the paper has cost you for the whole year? Then tell your neighbors
+about it, show it to them and ask them to subscribe for it. Tell
+them that they will also get for the $2 a copy of our superb map.
+By doing this you can double our subscription list in a single
+week.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>WILL YOU?</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 65%;' />
+
+<p><a name="editorial_items" id="editorial_items"></a><span class="smcap">The</span> Illinois State Board of Agriculture will hold a meeting at the
+Sherman House in Chicago, on the 4th of March next. The principal
+business of the meeting will be to complete arrangements for the next
+State Fair and the Fat Stock Show.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> annual meeting of the Northern Illinois Horticultural Society will
+be held at Elgin Tuesday, January 22d and continuing three days. Kindred
+societies are invited to send delegates, and a large general attendance
+is solicited. Further particulars will be gladly received by S. M.
+Slade, President, Elgin, or D. Wilmot Scott, Secretary, Galena.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Brooklyn Board of Health petitions Congress to appropriate a
+sufficient amount of money to stamp out contagious pleuro-pneumonia and
+provide for the appointment of a number of veterinarians to inspect all
+herds in infected districts, to indemnify owners for cattle slaughtered
+by the Government, and to forbid the movement of all cattle out of any
+infected State which will not take measures to stamp out the disease.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Secretary L. A. Goodman</span>, of the Missouri State Horticultural Society
+writes <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> that on the 5th of January the mercury at
+Westport, Wis., indicated 26 degrees below zero, the lowest point ever
+recorded there. He adds: "The peaches are killed, as are the
+blackberries. Cherries are injured very much and the raspberries also.
+The dry September checked the growth of the berries and sun-burned them
+some, and now the cold hurts them badly. Apples are all right yet and
+prospects for good crop are excellent."</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p><span class="smcap">It</span> may be of interest to many readers to know that the I. &amp; St. L. R. R.
+will sell tickets from Indianapolis and intermediate points to St.
+Louis, to persons attending the meeting of the Mississippi Valley
+Horticultural Society, at one and one-third rates. Mr. Ragan informs us
+that this is the only railroad line from central Indiana that offers a
+reduction of fare. The Missouri Pacific system of roads, including the
+Wabash, and embracing about ten thousand miles of road, extending as far
+north and east as Chicago, Detroit and Toledo, and as far south and west
+as New Orleans, Galveston and El Paso, will return members in
+attendance, who have paid full fare over these lines, at one cent a
+mile, upon the certificate of the Secretary of the Society. The Chicago
+&amp; Alton, C., B. &amp; Q., Keokuk, St. L. &amp; N. W., Chicago, B. &amp; K. C.,
+Illinois Central, Cairo Short Line, and Hannibal &amp; St. Joe roads will
+return members on the same terms. The Ohio &amp; Mississippi will sell
+tickets to St. Louis and return at one and one-third fare, to members
+indorsed by the Secretary. The Louisville and Nashville will give
+reduced rates to members applying to its General Passenger Agent, C. P.
+Atmore, of Louisville, Ky.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="THE_WEALTH_OF_THE_NATION" id="THE_WEALTH_OF_THE_NATION"></a>THE WEALTH OF THE NATION.</h2>
+
+<p>The Census Bureau and Bradstreet's agency have made from the most
+accurate examination possible an estimate of the wealth and business of
+the nation: Aggregate wealth of the United States in 1880 was
+$43,642,000,000 (forty thousand and a half billions); the total amount
+of capital invested in business was $8,177,000,000 (over eight
+billions); and the number of persons engaged in commercial business was
+703,828. Twenty-two per cent of all the business capital of the country
+is credited to the State of New York. Massachusetts ranks second,
+Pennsylvania third, Ohio fourth, Illinois fifth, and Michigan sixth. The
+aggregate business capital of these six States was $5,113,087,000,
+leaving to all the other States $3,063,923,000. The total recorded
+number of traders in the United States in June, 1880&mdash;those having
+distinctive position in the commercial or industrial community&mdash;was
+703,328; a trifle over 40 per cent were in the Western States. For the
+United States as a whole the average amount of capital employed to each
+venture&mdash;as indicated by the aggregate of capital in the country
+invested in trade (as explained in the table compiled from the
+forthcoming census work) and the total number of individuals, firms, and
+corporations engaged in business&mdash;is, in round numbers, $11,600.</p>
+
+<p>The wealth of the country is, or was June 1, 1880, distributed as
+follows:</p>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='right'>Millions.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Farms</td><td align='right'>$10,197</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Residence and business real estate, capital employed
+in business, including water-power</td><td align='right'>9,881</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Railroads and equipment</td><td align='right'>5,536</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Telegraphs, shipping, and canals</td><td align='right'>410</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Live stock, whether on or off farms, farming tools
+and machinery</td><td align='right'>2,406</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Household furniture, paintings, books, clothing,
+jewelry, household supplies of food, fuel, etc.</td><td align='right'>5,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Mines (including petroleum wells) and quarries,
+together with one-half of the annual product reckoned as the average supply on hand</td><td align='right'>780</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Three-quarters of the annual product of agriculture
+and manufactures, and of the annual importation of foreign goods, assumed to be the
+average supply on hand</td><td align='right'>6,160</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Churches, schools, asylums, public buildings of
+all kinds, and other real estate exempt from taxation</td><td align='right'>2,000</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Specie</td><td align='right'>612</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Miscellaneous items, including tools of mechanics</td><td align='right'>650</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Total</td><td align='right' class='bt'>$43,642</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<p>It will thus be seen that the farms of the United States comprise nearly
+one-fourth of its entire wealth. They are worth nearly double the
+combined capital and equipments of all the railroads, telegraphs,
+shipping, and canals; more than double all the household furniture,
+paintings, books, clothing, jewelry, and supplies of food, fuel, etc.
+The live stock is more valuable than all the church property, school
+houses, asylums, and public buildings of all kinds; more than all the
+mines, telegraph companies, shipping, and canals combined. It would take
+more than three times as much "hard" money as the nation possesses to
+purchase all these domestic animals. The farms and live stock together
+exceed the value of any two other interests in the country.</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="CONTAGIOUS_ANIMAL_DISEASES" id="CONTAGIOUS_ANIMAL_DISEASES"></a>CONTAGIOUS ANIMAL DISEASES.</h2>
+
+<p>Congress seems bound to act at once upon the question of protection to
+domestic animals from contagious diseases. The pressure brought to bear
+upon members is enormous, and cannot be ignored. The action of European
+States on swine importation from America, the restrictions on the
+landing of American cattle in England, and the strong effort being made
+there to prohibit their introduction altogether, the known existence of
+pleuro-pneumonia in several of the Atlantic States, the unceasing clamor
+of our shippers and growers of live stock, all conspire to open the eyes
+of the average Congressman to the fact that something must be done. Mr.
+Singleton, of Illinois, must be something above or below the average
+Congressman, if the report is correct that he does not believe
+pleuro-pneumonia exists anywhere within the borders of the United
+States, and that he is willing to back his non-belief by a thousand
+dollars forfeit, if an animal suffering from the disease can be shown
+him. The former owner of Silver Heels, and breeder of fine horses and
+cattle at his Quincy farm, must have his eyes shaded and his ears
+obstructed by that broad brimmed hat, that has so long covered his
+silvered head and marble brow. "The<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_41" id="Page_41">[Pg 41]</a></span> world do move," nevertheless, and
+pleuro-pneumonia does prevail in this country to such an extent as to
+furnish a reasonable excuse for unfriendly legislation abroad, and we
+gain nothing by denying the fact, the Allerton and Singleton assertions
+to the contrary, notwithstanding.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="IOWA_STATE_FAIR" id="IOWA_STATE_FAIR"></a>IOWA STATE FAIR.</h2>
+
+<p>At the late meeting of the Iowa State Agricultural Society, President
+Smith strongly advocated the permanent location of the State Fair. He
+thought it had been hawked about long enough for the purpose of giving
+different cities a chance to skin the people. The Legislature should aid
+the society in purchasing grounds. Ample ground should be purchased, as
+the fair is growing, and they should not be governed solely by our
+present demands. Secretary Shaffer touched briefly on the weather of
+last summer, the acreage and yield of crops, the demonstration of the
+futility of trying to acclimatize Southern seed-corn in the North, and
+the appointment of a State entomologist. He thought the State should
+assist the society in distributing its publications. The improvement of
+the Mississippi river was briefly handled. The state of the corn during
+the past year, the seeding, the yield, etc., were summarized by months.
+The corn crop was a failure. The sorghum industry in its various
+bearings was discussed. Iowa will yet, he said, produce its own sugar.
+The question was raised whether the State should not encourage the
+growth of Northern cane. The sheep industry and its peril from worthless
+dogs was duly treated. This society was the first to insist on the
+necessity of Legislation on this subject looking to the extermination of
+worthless dogs. The society proceeded to locate the fair for the next
+year. Des Moines offered the present grounds for 10 per cent of the gate
+money. Dubuque offered free grounds and $2,500 in money. The first
+ballot resulted in seventy-one votes for Des Moines and twenty-three for
+Dubuque. Officers were elected as follows: President, William L. Smith,
+of Oskalossa; Vice-President, H. C. Wheeler, of Sac; Secretary, John
+Shaffer, of Fairfield; Treasurer, George H. Marsh, of Des Moines.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="STILL_ANOTHER_FAT_STOCK_SHOW" id="STILL_ANOTHER_FAT_STOCK_SHOW"></a>STILL ANOTHER FAT STOCK SHOW.</h2>
+
+<p>At the meeting of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture last week, it
+was decided to hold a Fat Stock Show at Indianapolis some time in
+December of the present year. Liberal premiums will be offered. The
+matter elicited a discussion of considerable length, and it was
+generally believed that the show, if properly managed, could be made a
+success. Even if it failed to realize expenses the first year, the
+exhibition would be incalculably beneficial to the State. The election
+of new members to the Board resulted as follows: First district, Robert
+Mitchell, of Gibson county; Second, Samuel Hargrave, of Pike; Third, J.
+Q. A. Seig, of Harrison; Fourth, W. B. Seward, of Monroe; Eighth, W. S.
+Dungan, of Johnson; Fourteenth, L. B. Custer, of Cass; Fifteenth, W. A.
+Banks, of La Porte; Sixteenth, R. M. Lockhart, of DeKalb.</p>
+
+<p>Three Fat Stock Shows in the West! True, the success of the Chicago
+exhibit is having a wide influence. The live stock interests of the
+country are fully awakened to the important results from these shows.
+They are, indeed, educators of the highest character, and they stimulate
+to excellence unthought of by most farmers, ten years ago. Chicago,
+Kansas City, Toronto, and now Indianapolis! Is there not room for a
+similar exhibition in the great stock State of Iowa? Why do we not hear
+from West Liberty or Cedar Rapids?</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Questions_Answered_2" id="Questions_Answered_2"></a>Questions Answered.</h2>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">F. J. St. Clair, Ursa, Ill.</span>&mdash;Who was the first President to issue a
+Thanksgiving Proclamation?</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Answer.</span>&mdash;Washington, in 1798, on the adoption by the States of the
+Constitution of the United States.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Subscriber, Peotone, Ill.</span>&mdash;How many kinds of soils are there, and what
+crops are best suited to bottom and what to upland soils?</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Answer.</span>&mdash;There are really but two soils, agriculturally considered,
+fertile soils and barren soils. Generally speaking, fertile soils are
+the result of the disintegration of mechanical forces and chemical
+agencies of limestone rocks; and barren soils&mdash;sandy soils&mdash;are produced
+by similar means, from rocks largely or wholly composed of silex or
+quartz. The mixture of these two give rise to soils of an infinite
+variety, almost, having many differing degrees of fertility, down to
+barrenness. But you have practically but one soil to deal with, a true
+limestone soil of high fertility, which has received considerable
+accessions from silicious rocks. Your bottom lands do not differ
+materially from the upland, except that the former have received
+considerable vegetable matter, which the latter have lost. For the
+lowlands, corn, grass, and potatoes are the best crops; for the
+highlands, the small grains, sorghum, beans, etc. But provide as much
+vegetable matter for the highlands as your lowlands possess, and make
+the sum of mixture in both alike, and your highlands will grow corn,
+grass, and potatoes as well as the low.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Charles Van Meter, Springfield, Mo.</span>&mdash;What is the best work on Grape
+Culture? My means are small, and I can not, of course, buy a work
+costing ten or twelve dollars, however good it may be. Recommend, for
+this latitude, something good and cheap.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Answer.</span>&mdash;For your needs you will find nothing better than Hussman's
+Grapes and Wine, a single volume, which will be sent you from <span class="smcap">The
+Prairie Farmer</span> office, on remittance of $1.50. But there is something
+cheaper still, and very good, indeed, but covering different grounds
+from Hussman. The Grape Catalogue of Bush &amp; Son &amp; Meissner. You may
+obtain it by sending twenty-five cents to Bush &amp; Son &amp; Meissner,
+Bushberg, Missouri.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Constant Reader, Chicago, Ill.</span>&mdash;I am thinking of going down, one of
+these days, to Florida, with a view to go into oranges and make more
+money than I have, or lose it all. I have read a good deal about the
+seductive business, in Florida, though but little of the details of
+cultivation in other countries. Tell me where I can find something about
+how they manage in Spain and the south of Europe.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Answer.</span>&mdash;Most of the really valuable works on this subject are in
+foreign languages&mdash;French, Spanish, or Italian. However, for a wonder, a
+late publication of the Department of State, at Washington&mdash;Reports from
+the consuls of the United States, No. 33&mdash;contains a valuable and
+lengthy paper on Orange Growing at Valencia, Spain, contributed by the
+consul there, which you may perhaps obtain through your member of
+Congress.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">J. D. Slade, Columbus, Ga.</span>&mdash;I am interested in a large plantation near
+this city with a friend who is a practical farmer. We have decided to
+abandon the planting of cotton to a great extent and adopt some other
+crops. Having concluded to try the castor bean, I wish to ask some
+information. 1. Will you give me the names of parties engaged in the
+cultivation of the crop in Illinois and Wisconsin? 2. Where can I get
+the beans for planting? 3. Describe the soil, mode of preparation,
+planting, and cultivation, and give me such other information as we may
+need.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Answer.</span>&mdash;1. Winter wheat and corn have, to a very large extent, taken
+the place of castor beans and tobacco in the agriculture of Southern
+Illinois. As for Wisconsin, we question whether a bushel of castor beans
+was grown there last year. The two sections where they are now mostly
+cultivated are in Southwestern Missouri, by the old settlers, and in
+Middle and Southern Kansas, by the first comers. For information on the
+whole subject, write the Secretary of the Kansas State Board of
+Agriculture for the quarterly report issued two or three years ago,
+which was mostly devoted to castor-bean culture. The Secretary's address
+is Topeka, Kansas. 2. Of the Plant Seed Company, St. Louis, and also
+valuable information&mdash;that city being the chief market for the castor
+beans. 3. The soil best suited to the crop is a light, rich, sandy loam,
+though any dry and fertile soil will yield good crops. For some reason
+not clearly understood, the castor bean has been found a powerful and
+energetic agent in improving some, if not all soils, the experience in
+Kansas being, that land which previously refused to yield good crops of
+wheat or corn either, after being cultivated two or three years in
+castor beans has borne great crops. This has been attributed to the
+completeness and the long time the crop shades the ground, and also to
+the long tap root of the plant, which makes it a crop of all others,
+suited to dry soils, and hot climate. After preparing the land as for
+corn, it should be laid off so the plants will stand, for your latitude,
+five feet each way. Three or four seeds are usually planted, but when
+the beans are five to six inches high, and out of the way of cut-worms,
+they are thinned to one. The cultivation is after the manner of Indian
+corn, and the planting should be at the same time. The beans for your
+latitude will begin to ripen late in July, and continue to the end of
+the season, when the plants are killed by severe frosts, light frosts
+doing scarcely any damage. In harvesting, a spot of hard ground is
+prepared and the pods as gathered are thrown on the ground and dried out
+in the sun. And here is where the trouble with making a successful and
+profitable crop comes in. The beans must be kept in the dry from the
+time of gathering the pods&mdash;one soaking rain always seriously damaging,
+and frequently destroying the merchantable value of so much of the
+harvest as happens to be on the ground. As in the case of broom corn,
+the hot, dry, and protracted late summer and fall months of that State,
+afford the Kansas farmer something like a monopoly of the castor bean
+crop. It is nevertheless giving place to corn and wheat.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Letter_from_Champaign" id="Letter_from_Champaign"></a>Letter from Champaign.</h2>
+
+<p>The snow continues to accumulate, the last having fallen before midnight
+the 11th. There were only about two inches, but it is drifting this
+morning, for all it is worth, before a gale from the West. The first and
+second snows stay where they were put at first, but the subsequent ones
+are in drifts or scattered all abroad, in the many snows and the
+excellence of the sleighing, this winter resembles '78-'79, but there is
+more snow and the temperature is very much more severe. I suppose there
+is well-nigh eighteen inches now on the ground, something quite unusual
+in this latitude. Let us hope it will stay sometime longer yet, and save
+the fall wheat.</p>
+
+<p>The intensely cold weather of last week was rough on stock of all kinds
+and in all conditions, and particularly hard on that portion having
+short rations. But I have seen many worse storms and much harder weather
+for stock; none however in which the fruits, small or large, suffered
+worse. At least that is the general judgment at the present. Peach buds
+are killed of course, and it will be lucky if the trees have escaped.
+All blackberries, but the Snyder, are dead down to the snow line&mdash;and
+some think the Snyder has not escaped, for reasons given further on.
+Examinations made of the buds of Bartlett, Duchess, Howell, Tyson,
+Bigarreau, Seckel, Buffum, Easter Buerre, and others yesterday, showed
+them all to be about equally frosted and blackened, and probably
+destroyed. Last year our pears suffered a good deal from the sleet of
+the second of February, which clung to the trees ten days, and the crop
+was a light one. This year, if appearances can be trusted, there will be
+less. In the many intense freezes of the last twenty-five years, I have
+never known pear buds to be seriously injured; last year being a marked
+exception and this still more so. Hardy grapes have probably suffered as
+much, and the tender varieties are completely done for. How well the May
+cherry has resisted the low temperature remains to be seen. As for the
+sweet cherries, it is probably the end of them.</p>
+
+<p>There were buds set for an unusually abundant crop of apples in
+1884&mdash;the Presidential year. The hardy varieties have escaped material
+damage, no doubt, but some of the tender Eastern varieties, like the
+Baldwin, Roxbury Russet, in all reasonable probability, have not only
+lost their buds but their lives also.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p>The disasters following the very low temperature of last week have no
+doubt been increased by the immaturity of the wood, due to the cool,
+moist summer. If summers like those of 1882-83 are not warm enough to
+ripen the corn crop, buds and wood of fruit trees will not acquire a
+maturity that resists intense cold as we see by our experience with
+pears, grapes, and peaches in the fruit season of 1883, and which is
+almost sure to be repeated with aggravations in 1884. Possibly the
+ground being but lightly frozen and protected by a good coat of snow,
+may save the apple trees and others from great disaster following thirty
+to thirty-five degrees below zero, when falling on half ripened wood,
+but the reasonable fear is that orchards on high land in Northern and
+Central Illinois, have been damaged more than last year. If so perhaps
+it were better after all, since it will open the eyes of a great many to
+the mistakes in location heretofore made, and lead them to put out
+future orchards where they ought to be.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p>If my word of warning could reach those engaged in taking measures at
+Washington to prevent the spread of epidemic and infectious diseases in
+our stock, it would be "go slow." If the wishes of a few veterinarians
+are met and the demands of a raft of pauper lawyers and politicians are
+complied with, it will result in the creation of a half dozen
+commissions. Each one of them, as previous ones have done, will find
+sufficient reason for their continuance and reports will be made that
+half the live stock in the country, South and West, is either in danger
+from or suffering under some of the many forms of epidemic or infectious
+diseases&mdash;and by the way, what justice is there in putting Detmers out
+of the way, and clinging to Salmon and Laws, both of whom indorsed
+nearly every thing the former did? Beware of commissions, and above all
+of putting men upon them whose bread and butter is of more consequence
+to them than the stock interest, vast as it is.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">B. F. J.<br /></span>
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="Wayside_Notes" id="Wayside_Notes"></a>Wayside Notes.<br />
+<br />
+<span style="font-size: 50%">BY A MAN OF THE PRAIRIE.</span></h2>
+
+
+<p>Of the 2,500,000 packages of seeds distributed by the United States
+Agricultural Department during last year more than 2,000,000 packages
+were furnished to Congressmen, and I notice that some of the papers are
+making unfavorable comments on the fact. Now I do not discover anything
+that seems to me radically wrong in this practice of the Department of
+Agriculture, or rather in the instructions under which the practice
+prevails. There are some men, mostly seedsmen, and some publishers,
+mostly those interested in securing patronage through seed premiums, or
+which are run in the interest of seed dealers, who grumble a great deal
+about this matter, and who sneer at the department and derisively call
+it the "Government seed store." But I imagine if the public was
+thoroughly informed of the good the department has done by its seed
+distributions, it would have a great deal better opinion of this branch
+than it now has, and I wish Mr. Dodge, or some other efficient man, who
+knows all about it from the beginning would give to the country a
+complete history of what has been done in the way of introducing and
+disseminating new seeds, plants, and cuttings. I believe if the whole
+truth were told it would put an end to ridicule and denunciation. I am
+aware that there have been some things connected with this work that
+were not exactly correct. There may have been some helping of friends in
+the purchase of seeds; there may have been some noxious weed seeds sent
+out to the detriment of the country; Congressmen may have used their
+quota of seeds for the purpose of keeping themselves solid with their
+constituents. But, after all, it is my candid opinion the seed
+distributing branch of the department has been an untold blessing to the
+farmers of this country. As to this matter of giving a large proportion
+of the seeds to Congressmen, I have not much fault to find about that
+either, though perhaps a better system of distribution might be devised.
+I have yet to learn that an application to a Congressman for seed has
+been disregarded, if the seeds were to be had, whether that application
+came from a political friend or a political foe. And I do wish that
+farmers generally would make more frequent application to the members
+from their respective districts than they do. It will be money in their
+pockets if they will keep posted in what the department has to
+distribute which is valuable, or new and promising, and solicit samples
+either from Congressmen or direct from the Commissioner of Agriculture.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p>"Put your thumb down there," said an experienced orchardist to me the
+other day. We were talking about the recently started theory that the
+best bearing orchards are to be found on the low lands of the prairies.
+"You just wait and see if these brag orchards ever bear another crop! It
+will be as it was after the severe winter of 1874 and '75, when the
+following autumn many of our orchards bore so profusely. The succeeding
+year the majority of the trees were as dead as smelts, and the balance
+never had vigor enough afterward to produce a decent crop. Once before,"
+said he, "we had a similar experience in Illinois. Put your thumb down
+at this place and watch for results. Do not say anything about this in
+your Wayside Blusterings, at least as coming from me," and of course I
+don't. But I wanted the readers of <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> to help me watch
+with fear and trembling for the fulfillment of this horticultural
+prophesy, so I straightway make a note of it and ask you all to "put
+your thumbs down here" and wait. My friend's theory is that the severe
+cold of last winter destroyed a large portion of the roots of these
+trees; that the root pruning caused the extra fruitfulness, but proved
+too severe for the vitality of the trees to withstand, and that next
+year the bulk of the trees will not leaf out at all; and further that
+the old theory as taught by Kennecott, Whitney, Edwards, and the rest of
+the "fathers," that apple trees cannot thrive with wet feet, was the
+correct theory then and is the correct theory now. He would still plant
+on high, well drained land.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p>My neighbor up at the "Corners" has a large flock of grade Cotswold
+sheep&mdash;Cotswolds crossed on large native Merinos. He keeps them to
+produce early lambs for the Chicago market. For the last three or four
+years he has received, on an average, four dollars per head for his
+lambs, taken at his farm. It is a profitable and pleasant sort of
+farming. Some day I may tell how he manages, in detail.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_42" id="Page_42">[Pg 42]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Remember</span> <i>that</i> $2.00 <i>pays for</i> <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> <i>one year, and the
+subscriber gets a copy of</i> <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer County Map of the United
+States, free</span>! <i>This is the most liberal offer ever made by any
+first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="Poultry_Notes" id="Poultry_Notes"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-037.jpg" width="500" height="107" alt="Poultry Notes." title="" />
+<span class="caption">Poultry-Raisers. Write for Your Paper.</span>
+</div>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Chicken_Chat" id="Chicken_Chat"></a>Chicken Chat.</h2>
+
+<p>Let me see&mdash;it was sometime during the month of December that the "Man
+of the Prairie" went wandering all over the village, and even scoured
+the country round about the village in search of an extra dozen eggs,
+and went home mad, and, man fashion, threatened to kill off every hen on
+the place if they didn't proceed to do their duty like hens and fellow
+citizens. It was also during that same December that the fifty Plymouth
+Rock hens that we are wintering in the barn cellar, laid, regardless of
+the weather, 736 eggs&mdash;an average of nearly fifteen eggs apiece.</p>
+
+<p>"Is it a fact that the corn is too poor for manufacture into eggs?"</p>
+
+<p>I don't know anything about the corn in your locality, but I do know
+that our Plymouth Rocks had whole corn for supper exactly thirty-one
+nights during the month of December&mdash;not Western corn, but sound,
+well-ripened, Northern corn, that sells in our market for twenty cents
+more per bushel than Western corn. I also know that hens fed through the
+winter on corn alone will not lay enough to pay for the corn, but in our
+climate the poultry-raiser may feed corn profitably fully one-half the
+time. When the morning feed consists of cooked vegetable and bran or
+shorts, and the noon meal of oats or buckwheat, the supper may be of
+corn. I believe the analytical fellows tell us that corn won't make
+eggs, and I am sure I don't know whether it will or not, and I don't
+much care; but I know that hens will eat corn, when they can get it, in
+preference to any other grain, and I know that it "stands by" better
+than anything else, and that it is a heat-producing grain, and
+consequently just the thing to feed when the days are short and the
+nights long, and the mercury fooling around 30 degrees below zero. Hens
+need something besides egg material; they must have food to keep up the
+body heat, and the poultry-raiser who feeds no corn in winter blunders
+just as badly as the one who feeds all corn.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 25%;' />
+
+<p>Talking about corn for fowls reminds me that the agricultural papers are
+full of wails from farmers who were taken in last season on seed corn.
+If they had followed the plan of an old farmer of my acquaintance they
+would not now be obliged to mourn a corn crop cut off by frost. When
+this old chap went to farming forty years ago he bought a peck of seed
+corn of the Northern yellow flint variety, and as he "don't believe in
+running after all the new seeds that are advertised in the papers," he
+is still raising the same variety&mdash;only it ripens some three weeks
+earlier than it did then. Every fall he does through his field and
+selects his seed corn from the best of the earliest ripened ears; when
+these ears are husked one or two husks are left on each ear, and then
+the husks, with the ears attached, are braided together until there are
+fifteen or twenty ears in a string. These strings of seed corn are hung
+up in the sun for a fortnight or so, and then hung from the rafters in a
+cool, dry loft over the wood-shed; there it remains till seed time comes
+again, and it never fails to grow.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">Fanny Field.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Business_Still_Running" id="Business_Still_Running"></a>Business Still Running.</h2>
+
+<p>"My own hens closed out business six weeks ago," not long since said
+"Man of the Prairie." He mentioned also, that he had not much faith in
+pure bred poultry. Now he severely complains that no eggs can be found
+among the farmers nor in village stores. I will not say that pure
+strains of poultry are better layers than common, but, when one pays a
+good price for poultry, it is an incentive to provide good shelter and
+bestow upon them some manifestations of interest which would not be done
+with the common fowls. Herein may lay in part the secret of better
+returns from pure strains.</p>
+
+<p>Years ago our chickens 'closed out business' for several months. Of late
+this procedure is unknown. We crossed our best common hens with Plymouth
+Rock stock, paying a good price. We furnished comfortable quarters, gave
+variety of feed, and at present writing the lady-like biddies furnish
+enough eggs for our own use and some to sell to stores and neighbors.</p>
+
+<p>We still have a few common hens (not caring to have all pure) yet we
+find that with same care and attention, the purer strains give best
+returns.</p>
+
+<p>Skeptical, like a good many others, we were loth to experiment. Thanks
+to Fanny Field for her wise and instructive poultry writings. In a
+recent number she seemed to be in doubt whether her writings were heeded
+or doing any one good. Let me say in behalf of myself and a few others,
+that a few married ladies now have pin money by following her
+instructions, who, before, had to go to their lords (husbands) when they
+wanted a little money, which was sometimes begrudgingly given, and often
+times not at all.</p>
+
+<p class="smcap">
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Bachelor &amp; Maid.</span><br />
+Council Bluffs, Iowa.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="The_Apiary" id="The_Apiary"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-038.jpg" width="500" height="98" alt="The Apiary." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2><a name="The_Best_Hive" id="The_Best_Hive"></a>The Best Hive.</h2>
+
+<p>In answer to many inquiries as to the best hive, we will here state that
+is a mere matter of choice. Many good movable frame hives are now in
+use, free from patents, and while we prefer the Langstroth, there may be
+others just as good.</p>
+
+<p>Apiarists differ as to what constitutes the best hive. Novices in bee
+culture generally think that they can invent a better hive than any in
+use, but after trying their invention for awhile, conclude that they are
+not as wise as they thought they were. Many hives are patented yearly by
+persons ignorant of the nature of the honey-bee, and few, if any, are
+received with favor by intelligent apiarists.</p>
+
+<p>The requisites for a good hive are durability, simplicity, ease of
+construction and of working, and pleasing to the eye. We think the
+Langstroth embodies these. It was invented by the father of modern
+bee-culture. He gave to the world the movable frame; without its use, we
+might as well keep our bees in hollow logs, as our fathers did.
+Different sizes of movable frames are now in use, but two-thirds of the
+apiarists prefer the Langstroth.</p>
+
+<p>Upon many farms, bees may be found in salt barrels, nail-kegs, etc.,
+doing little good for their owner, while if they were put into hives,
+where the surplus could be obtained in good shape, they would become a
+source of income. Specialists either manufacture their own hives, or buy
+them in the flat, in the lumber region. As the farmer may need but a few
+hives, he may find leisure in winter to make them.</p>
+
+<p>Every farmer needs a workshop, and if he has none, should provide
+himself with one. It need not be large, and can be made quite
+inexpensively. In his barn, if it is large, partition off a room for a
+workshop 12&nbsp;&times;&nbsp;14 feet, and if he not be blessed with a good large barn,
+why a thousand feet of common boards, and a load of good stout saplings,
+with a little mechanical skill and some muscle, will provide a very good
+farm workshop.</p>
+
+<p>Get a few tools, such as a saw, square, plane, hatchet, a brace, and a
+few bits, and before twelve months pass away you will wonder how you
+ever managed to do without one before; many a singletree or doubletree
+can be made, or broken implements repaired during leisure, or the rainy
+days of late winter or spring, and the boys will go there to try their
+hands, and develop their mechanical skill; exercising both brain and
+muscle. Remember that the school of industry is second to no university
+in the land.</p>
+
+<p>Now for the hives; in the first place you need a pattern. Purchase of
+some dealer or manufacturer of apiarian supplies, a good Langstroth hive
+complete with section boxes. Then get a couple of hundred feet (more or
+less) of ten inch stock boards, mill dressed on both sides, then with
+your pattern hive, workshop, and tools, you are master of the situation.
+After your hives are made, don't forget to paint them; it is economy to
+paint hives as well as dwelling houses.</p>
+
+<h4>LANGSTROTH HIVE.</h4>
+
+<p>For the benefit of those who may not be able to obtain a pattern hive,
+or frame, we will give the dimensions. The sides of the Langstroth hive
+are 10 inches wide, by 23 inches long, the ends are 12 inches long, the
+back end the same width as the sides; front end, <span style="font-size: small;"><sup>3</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span> inches narrower,
+and recesses or sets back 3<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>3</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span> inches from portico, all 7/8 inches
+thick. The Langstroth frame is 17&frac14;&times;9&frac14; inches outside measure. The
+length of top bar of frame is 19&frac14; inches, the frame stuff is all <span style="font-size: small;"><sup>7</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span>
+wide, the top bar is <span style="font-size: small;"><sup>5</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span>&times;<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>7</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span>, and is V shaped on the under side for a
+comb guide&mdash;the upright pieces &frac12;&times;<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>7</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span>, the bottom pieces &frac14;&times;<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>7</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span>.</p>
+
+<p>The above are the dimensions of an eight frame hive. Strips &frac14;&times;<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>7</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span>
+inches are nailed on the outside of the hive &frac14; inch from the upper
+edge, and the cap or upper hive rests upon them. We make the cap 22<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>1</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span>
+inches long by 13<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>7</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span> inches wide in the clear, and ten inches high.</p>
+
+<p>Some apiarists omit the porticos, but we like them, and the bees appear
+to enjoy them. Right angled triangle blocks, made right and left, are
+used to regulate the entrance. By changing the position of these blocks
+on the alighting board the size of the entrance may be varied, and the
+bees always directed to it by the shape of the block, without any loss
+of time in searching for it&mdash;in case of robbing the hive, the hive can
+be entirely closed with them. A board was formerly used to cover the
+frames, but is now generally abandoned, apiarists preferring duck,
+enameled cloth, or heavy muslin.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">Mrs. L. Harrison.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p><b>No Safer Remedy</b> can be had for Coughs and Colds, or any trouble of the
+Throat, than "<i>Brown's Bronchial Troches</i>." Price 25 cents. <i>Sold only
+in boxes.</i></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large;">MISCELLANEOUS.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large;">ARM &amp; HAMMER BRAND</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 150px;">
+<img src="images/illus-039.jpg" width="150" height="146" alt="CHURCH &amp; CO&#39;S SODA
+&amp; SALERATUS" title="" />
+<span class="caption">&amp; SALERATUS</span>
+</div>
+
+<p><b>TO FARMERS.</b>&mdash;It is important that the <b>Soda or Saleratus</b> they use should
+be <i>white</i> and <i>pure</i>, in common with all similar substances used for
+food.</p>
+
+<p>In making bread with yeast, it is well to use about half a teaspoonful
+of the <b>"Arm and Hammer" Brand Soda</b> or <b>Saleratus</b> at the same time, and
+thus make the bread rise better and prevent it becoming sour by
+correcting the natural acidity of the yeast.</p>
+
+<p style="clear: both; font-weight: bold; font-size: x-large;">
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">DAIRYMEN<br /></span>
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 10em;">AND</span><br />
+<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 12em;">FARMERS</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>should use only the "<b>Arm and Hammer</b>" brand for cleaning and keeping
+milk-pans sweet and clean.</p>
+
+<p><i>To insure obtaining only the</i> "<b>Arm and Hammer</b>" <i>brand Soda or
+Saleratus, buy it in</i> "<span class="smcap">POUND</span> <i>or</i> <span class="smcap">HALF-POUND PACKAGES</span>," <i>which bear our
+name and trade-mark, as inferior goods are sometimes substituted for
+the</i> "<b>Arm and Hammer</b>" <i>brand when bought in bulk.</i></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: larger;"><b>"THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST."</b></p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>ENGINES, SAW MILLS, THRESHERS, HORSE POWERS,</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">(For all sections and purposes.) Write for <b>Free</b> Pamphlet and Prices to
+The Aultman &amp; Taylor Co., Mansfield, Ohio.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;" class='center'><a name="Monarch_Lightning_Sawing_Machine" id="Monarch_Lightning_Sawing_Machine"></a>
+THE FAMOUS EASY-RUNNING<br />
+<br />
+Monarch Lightning Sawing Machine</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p class='center'>IT BEATS THE WORLD FOR SAWING LOGS<br />
+OR FAMILY STOVE WOOD.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: x-large;">SENT ON 30 DAYS' TEST TRIAL.
+</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 800px;">
+<img src="images/illus-040.jpg" width="800" height="533" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p>The boy in the picture on the left is sawing up logs into 20-inch
+lengths, to be split into stovewood for family use. This is much the
+<span class="smcap">BEST</span> and <span class="smcap">CHEAPEST</span> way to get out your firewood, because the 20-inch
+blocks are <span class="smcap">VERY EASILY</span> split up, a good deal easier and quicker than the
+old-fashioned way of cutting the logs into 4-feet lengths, splitting it
+into cordwood, and from that sawing it up with a buck saw into
+stovewood. We sell a large number of machines to farmers and others for
+just this purpose. A great many persons who had formerly burned coal
+have stopped that useless expense since getting our Machine. Most
+families have one or two boys, 16 years of age and up, who can employ
+their spare time in sawing up wood just as well as not. The</p>
+<p style="font-size: x-large; text-align: center;">MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE</p>
+<p>will save your paying money and board to <span class="smcap">ONE</span> hired man and perhaps <span class="smcap">TWO</span> men.</p>
+
+<p>The boy at the right in the picture is sawing up cordwood in a buck frame. You can very easily
+use our machine in this way if you have cordwood on hand that you wish to saw up into suitable lengths
+for firewood.</p>
+
+<p>A boy sixteen years old can work the machine all day and not get any
+more tired than he would raking hay. The machine runs <b>very easily</b>, so
+easily, in fact, that after giving the crank half a dozen turns, the
+operator may let go and the machine will run itself for <b>three or four
+revolutions</b>. Farmers owning standing timber cannot fail to see the many
+advantages of this great <b>labor-saving and money-saving machine</b>. If you
+prefer, you can easily go directly into the woods and easily saw the
+logs into 20-inch lengths for your family use, or you can saw them into
+4-foot lengths, to be split into cordwood, when it can be readily hauled
+off to the village market. Many farmers are making a good deal of money
+with this Machine in employing the dull months of the year in selling
+cordwood.</p>
+
+<p>It makes a great difference in <b>labor and money</b> both in using our
+machine, because you get away with a second man. It takes two men to run
+the old-fashioned cross-cut saw, and it makes two backs ache every day
+they use it. Not so with our saw.</p>
+
+<p>We offer <b>$1,000</b> for a sawing machine that is <b>EASIER OPERATED</b> and <b>FASTER
+RUNNING</b> than ours. Every farmer should own our machine. It will pay for
+itself in one season. Easily operated by a sixteen-year-old boy.</p>
+
+<p>Lumbermen and farmers should <b>GET THE BEST&mdash;GET THE CHEAPEST&mdash;GET THE
+MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE</b>.</p>
+
+<p>E. DUTTER, Hicksville, O., writes:&mdash;It runs so easy that it is JUST FUN
+to saw wood.</p>
+
+<p>C. A. COLE, Mexico, N. Y., writes:&mdash;With this machine I sawed off an elm
+log, twenty-one inches in diameter, in one minute, forty-three seconds.</p>
+
+<p>Z. G. HEGE, Winston, N. C., writes:&mdash;I have shown your machine to
+several farmers, and all pronounce it a PERFECT SUCCESS.</p>
+
+<p>WM. DILLENBACK, Dayton, Tex., writes:&mdash;I am WELL PLEASED with the
+<span class="smcap">Monarch Lightning Sawing Machine</span>. My boys can saw WITH ALL EASE.</p>
+
+<p>L. W. YOST, Seneca, Kan., writes:&mdash;I will bet $50 that I can saw as much
+with this machine as any two men can with the old-fashioned cross-cut
+saw.</p>
+
+<p>T. K. BUCK, Mt. Vernon, Ill., writes:&mdash;I have given the Monarch a fair
+trial, and can truly say it is ALL YOU CLAIM FOR IT, a complete success,
+enabling a boy to do the work of two strong men, and indeed, more. I
+would not take $75 for the <span class="smcap">Monarch</span> and be deprived of the privilege of
+having another like it. I sawed off a twenty-inch solid water oak log
+twelve times yesterday in <span class="smcap">Forty-Five Minutes</span>.</p>
+
+<p>J. M. CRAWFORD. Columbia, S. C., writes:&mdash;I tried the Monarch on an oak
+log to-day before twenty farmers. All said it WORKED PERFECTLY.</p>
+
+<p><b>N. B.</b>&mdash;We are selling <b>SIX TIMES</b> as many Machines as any other firm,
+simply because our Machine gives perfect satisfaction. Our factory is
+running day and night to fill orders. Send in your order at once. The
+<b>BEST</b> is the <b>CHEAPEST</b>. Our agent sold four machines in one day. Another
+sold twenty-eight in his township. Another agent cleared <b>$100</b> in one
+week. <b>BE SURE AND MENTION THIS PAPER.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>WE WISH A LIVE, WIDE-AWAKE AGENT IN EVERY COUNTY IN THE UNITED STATES
+AND CANADA.</b> &#9758; Write for Latest Illustrated Catalogue giving Special Terms and scores of
+Testimonials.</p>
+
+<p style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;" class='center'>MONARCH MANUFACTURING CO.<br />
+<span style="font-size: 75%;">163 E. RANDOLPH STREET, CHICAGO, ILL.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_43" id="Page_43">[Pg 43]</a></span></p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Remember</span> <i>that</i> $2.00 <i>pays for</i> <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> <i>one year and, the
+subscriber gets a copy of</i> <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer County Map of the United
+States, free!</span> <i>This is the most liberal offer ever made by any
+first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="Scientific" id="Scientific"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-041.jpg" width="500" height="130" alt="Scientific" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2><a name="Some_Gossip_About_Darwin" id="Some_Gossip_About_Darwin"></a>Some Gossip About Darwin.</h2>
+
+<p>The last number of the American Naturalist presents the following from
+David S. Jorden, of Bloomington, Indiana. It is one of those gossipy
+bits about the great scientist that every body enjoys reading.</p>
+
+<p>In a recent visit to England, the writer strolled into the village of
+Down in Kent, and talked with some of the villagers in regard to Mr.
+Darwin, whose beautiful home is just outside the little town.</p>
+
+<p>Some of this talk, although in itself idle and valueless, may have an
+interest to readers, as showing how a great man looks to his smaller
+neighbors.</p>
+
+<p>The landlord of the "George Inn" said that "all the people wished to
+have Mr. Darwin buried in Down, but the government would not let them.
+It would have helped the place so much. It would have brought hosts of
+people down to see his grave. Especially it would have helped the hotel
+business which is pretty dull in winter time.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Darwin was a very fine-looking man. He had a high forehead and wore
+a long beard. Still, if you had met him on the street, perhaps, you
+would not have taken much notice of him unless you knew that he was a
+clever man."</p>
+
+<p>"Sir John Lubbock (Darwin's friend and near neighbor) is a very clever
+man, too, but not so clever nor so remarkable-looking as Mr. Darwin. He
+is very fond of hants (ants), and plants, and things."</p>
+
+<p>At Keston, three miles from Down, the landlady of the Grayhound had
+never heard of Mr. Darwin until after his death. There was then
+considerable talk about his being buried in Westminster, but nothing was
+said of him before.</p>
+
+<p>Several persons had considerable to say of Mr. Darwin's extensive and
+judicious charity to the poor. To Mr. Parslow, for many years his
+personal servant, Mr. Darwin gave a life pension of &pound;50, and the rent of
+the handsome "Home Cottage" in Down. During the time of a water famine
+in that region, he used to ride about on horseback to see who needed
+water, and had it brought to them at his own expense from the stream at
+St. Mary's Cray.</p>
+
+<p>"He was," said Mr. Parslow, "a very social, nice sort of a gentleman,
+very joking and jolly indeed; a good husband and a good father and a
+most excellent master. Even his footmen used to stay with him as long as
+five years. They would rather stay with him than take a higher salary
+somewhere else. The cook came there while young and stayed there till
+his death, nearly thirty years later.</p>
+
+<p>"Mrs Darwin is a pleasant lady, a year older than her husband. Their
+boys are all jolly, nice young fellows. All have turned out so well, not
+one of them rackety, you know. Seven children out of the ten are now
+living.</p>
+
+<p>"George Darwin is now a professor in Oxford. He was a barrister at
+first; had his wig and gown and all, but had to give it up on account of
+bad health. He would have made a hornament to the profession.</p>
+
+<p>"Francis Darwin is a doctor, and used to work with his father in the
+greenhouse. He is soon to marry a lady who lectures on Botany in Oxford.</p>
+
+<p>"For the first twenty years after Mr. Darwin's return from South
+America, his health was very bad&mdash;much more than later. He had a stomach
+disease which resulted from sea-sickness while on the voyage around the
+world. Mr. Parslow learned the watercure treatment and treated Mr.
+Darwin in that system, for a long time, giving much relief.</p>
+
+<p>"Mr. Darwin used to do his own writing but had copyists to get his work
+ready for the printer. He was always an early man. He used to get up at
+half past six. He used to bathe and then go out for a walk all around
+the place. Then Parslow used to get breakfast for him before the rest of
+the family came down. He used to eat rapidly, then went to his study and
+wrote till after the rest had breakfast. Then Mrs. Darwin came in and he
+used to lie half an hour on the sofa, while she or someone else read to
+him. Then he wrote till noon, then went out for an hour to walk. He used
+to walk all around the place. Later in life, he had a cab, and used to
+ride on horseback. Then after lunch at one, he used to write awhile.
+Afterwards he and Mrs. Darwin used to go to the bedroom, where he lay
+on a sofa and often smoked a cigarette while she read to him. After this
+he used to walk till dinner-time at five. Before the family grew up,
+they used to dine early, at half-past one, and had a meat-tea at
+half-past six.</p>
+
+<p>"Sometimes there were eighteen or twenty young Darwins of different
+families in the house. Four-in-hand coaches of young Darwins used
+sometimes to come down from London. Mr. Darwin liked children. They
+didn't disturb him in the least. There were sometimes twenty or thirty
+pairs of little shoes to be cleaned of a morning, but there were always
+plenty of servants to do this.</p>
+
+<p>"The gardener used to bring plants into his room often of a morning, and
+he used to tie bits of cotton on them, and try to make them do things.
+He used to try all sorts of seeds. He would sow them in pots in his
+study.</p>
+
+<p>"There were a quantity of people in Westminster Abbey when he was
+buried. Mr. Parslow and the cook were among the chief mourners and sat
+in the Jerusalem chamber. The whole church was as full of people as they
+could stand. There was great disappointment in Down that he was not
+buried there. He loved the place, and we think that he would rather have
+rested there had he been consulted."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center'><b>MISCELLANEOUS.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>To Our Readers.</b></p>
+
+<p>THE PRAIRIE FARMER is the <b>Oldest, Most Reliable</b>, and the <b>Leading
+Agricultural Journal of the Great Northwest</b>, devoted exclusively to the
+interests of the Farmer, Gardener, Florist, Stock Breeder, Dairyman,
+Etc., and every species of industry connected with that great portion of
+the People of the World, the <b>Producers</b>. Now in the Forty-Second Year of
+its existence, and never, during more than two score years, having
+missed the regular visit to its patrons, it will continue to maintain
+supremacy as <b>a Standard Authority on matters pertaining to Agriculture
+and kindred Productive Industries</b>, and as a <b>Fresh and Readable Family
+and Fireside Journal</b>. It will from time to time add new features of
+interest, securing for each department the ablest writers of practical
+experience.</p>
+
+<p>THE PRAIRIE FARMER will discuss, without fear or favor, all topics of
+interest properly belonging to a Farm and Fireside Paper, treat of the
+most approved practices in <b>Agriculture, Horticulture, Breeding, Etc.</b>;
+the varied Machinery, Implements, and improvements in same, for use both
+in Field and House; and, in fact, everything of interest to the
+Agricultural community, whether in <b>Field, Market, or Home Circle</b>.</p>
+
+<p><b>It will give information upon the public domain, Western soils, climate,
+etc.; answer inquiries</b> on all manner of subjects which come within its
+sphere; <b>give</b> each week, full and <b>reliable Market, Crop, and Weather
+Reports; present</b> the family with choice and <b>interesting literature</b>;
+amuse and <b>instruct the young folks: and</b>, in a word, aim to <b>be</b>, in every
+respect, <b>an indispensable and unexceptionable</b> farm and fireside
+<b>companion</b>.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">Terms of Subscription and 'Club Rates':</p>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table summary="" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0">
+<tbody><tr><td align="left"><b>One</b></td><td align="left"><b>Copy,</b></td><td align="left"><b> 1 Year</b>,</td><td align="left">postage paid</td><td align="right"><b>$2.00</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Two</b></td><td align="left"><b>Copies,</b></td><td align="center"> "</td><td align="left">&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp;"</td><td align="right"><b>3.75</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Five</b></td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="left">sent at one time</td><td align="right"><b>8.75</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Ten</b></td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="left">sent at one time, and one to Club getter</td><td align="right"><b>16.00</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"><b>Twenty</b></td><td align="center">"</td><td align="center">"</td><td align="left">sent at one time, and one to Club getter</td><td align="right"><b>30.00</b></td></tr>
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">Address</span><br />
+<span style="font-size: x-large;">The Prairie Farmer Publishing Co.,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 6em;">Chicago. Ill.</span></p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/illus-042a.jpg" width="200" height="174" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class='center' style="font-weight: bold;"><span style="font-size: large;">This Elegant</span> <span style="font-size: x-large;">RING GIVEN AWAY</span></p>
+
+
+<p>This elegant <b>18k Rolled Gold Wedding Ring</b>, equal in appearance to a $10
+ring, <b>free to all</b>. Wishing to at once secure a large number of new
+subscribers to our well known literary and family paper, BACKLOG
+SKETCHES, and knowing that all who once read it will become regular
+subscribers, we make this most liberal offer to induce all to subscribe,
+firmly believing that in the future we shall be benefited in the
+increased business it will bring us. For only <b>25</b> Cents we will send
+BACKLOG SKETCHES three months ON TRIAL, and we will send every
+subscriber, absolutely FREE, this elegant <b>18k Rolled Gold Ring</b>. For $1,
+we send Backlog Sketches a year and send every subscriber free, a
+beautiful <b>Ring, warranted solid gold</b>. Backlog Sketches is a large, 16
+page, illustrated literary paper, size Harper's Weekly, every issue
+being filled with the most charming stories and sketches and choicest
+miscellany. It is alone worth double the subscription price. Subscribe
+now. Sample paper for stamp. Address</p>
+
+<p class='center'>BACKLOG PUBLISHING CO., <span class="smcap">Augusta, Maine</span></p>
+
+<p class='center'><b>&#9758; Cut this out. It will not appear again.</b></p>
+
+<p><b>The above liberal offer, by a reliable firm,
+gives all a chance to get a valuable ring
+free. Subscribe now, before you forget it.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/illus-042b.jpg" alt="" title="" height="256" width="100" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">GOLD MEDAL, PARIS, 1878.</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+<b>BAKER'S</b><br />
+<span style="font-size: x-large;">Breakfast Cocoa.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Warranted <i>absolutely pure Cocoa</i>, from which the excess of Oil has been
+removed. It has <i>three times the strength</i> of Cocoa mixed with Starch,
+Arrowroot or Sugar, and is therefore far more economical. It is
+delicious, nourishing, strengthening, easily digested, and admirably
+adapted for invalids as well as for persons in health.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>Sold by Grocers everywhere.</b></p>
+
+<p class='center'><span style="font-size: x-large;">W. BAKER &amp; CO., Dorchester, Mass.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: x-large;"><b>A DANGEROUS AMBUSCADE.</b></p>
+
+<p class='center'><b>Discovered Barely in Time&mdash;The Most Deceptive and Luring of Modern Evils
+Graphically Described.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p class='center'>(<i>Syracuse Journal.</i>)</p>
+
+<p>Something of a sensation was caused in this city yesterday by a rumor
+that one of our best-known citizens was about to publish a statement
+concerning some unusual experiences during his residence in Syracuse.
+How the rumor originated it is impossible to say, but a reporter
+immediately sought Dr. S. G. Martin, the gentleman in question, and
+secured the following interview:</p>
+
+<p>"What about this rumor, Doctor, that you are going to make a public
+statement of some important matters?"</p>
+
+<p>"Just about the same as you will find in all rumors&mdash;some truth; some
+fiction. I had contemplated making a publication of some remarkable
+episodes that have occurred in my life, but have not completed it as
+yet."</p>
+
+<p>"What is the nature of it, may I inquire?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why, the fact that I am a human being instead of a spirit. I have
+passed through one of the most wonderful ordeals that perhaps ever
+occurred to any man. The first intimation I had of it was several years
+ago, when I began to feel chilly at night and restless after retiring.
+Occasionally this would be varied by a soreness of the muscles and
+cramps in my arms and legs. I thought, as most people would think, that
+it was only a cold and so paid as little attention to it as possible.
+Shortly after this I noticed a peculiar catarrhal trouble and my throat
+also became inflamed. As if this were not variety enough I felt sharp
+pains in my chest, and a constant tendency to headache."</p>
+
+<p>"Why didn't you take the matter in hand and check it right where it
+was?"</p>
+
+<p>"Why doesn't everybody do so? Simply because they think it is only some
+trifling and passing disorder. These troubles did not come all at once
+and I thought it unmanly to heed them. I have found, though, that every
+physical neglect must be paid for and with large interest. Men can not
+draw drafts on their constitution without honoring them sometime. These
+minor symptoms I have described, grew until they were giants of agony. I
+became more nervous; had a strange fluttering of the heart, an inability
+to draw a long breath and an occasional numbness that was terribly
+suggestive of paralysis. How I could have been so blind as not to
+understand what this meant I can not imagine."</p>
+
+<p>"And did you do nothing?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I traveled. In the spring of 1879 I went to Kansas and Colorado,
+and while in Denver, I was attacked with a mysterious hemorrage of the
+urinary organs and lost twenty pounds of flesh in three weeks. One day
+after my return I was taken with a terrible chill and at once advanced
+to a very severe attack of pneumonia. My left lung soon entirely filled
+with water and my legs and body became twice their natural size. I was
+obliged to sit upright in bed for several weeks in the midst of the
+severest agony, with my arms over my head, and constant fear of
+suffocation."</p>
+
+<p>"And did you still make no attempt to save yourself?"</p>
+
+<p>"Yes, I made frantic efforts. I tried everything that seemed to offer
+the least prospect of relief. I called a council of doctors and had them
+make an exhaustive chemical and microscopical examination of my
+condition. Five of the best physicians of Syracuse and several from
+another city said I must die!</p>
+
+<p>"It seemed as though their assertion was true for my feet became cold,
+my mouth parched, my eyes wore a fixed glassy stare, my body was covered
+with a cold, clammy death sweat, and I read my fate in the anxious
+expressions of my family and friends."</p>
+
+<p>"But the <i>finale</i>?"</p>
+
+<p>"Came at last. My wife, aroused to desperation, began to administer a
+remedy upon her own responsibility and while I grew better very slowly,
+I gained ground surely until, in brief, I have no trace of the terrible
+Bright's disease from which I was dying, and am a perfectly well man.
+This may sound like a romance, but it is true, and my life, health and
+what I am are due to Warner's Safe Cure, which I wish was known to and
+used by the thousands who I believe, are suffering this minute as I was
+originally. Does not such an experience as this justify me in making a
+public statement?"</p>
+
+<p>"It certainly does. But then Bright's disease is not a common complaint,
+doctor."</p>
+
+<p>"Not common! On the contrary it is one of the most common. The trouble
+is, few people know they have it. It has so few marked symptoms until
+its final stages that a person may have it for years, each year getting
+more and more in its power and not suspect it. It is quite natural I
+should feel enthusiastic over this remedy while my wife is even more so
+than I am. She knows of its being used with surprising results by many
+ladies for their own peculiar ailments, over which it has singular
+power."</p>
+
+<p>The statement drawn out by the above interview is amply confirmed by
+very many of our most prominent citizens, among them being Judge Reigel,
+and Col. James S. Goodrich, of the Times, while Gen. Dwight H. Bruce and
+Rev. Prof. W. P. Coddington, D. D., give the remedy their heartiest
+indorsement. In this age of wonders, surprising things are quite common,
+but an experience so unusual as that of Dr. Martin's and occurring here
+in our midst, may well cause comment and teach a lesson. It shows the
+necessity of guarding the slightest approach of physical disorder and by
+the means which has been proven the most reliable and efficient. It
+shows the depth to which one can sink and yet be rescued and it proves
+that few people need suffer if these truths are observed.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;">TO PRESERVE THE HEALTH</p>
+
+<p class="center">Use the Magneton Appliance Co.'s</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>MAGNETIC LUNG PROTECTOR!</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">PRICE ONLY $5.</p>
+
+<p>They are priceless to LADIES, GENTLEMEN, and CHILDREN with WEAK LUNGS;
+no case of PNEUMONIA OR CROUP is ever known where these garments are
+worn. They also prevent and cure HEART DIFFICULTIES, COLDS, RHEUMATISM,
+NEURALGIA, THROAT TROUBLES, DIPHTHERIA, CATARRH, AND ALL KINDRED
+DISEASES. Will WEAR any service for THREE YEARS. Are worn over the
+under-clothing.</p>
+
+<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">CATARRH</span>, It is needless to describe the symptoms of this nauseous
+disease that is sapping the life and strength of only too many of the
+fairest and best of both sexes. Labor, study, and research in America,
+Europe, and Eastern lands, have resulted in the Magnetic Lung Protector,
+affording cure for Catarrh, a remedy which contains No Drugging of the
+System, and with the continuous stream of Magnetism permeating through
+the afflicted organs; <span class="smcap">must restore them to a healthy action.</span>
+<span class="smcap">We place our price</span> for this Appliance at less than
+one-twentieth of the price asked by others for remedies upon which you
+take all the chances, and <span class="smcap">we especially invite</span> the patronage of
+the <span class="smcap">many persons</span> who have tried <span class="smcap">drugging the stomachs
+without effect.</span></p>
+
+<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">HOW TO OBTAIN</span> This Appliance. Go to your druggist and ask for them. If
+they have not got them, write to the proprietors, enclosing the price,
+in letter at our risk, and they will be sent to you at once by mail,
+post paid.</p>
+
+<p>Send stamp for the "New Departure in Medical Treatment <span class="smcap">without
+medicine</span>," with thousands of testimonials,</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">THE MAGNETON APPLIANCE CO.,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">218 State Street, Chicago, Ill.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>.&mdash;Send one dollar in postage stamps or currency (in letter
+at our risk) with size of shoe usually worn, and try a pair of our
+Magnetic Insoles, and be convinced of the power residing in our Magnetic
+Appliances. Positively <i>no cold feet where they are worn, or money
+refunded</i>.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 125px;">
+<img src="images/illus-044.jpg" width="125" height="199" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>AGENTS</b></span> make over <b>ONE</b> hundred per cent. profit selling the</p>
+
+<p class="center"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>Reflecting Safety Lamp</b></span></p>
+
+<p>which can be sold in every family. Gives more light than three ordinary
+lamps. <b>Sample lamp sent for fifty cents in stamps.</b> We have other
+household articles. Send for circulars.</p>
+
+<p><b>FORSEE &amp; McMAKIN, Cincinnati, O.</b></p>
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class='center'><b>PUBLICATIONS.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">MARSHALL M. KIRKMAN'S BOOKS ON RAILROAD TOPICS.</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A RAILROAD MAN</b></p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>If You Do, the Books Described Below Point the Way.</b></p>
+
+<p>The most promising field for men of talent and ambition
+at the present day is the railroad service. The
+pay is large in many instances, while the service is
+continuous and honorable. Most of our railroad men
+began life on the farm. Of this class is the author of
+the accompanying books descriptive of railway operations,
+who has been connected continuously with railroads
+as a subordinate and officer for 27 years. He was
+brought up on a farm, and began railroading as a lad
+at $7 per month. He has written a number of standard
+books on various topics connected with the organization,
+construction, management and policy of railroads.
+These books are of interest not only to railroad men
+but to the general reader as well. They are indispensable
+to the student. They present every phase of railroad
+life, and are written in an easy and simple style
+that both interests and instructs. The books are as
+follows:</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table summary="" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0">
+<tbody><tr><td align="left">"RAILWAY EXPENDITURES&mdash;THEIR EXTENT,
+OBJECT AND ECONOMY."&mdash;A Practical
+Treatise on Construction and Operation.
+In Two Volumes, 850 pages.</td><td align="right">$4.00</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">"HAND BOOK OF RAILWAY EXPENDITURES."&mdash;Practical
+Directions for Keeping the Expenditure Accounts.</td><td align="right">2.00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"RAILWAY REVENUE AND ITS COLLECTION."&mdash;And
+Explaining the Organization of Railroads.</td><td align="right">2.50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"THE BAGGAGE PARCEL AND MAIL TRAFFIC
+OF RAILROADS."&mdash;An interesting work on this important service; 425 pages.</td><td align="right">2.00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"TRAIN AND STATION SERVICE"&mdash;Giving
+The Principal Rules and Regulations governing
+Trains; 280 pages.</td><td align="right">2.00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"THE TRACK ACCOUNTS OF RAILROADS."&mdash;And
+how they should be kept. Pamphlet.</td><td align="right">1.00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">"THE FREIGHT TRAFFIC WAY-BILL."&mdash;Its
+Uses Illustrated and Described. Pamphlet.</td><td align="right">.50</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left">"MUTUAL GUARANTEE."&mdash;A Treatise on Mutual
+Suretyship. Pamphlet.</td><td align="right">.50</td></tr>
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+<p>Any of the above books will be sent post paid on receipt
+of price, by</p>
+
+<p>
+PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO.,<br />
+150 Monroe St.          <span class="smcap">Chicago, Ill.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Money should be remitted by express, or by draft
+check or post office order.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/illus-044b.jpg" width="500" height="283" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large;"><b>ONLY ONE DOLLAR A YEAR.</b></p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 175px;">
+<img src="images/illus-044c.jpg" width="175" height="236" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 175px;">
+<img src="images/illus-044d.jpg" width="175" height="248" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p><b>LOOK</b> at this <b>MAGNIFICENT OFFER</b> for <b>1884</b>. One of these beautiful Cluster
+Regard Rings or <b>7 BEAUTIFUL OIL CHROMOS</b>, and these <b>HANDSOME SOLITAIRE
+PARISIAN DIAMOND EAR DROPS</b>. This is no humbug, but a chance that will
+never be offered again, as it appears but once. So do not let <b>THIS
+CHANCE SLIP</b> by when you can get any of these <b>Beautiful Articles</b> by
+subscribing for the <b>LEADING FAMILY STORY PAPER, HOUSEHOLD AND FARM</b>,
+providing your order is received on or before <b>MARCH 15th, 1884</b>. As we
+wish to introduce our Illustrated Family Paper, <b>THE HOUSEHOLD AND FARM</b>,
+in fifty thousand new homes, and in order to do so we make this
+wonderful offer. THE <b>HOUSEHOLD AND FARM</b> (Subscription price only $1.00
+per year), is a sixteen page family paper, illustrated, cut and bound,
+and same size as Harper's Weekly, and brimful of interesting reading for
+the household. This offer is only extended to <b>ONE MEMBER OF EACH FAMILY</b>,
+and will not be made again. Postage Stamps taken. Address,</p>
+
+<p class='center' style="font-weight: bold;">HOUSEHOLD &amp; FARM, 9 Spruce Street,<br />
+P. O. Box 2834. NEW YORK.</p><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_44" id="Page_44">[Pg 44]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="Household" id="Household"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-045.jpg" width="500" height="151" alt="Household." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class='poem'><div class='stanza'>
+<span class="i0">For nothing lovelier can be found<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In woman than to study <i>household</i> good.&mdash;<i>Milton.</i></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="GOING_UP_HEAD" id="GOING_UP_HEAD"></a>"GOING UP HEAD."</h2>
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large;">AN OLD SOLDIER'S STORY.</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The low school-house stood in a green Wabash wood<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Lookin' out on long levels of corn like a sea&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">A little log-house, hard benches, and we,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Big barefooted boys and rough 'uns, we stood<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">In line with the gals and tried to get 'head<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">At spellin' each day when the lessons was said.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">But one, Bally Dean, tall, bony, and green<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">As green corn in the milk, stood fast at the foot&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Stood day after day, as if he'd been put<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">A soldier on guard there did poor Bally Dean.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And stupid! God made him so stupid I doubt&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">But I guess God who made us knows what He's about.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He'd a long way to walk. But he wouldn't once talk<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Of that, nor the chores for his mother who lay<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">A shakin' at home. Still, day after day<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He stood at the foot till the class 'gan to mock!<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Then to master he plead, "Oh I'd like to go head!"<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Now it wasn't so much, but the way it was said.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then the war struck the land! Why the barefooted band<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">It just nailed up that door: and the very next day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With master for Cap'en, went marchin' away;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And Bally the butt of the whole Wabash band.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">But he bore with it all, yet once firmly said,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">"When I get back home, I'm agoin' up head!"<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Oh, that school-house that stood in the wild Wabash wood!<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The rank weeds were growin' like ghosts through the floor.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The squirrels hulled nuts on the sill of the door.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And the gals stood in groups scrapin' lint where they stood.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And we boys! How we sighed; how we sickened and died<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">For the days that had been, for a place at their side.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then one fever-crazed and his better sense dazed<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And dulled with heart-sickness all duty forgot;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Deserted, was taken, condemned to be shot!<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And Bally Dean guardin' his comrade half crazed,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Slow paced up and down while he slept where he lay<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">In the tent waitin' death at the first flush of day.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And Bally Dean thought of the boy to be shot,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Of the fair girl he loved in the woods far away;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Of the true love that grew like a red rose of May;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And he stopped where he stood, and he thought and he thought<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Then a sudden star fell, shootin' on overhead.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And he knew that his mother beckon'd onto the dead.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And he said what have I? Though I live though I die.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Who shall care for me now? Then the dull, muffled drum<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Struck his ear, and he knew that the master had come<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">With the squad. And he passed in the tent with a sigh,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And the doomed lad crept forth, and the drowsy squad led<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">With low trailin' guns to the march of the dead.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Then with face turned away tow'rd a dim streak of day,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And his voice full of tears the poor bowed master said,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">As he fell on his knees and uncovered his head:<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">"Come boys it is school time, let us all pray."<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And we prayed. And the lad by the coffin alone<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Was tearless, was silent, was still as a stone.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"In line," master said, and he stood at the head;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">But he couldn't speak now. So he drew out his sword<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And dropped the point low for the last fatal word.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Then the rifles rang out, and a soldier fell dead!<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The master sprang forward. "Great Heaven," he said,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">"It is Bally, poor Bally, and he's gone up head!"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">&mdash;<i>Joaquin Miller.</i></span><br />
+</p>
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Too_Fat_To_Marry" id="Too_Fat_To_Marry"></a>Too Fat To Marry.</h2>
+
+<p>A very fat young woman came to my office and asked to see me privately.
+When we were alone she said:</p>
+
+<p>"Are you sure no one can overhear us?"</p>
+
+<p>"Quite sure."</p>
+
+<p>"You won't laugh at me, will you?"</p>
+
+<p>"Madam, I should be unworthy of your confidence if I could be guilty of
+such a rudeness."</p>
+
+<p>"Thank you, sir; but no one ever called upon you on such a ridiculous
+errand. You won't think me an idiot, will you?"</p>
+
+<p>"I beg of you to go on."</p>
+
+<p>"You don't care to know my name or residence?"</p>
+
+<p>"Certainly not, if you care to conceal them."</p>
+
+<p>"I have called to consult you about the strangest thing in the world. I
+will tell you all. I am twenty-three years old. When I was nineteen I
+weighed 122 pounds; now I weigh 209; I am all filling up with fat. I can
+hardly breathe. The best young man that ever lived loves me, and has
+been on the point of asking me to marry him, but of course he sees I am
+growing worse all the time and he don't dare venture. I can't blame him.
+He is the noblest man in the world, and could marry any one he chooses.
+I don't blame him for not wishing to unite himself to such a tub as I
+am. Why, Doctor, you don't know how fat I am. I am a sight to behold.
+And now I have come to see if any thing can be done. I know you have
+studied up all sorts of curious subjects, and I thought you might be
+able to tell me how to get rid of this dreadful curse."</p>
+
+<p>She had been talking faster and faster, and with more and more feeling
+(after the manner of fat women, who are always emotional), until she
+broke down in hysterical sobs.</p>
+
+<p>I inquired about her habits&mdash;table and otherwise. She replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, I starve myself; I don't eat enough to keep a canary bird alive,
+and yet I grow fatter and fatter all the time. I don't believe anything
+can be done for me. We all have our afflictions, and I suppose we ought
+to bear them with fortitude. I wouldn't mind for myself, but it's just
+breaking his heart; if it wasn't for him I could be reconciled."</p>
+
+<p>I then explained to her our nervous system, and the bearing certain
+conditions of one class of nerves has upon the deposition of adipose
+tissue. I soon saw she was not listening, but was mourning her sorrow.
+Then I asked her if she would be willing to follow a prescription I
+might give her.</p>
+
+<p>"Willing? willing?" she cried. "I would be willing to go through fire,
+or to have my flesh cut off with red-hot knives. There is nothing I
+would not be willing to endure if I could only get rid of this horrible
+condition."</p>
+
+<p>I prepared a prescription for her, and arranged that she should call
+upon me once a week, that I might supervise her progress and have
+frequent opportunities to encourage her. The prescription which I read
+to her was this:</p>
+
+<p>1. For breakfast eat a piece of beef or mutton as large as your hand,
+with a slice of white bread twice as large. For dinner the same amount
+of meat, or, if preferred, fish or poultry, with the same amount of
+farinaceous or vegetable food in the form of bread or potato. For
+supper, nothing.</p>
+
+<p>2. Drink only when greatly annoyed with thirst; then a mouthful of
+lemonade without sugar.</p>
+
+<p>3. Take three times a week some form of bath, in which there shall be
+immense perspiration. The Turkish bath is best. You must work, either in
+walking or some other way, several hours a day.</p>
+
+<p>"But, doctor, I can't walk; my feet are sore."</p>
+
+<p>"I thought that might be the case, but if the soles of your shoes are
+four inches broad, and are thick and strong, walking will not hurt your
+feet. You must walk or work until you perspire freely, every day of the
+week. Of course, you are in delicate health, with little endurance, but,
+as you have told me that you are willing to do anything, you are to work
+hard at something six or seven hours every day."</p>
+
+<p>4. You must rise early in the morning, and retire late at night. Much
+sleep fattens people.</p>
+
+<p>5. The terrible corset you have on, which compresses the center of the
+body, making you look a great deal fatter than you really are, must be
+taken off, and you must have a corset which any dress maker can fit to
+you&mdash;a corset for the lower part of the abdomen, which will raise this
+great mass and support it.</p>
+
+<p>"This is all the advice I have to give you at present. At first you will
+lose half a pound a day. In the first three months you will lose from
+twenty to thirty pounds. In six months, forty pounds. You will
+constantly improve in health, get over this excessive emotion, and be
+much stronger. Every one knows that a very fat horse weighing 1,200
+pounds, can be quickly reduced to 1,000 pounds with great improvement to
+activity and health. It is still easier with a human being. That you may
+know exactly what is being done, I wish you to be weighed; write the
+figures in your memorandum, and one week from now, when you come again,
+weigh yourself and tell me how much you have lost."</p>
+
+<p>I happened to be out of the city and did not see her until her second
+visit, two weeks from our last meeting. It was plain when she entered
+that already her system was being toned up, and when we were again in my
+private office, she said:</p>
+
+<p>"I have lost six and a half pounds; not quite as much as you told me,
+but I am delighted, though nearly starved. I have done exactly as you
+prescribed, and shall continue to if it kills me. You must be very
+careful not to make any mistakes, for I shall do just as you say. At
+first the thirst was dreadful. I thought I could not bear it. But now I
+have very little trouble with that."</p>
+
+<p>About four months after our first meeting this young woman brought a
+handsome young man with her, and after a pleasant chat, she said to me:</p>
+
+<p>"We are engaged; but I have told my friend that I shall not consent to
+become his wife until I have a decent shape. When I came to you I
+weighed 209 pounds; I now weigh 163 pounds. I am ten times as strong,
+active, and healthy as I was then, and I have made up my mind, for my
+friend has left it altogether to me, that when I have lost ten or
+fifteen pounds more, we shall send you the invitations."</p>
+
+<p>As the wedding day approached she brought the figures 152 on a card, and
+exclaimed, with her blue eyes running over:</p>
+
+<p>"I am the happiest girl in the world, and don't you think I have
+honestly earned it? I think I am a great deal happier than I should have
+been had I not worked for it."</p>
+
+<p>The papers said the bride was beautiful. I thought she was, and I
+suppose no one but herself and husband felt as much interested in that
+beauty as I did. I took a sort of scientific interest in it.</p>
+
+<p>We made the usual call upon them during the first month, and when, two
+months after the wedding, they were spending the evening with us, I
+asked him if his wife had told him about my relations with her
+avoirdupois? He laughed heartily, and replied:</p>
+
+<p>"Oh, yes, she has told me everything, I suppose: but wasn't it funny?"</p>
+
+<p>"Not very. I am sure you wouldn't have thought it funny if you could
+have heard our first interview. It was just the reverse of funny; don't
+you think so madam?"</p>
+
+<p>"I am sure it was the most anxious visit I ever paid any one. Doctor, my
+good husband says he should have married me just the same, but I think
+he would have been a goose if he had."</p>
+
+<p>"Yes," said the husband, "it was foreordained that we two should be
+one."</p>
+
+<p>"To be sure it was," replied the happy wife, "because it was
+foreordained that I should get rid of those horrid fifty-seven pounds. I
+am going down till I reach one hundred and forty pounds, and there I
+will stop, unless my husband says one hundred and thirty. I am willing
+do anything to please him."&mdash;<i>Dio Lewis' Monthly.</i></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Ornaments_for_Homes" id="Ornaments_for_Homes"></a>Ornaments for Homes.</h2>
+
+<p>It is not the most expensively furnished houses that are the most
+homelike, besides comparatively few persons have the means to gratify
+their love of pretty little ornaments with which to beautify their
+homes. It is really painful to visit some houses; there naked walls and
+cheerless rooms meet you yet there are many such, and children in them
+too. How much might these homes be brightened by careful forethought in
+making some little ornaments that are really of no expense, save the
+time.</p>
+
+<p>Comb cases, card receivers, letter holders, match safes, paper racks,
+cornucopias, and many other pretty and useful things can easily be made
+of nice clean paste board boxes (and the boxes are to be found in a
+variety of colors). For any of these cut out the parts and nicely sew
+them together, and the seams and raw edges can be covered with narrow
+strips of bright hued paper or tape. Ornament them with transfer or
+scrap pictures.</p>
+
+<p>I have seen very pretty vases for holding dried flowers and grasses,
+made of plain dark brown pasteboard, and the seams neatly covered with
+narrow strips of paper. Pretty ottomans can be made by covering any
+suitable sized box with a bit of carpeting, and stuffing the top with
+straw or cotton. Or, if the carpeting is not convenient, piece a
+covering of worsteds. A log cabin would be a pretty pattern.</p>
+
+<p>To amuse the children during the long winter months, make a scrap-book
+of pictures. Collect all the old illustrated books, papers, and
+magazines, and cut out the pictures and with mucilage nicely paste them
+in a book, first removing alternate leaves so it will not be too bulky.
+Perhaps this last remark is slightly wandering from my subject, but I
+can't help it, I love the little folks and want them happy. Cares and
+trouble will come to them soon enough. Autograph albums are quite the
+rage nowadays, and children get the idea and quite naturally think it
+pretty nice, and want an album too. For them make a pretty album in the
+form of a boot. For the outside use plain red cardboard; for the inside
+leaves use unruled paper; fasten at the top with two tiny bows of narrow
+blue ribbon. A lady sent my little girl an autograph album after this
+pattern for a birthday present and it is very neat indeed. Any of the
+little folks who want a pattern of it can have it and welcome by sending
+stamp to pay postage. For the wee little girl make a nice rag doll; it
+will please her quite as well as a boughten one, and certainly last much
+longer. I have a good pattern for a doll which you may also have if you
+wish it. A nice receptacle for pins, needles, thread, etc., can be made
+in form of an easy chair or sofa. Cut the part of pasteboard and cover
+the seat, arms, and back with cloth, and stuff with cotton. Brackets
+made of pasteboard will do service a long time.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 4em;">Mrs. F. A. Warner</span><br />
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">South Saginaw, Mich.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center'><b>RAILROADS.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus-048a.jpg" width="400" height="81" alt="A MAN" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">WHO IS UNACQUAINTED WITH THE GEOGRAPHY OF THIS COUNTRY WILL SEE BY
+EXAMINING THIS MAP THAT THE</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 448px;">
+<img src="images/illus-048b.jpg" width="448" height="600" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND &amp; PACIFIC R'Y</p>
+
+<p>By the central position of its line, connects the
+East and the West by the shortest route, and carries
+passengers, without change of cars, between
+Chicago and Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Leavenworth,
+Atchison, Minneapolis and St. Paul. It
+connects in Union Depots with all the principal
+lines of road between the Atlantic and the Pacific
+Oceans. Its equipment is unrivaled and magnificent,
+being composed of Most Comfortable and
+Beautiful Day Coaches, Magnificent Horton Reclining
+Chair Cars, Pullman's Prettiest Palace
+Sleeping Cars, and the Best Line of Dining Cars
+in the World. Three Trains between Chicago and
+Missouri River Points. Two Trains between Chicago
+and Minneapolis and St. Paul, via the Famous</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>"ALBERT LEA ROUTE."</b></p>
+
+<p>A New and Direct Line, via Seneca and Kankakee,
+has recently been opened between Richmond
+Norfolk, Newport News, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Augusta,
+Nashville, Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati
+Indianapolis and Lafayette, and Omaha, Minneapolis
+and St. Paul and intermediate points.</p>
+
+<p>All Through Passengers Travel on Fast Express
+Trains.</p>
+
+<p>Tickets for sale at all principal Ticket Offices in
+the United States and Canada.</p>
+
+<p>Baggage checked through and rates of fare always
+as low as competitors that offer less advantages.</p>
+
+<p>For detailed information, get the Maps and Folders
+of the</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>GREAT ROCK ISLAND ROUTE</b>,</p>
+
+<p>At your nearest Ticket Office, or address</p>
+
+<p><b>R.R. CABLE</b>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Vice-Pres. &amp; Gen'l M'g'r,</span></p>
+
+<p><b>E. ST. JOHN</b>,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Gen'l Tkt. &amp; Pass. Agt.</span></p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>CHICAGO.</b></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class='center'><b>MAPS.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;">
+RAND, McNALLY &amp; CO.'S<br />
+<b>NEW RAILROAD</b><br />
+<span style="font-size: medium;">&mdash;AND&mdash;</span><br />
+COUNTY MAP<br />
+<span style="font-size: medium;">&mdash;OF THE&mdash;</span><br />
+
+<b>UNITED STATES</b><br />
+<span style="font-size: medium;">&mdash;AND&mdash;</span><br />
+<b>DOMINION OF CANADA.</b><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>Size, 4 &times; 2½ feet, mounted on rollers to hang on the wall. This is an</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>ENTIRELY NEW MAP,</b></p>
+
+<p>Constructed from the most recent and authentic sources.</p>
+
+<p class="center">
+&mdash;IT SHOWS&mdash;<br />
+<b><i>ALL THE RAILROADS,</i></b><br />
+&mdash;AND&mdash;<br />
+<b>Every County and Principal Town</b><br />
+&mdash;IN THE&mdash;<br />
+<span style="font-size: large;"><b>UNITED STATES AND CANADA</b>.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>A useful Map in every one's home, and place of business. <b>Price, $2.00.</b></p>
+
+<p>Agents wanted, to whom liberal inducements will be given. Address</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>RAND, McNALLY &amp; CO.,</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;"><b>Chicago, Ill.</b></span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>By arrangements with the publishers of this Map we are enabled to make
+the following liberal offer: To each person who will remit us $2.25 we
+will send copy of <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> One Year and THIS MAP
+POSTPAID. Address</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO.,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">CHICAGO, ILL.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class='center'><b>MISCELLANEOUS.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>"FACTS ABOUT</b><br />
+Arkansas and Texas."</p>
+
+<p>A handsome book, beautifully illustrated, with colored diagrams, giving
+reliable information as to crops, population, religious denominations,
+commerce, timber, Railroads, lands, etc., etc.</p>
+
+<p>Sent free to any address on receipt of a 2-cent stamp. Address</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><b>H.C. Townsend,</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><b>Gen. Passenger Agt., St. Louis, Mo.</b></span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/illus-048c.jpg" width="500" height="97" alt="500 VIRGINIA FARMS AND MILLS" title="" />
+</div>
+<p class="center"><b>For Sale and Exchange.</b> Write for free REAL ESTATE
+JOURNAL.</p>
+
+<p class="center">R.B. CHAFFIN &amp; CO., Richmond, Virginia.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p>THE PRAIRIE FARMER is the Cheapest and Best Agricultural Paper
+published. Only $2.00 per year.<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_45" id="Page_45">[Pg 45]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p>REMEMBER <i>that</i> $2.00 pays <i>for</i> <span class="smcap">The Prairie
+Farmer</span> <i>one year and, the subscriber gets
+a copy of</i> <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer County Map
+of the United States, free</span>! <i>This is the most
+liberal offer ever made by any first-class weekly
+agricultural paper in this country.</i></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="OUR_YOUNG_FOLKS" id="OUR_YOUNG_FOLKS"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-049.jpg" width="500" height="243" alt="OUR YOUNG FOLKS" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="Chat_About_a_Bear" id="Chat_About_a_Bear"></a>Chat About a Bear.</h2>
+
+<p>As I promised you last week, I will try and tell you about the bear I
+saw a few months ago away down in Nova Scotia, not many miles from that
+quaint old city of Halifax. Do I hear some of <span class="smcap">The Prairie Farmer</span> boys
+and girls exclaim, as a real grown-up lady did just before I left
+Chicago: "Halifax! why, yes, I have heard tell of the place, but did not
+think that anybody ever really went there." People do go there, however,
+by the hundreds in the summer time, and a most delightful, hospitable,
+charming class of inhabitants do they find the Blue Noses, as they are
+called&mdash;that is, when one goes to them very well introduced.</p>
+
+<p>But we will have a little talk about Halifax and surroundings when you
+have heard about the bear.</p>
+
+<p>Well, in the first place I did not, of course, see the bear in the city,
+but in a place called Sackville&mdash;a section of country about five miles
+long, and extending over hill and dale and valley; through woods and
+across streams. My host owned a beautiful farm&mdash;picturesquely beautiful
+only, not with a money-making beauty&mdash;situated upon the slope of a hill,
+where one could stand and look upon the most tender of melting sunsets,
+away off toward the broad old ocean.</p>
+
+<p>One morning as we were all gathered upon the front stoop, grandpa,
+mamma, baby, kitten and all, we looked down the valley and saw coming up
+the hill, led by two men, an immense yellow bear. One of the farm hands
+was sent to call the men and the bear up to the house. The men, who were
+Swiss, were glad enough to come, as they were taking bruin through the
+country to show off his tricks and make thereby a little money.</p>
+
+<p>The children were somewhat afraid at first, but soon felt quite safe
+when they saw he was firmly secured by a rope. Old bruin's keeper first
+gave him a drink of water, then poured a pailful over him, which he
+seemed to enjoy very much, as the day was a warm one. One of the men
+said something in Swiss, at which the bear gave a roar-like grunt and
+commenced to dance. Around and around the great lumbering fellow went on
+his two hind legs, holding his fore paws in the air. It was not what one
+would call a very "airy waltz," however. Again the keeper spoke, and
+immediately bruin threw himself upon the ground and turned somersaults,
+making us all laugh heartily. He then told him to shake hands (but all
+in Swiss), and it was too funny to see the great awkward animal waddle
+up on his hind legs and extend first one paw and then the other. But
+what interested us all most, both big and little, was to hear the man
+say, "Kisse me," and then to watch the bear throw out his long tongue
+and lick his keeper's face.</p>
+
+<p>We then gave the bear some milk to drink, when suddenly he gave a bound
+forward toward the baby. But he was securely tied, as we well knew. The
+milk roused all the beast's savage instincts, one of the men said.</p>
+
+<p>But what will interest you most of all will be the fact that on the farm
+(which consisted of five hundred acres, nearly all woodland) there were
+seen almost every morning the footprints of a real savage bear. The
+sheep were fast disappearing, and the farmers about were not a little
+worried. One day I went for a walk into these same woods, and such
+woods! you Western boys and girls could not possibly imagine them&mdash;the
+old moss-covered logs, and immense trees cut down years ago and left to
+lie there until all overgrown with mosses and lichens. I never before
+experienced such a feeling of solitude as in that walk of over a mile in
+length through those deep dark woods, where sometimes we had literally
+to cut our way through with our little hatchets (we always carried them
+with us when in the forest).</p>
+
+<p>As I sauntered on, those lines of Longfellow's in Evangeline, came
+unconsciously to my mind, so exactly did they describe the place:</p>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Stand like Druids of old, with voices sad and prophetic.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms.<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep voiced neighboring ocean<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>Nova Scotia is, as you all know the Acadian country of which our own
+fireside poet writes so beautifully. It was but a few miles from where I
+was visiting that the scene of Evangeline, that exquisitely tender
+romance which so thrills the hearts of both old and young, was laid. As
+I drove through the country, coming ever and anon unexpectedly upon one
+of the many beautiful lakes from half a mile to two miles in length, in
+fancy I pictured the fair Evangeline and her guide, the good Father
+Felician, skirting these lakes in a light canoe as they traversed the
+whole and through in the sad and fruitless search for the lost lover
+Gabriel.</p>
+
+<p>No wonder the soul of the poet was filled with such strange, mystic
+beauty which thus found expression in rhythm and song, for Acadia has an
+enchantment all its own and can best be interpreted by the diviner
+thought of the poet.</p>
+
+<p>But I am afraid, boys and girls, that I have chatted with you so long
+now that there will be scarcely room this week to touch upon Halifax.
+But, however, if you wish, I will try and talk to you about it next
+week, and tell you of some of the winter sports the little Blue Noses
+indulge in in the winter time.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 2em;">Mary Howe.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="A_Fairy_Story_by_Little_Johnny" id="A_Fairy_Story_by_Little_Johnny"></a>A Fairy Story by Little Johnny.</h2>
+
+<p>Me an Billy we ben readn fairy tales, an I never see such woppers. I bet
+the feller wich rote em will be burnt every tiny little bit up wen he
+dies, but Billy says they are all true but the facks. Uncle Ned sed cude
+I tell one, and I ast him wot about, and he sed: "Wel Johnny, as you got
+to do the tellin I'le leav the choice of subjeck entirely to you; jest
+giv us some thing about a little boy that went and sook his forten."</p>
+
+<p>So I sed: "One time there was a little boy went out for to seek his
+forten, and first thing he see was great big yello posy on a punkin
+vine."</p>
+
+<p>Then Uncle Ned he sed: "Johnny, was that the punkin vine wich your bed
+once had a bizness connection with?" But I didn't anser, only went on
+with the story.</p>
+
+<p>"So the little boy he wocked into the posy, and crold down the vine on
+his hands and kanees bout ten thousan hundred miles, till he come bime
+bi to a door, wich he opened an went in an found hisself in a grate big
+house, ofle nice like a kings pallows or a hotell. But the little boy
+dident find any body to home and went out a other door, where he see a
+ocion with a bote, and he got in the bote."</p>
+
+<p>Then Uncle Ned he sed a uther time: "Johnny, excuse the ignance of a man
+wich has been in Injy an evry were, but is it the regular thing for
+punkin vines to have sea side resorts in em?"</p>
+
+<p>But I only sed: "Wen the little boy had saild out of site of land the
+bote it sunk, and he went down, down, down in the water, like he was
+tied around the neck of a mill stone, till he was swollowed by a wale,
+cos wales is the largest of created beings wich plows the deep, but
+lions is the king of beests, an the American eagle can lick ol other
+birds, hooray! Wen the boy was a seekn his forten in the stummeck of the
+wales belly he cut to a fence, an wen he had got over the fence he found
+hisself in a rode runin thru a medder, and it was a ofle nice country
+fur as he cude see."</p>
+
+<p>"Uncle Ned sed: "Did he put up at the same way side inn wich was
+patternized by Jonah wen he pennitrated to that part of the morl
+vinyerd?"</p>
+
+<p>But I said: "Bimebi he seen a rope hangin down from the ski, and he
+begin for to clime it up, a sayin, 'Snitchety, snatchety, up I go,' 'wot
+time is it old witch?' 'niggers as good as a white man,' 'fee-faw-fum,'
+'Chinese mus go,' 'all men is equil fore de law,' 'blitherum, blatherum,
+boo,' and all the words of madgick wich he cude think of. After a wile
+it got reel dark, but he kep on a climeing, and pretty sune he see a
+round spot of dalite over his hed, and then he cum up out of a well in a
+grate city."</p>
+
+<p>Jest then my father he came in, and he said: "Johnny, you get the bucket
+and go to the wel and fetch sum water for your mother to wash the
+potatoes."</p>
+
+<p>But I said it was Billy's tern, and Billy he sed twasent no sech thing,
+and I said he lide, and he hit me on the snoot of my nose, and we fot a
+fite, but victery percht upon the banners of my father, cos he had a
+stick. Then wile me and Billy was crying Uncle Ned he spoke up and
+begun: "One time there was a grate North American fairy taler&mdash;"</p>
+
+<p>But I jest fetched Mose a kick, wich is the cat, and went out and pitcht
+into Sammy Doppy, which licked me reel mean.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h3>BREEDERS DIRECTORY.</h3>
+
+
+<p>The following list embraces the names of responsible and reliable
+Breeders in their line, and parties wishing to purchase or obtain
+information can feel assured that they will be honorably dealt with:</p>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table summary="" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0">
+<tbody><tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><b>CATTLE.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><b>Jersey.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Mills, Charles F.</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center">Springfield, Illinois</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><b>HORSES.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><b>Clydesdales.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Mills, Charles F.</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center">Springfield, Illinois</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><b>SWINE.</b></td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><b>Berkshire.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Mills, Charles F.</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center">Springfield, Illinois</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><b>Chester Whites.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">W.A. Gilbert</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center">Wauwatosa Wis.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><b>SHEEP.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"></td><td align="center"><b>Cotswold.</b></td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center">Mills, Charles F.</td><td align="center"></td><td align="center">Springfield, Illinois</td></tr>
+
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><b>LIVE STOCK, Etc.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: xx-large;"><b>Jersey Bulls.</b></p>
+
+<p>JERSEY BREEDERS desiring young bulls of the most approved form and
+breeding, and representing the families most noted for large yields of
+butter, will serve their interests by addressing the undersigned.</p>
+
+<p>Stock recorded in A. J. C. C. H. R.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: xx-large;"><b>Cotswold Sheep.</b></p>
+
+<p>CHOICE representatives of this large and popular breed of sheep for sale
+at prices satisfactory to buyers.</p>
+
+<p>Ewes and rams of different ages.</p>
+
+<p>Breeding stock recorded in the American Cotswold Record.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">CHAS. F. MILLS,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Springfield, Ill.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: xx-large;"><b>VICTORIA SWINE.</b></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus-051a.jpg" width="400" height="211" alt="FALSTAFF." title="" />
+<span class="caption">FALSTAFF.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Winner of First Prize Chicago Fat Stock Show 1878. Originators of this
+famous breed. Also breeders of Pekin Ducks and Light Brahma Fowls. Stock
+for sale. Send for circular A.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">SCHIEDT &amp; DAVIS,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Dyer, Lake Co. Ind.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 175px;">
+<img src="images/illus-051b.jpg" width="175" height="163" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 55%;">
+<p>We will send you a watch or a chain <b>BY MAIL OR EXPRESS</b>, C.O.D., to be
+examined before paying any money and if not satisfactory, returned at
+our expense. We manufacture all our watches and save you 30 per cent.
+Catalogue of 250 styles free. <span class="smcap">Every Watch Warranted. Address</span></p>
+<p class="center"><b>STANDARD AMERICAN WATCH CO.,</b><br />PITTSBURGH. PA.</p>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center'><b>MEDICAL.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">Weak Nervous Men</p>
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 150px;">
+<img src="images/illus-052a.jpg" alt="" title="" height="194" width="150" />
+</div>
+
+<p>Whose <b>debility, exhausted powers</b>, premature decay and failure to
+perform <b>life's duties</b> properly are caused by excesses, errors of
+youth, etc., will find a perfect and lasting restoration to <b>robust
+health</b> and <b>vigorous manhood</b> in</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>THE MARSTON BOLUS.</b></p>
+
+<p>Neither stomach drugging nor instruments. This treatment of <b>Nervous
+Debility</b> and <b>Physical Decay</b> is uniformly successful because based on
+perfect diagnosis, <b>new and direct methods</b> and absolute <b>thoroughness</b>.
+Full information and Treatise free.</p>
+
+<p>Address Consulting Physician of
+MARSTON REMEDY CO., 46W. 14th St., New York.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 20%;">
+<img src="images/illus-052b.jpg" alt="" title="" height="173" width="100" />
+</div>
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 55%;">
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">TWO LADIES MET ONE DAY.</p>
+</div>
+<div class="figright" style="width: 20%;">
+<img src="images/illus-052c.jpg" alt="" title="" height="197" width="100" />
+</div>
+
+<p>One said to the other "By the way how is that Catarrh of yours?" "Why
+it's simply horrid, getting worse every day." "Well, why don't you try
+
+<b>'Dr. Sykes' Sure Cure,'</b> I know it will cure you!" "Well, then I will,
+for I've tried everything else."</p>
+
+<p>Just six weeks afterward they met again and No. 1 said. "Why, how much
+better you look, what's up! Going to get married, or what?" "Well, yes,
+and it's all owing to <b>'Dr. Sykes' Sure Cure for Catarrh;'</b> oh, why
+didn't I know of it before? it's simply wonderful."</p>
+
+<p>Send 10 cents to Dr. C.R. Sykes, 181 Monroe street, Chicago, for
+valuable book of full information, and mention the "Two Ladies."</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>30 DAYS' TRIAL</b></p>
+
+
+<div class="center">
+<table summary="" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0">
+<tbody><tr><td align="center">
+<img src="images/illus-052d.jpg" alt="BEFORE." title="" height="132" width="162" />
+</td><td align="center">
+<img src="images/illus-052e.jpg" alt="" title="" height="132" width="215" />
+</td><td align="center">
+<img src="images/illus-052f.jpg" alt="AFTER." title="" height="132" width="173" />
+</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="center"><span class="caption">BEFORE.</span></td><td>&nbsp;</td><td align="center"><span class="caption">AFTER.</span></td></tr>
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+<p>ELECTRO VOLTAIC BELT, and other <span class="smcap">Electric Appliances</span>. We will
+send on Thirty Days' Trial, TO MEN, YOUNG OR OLD, who are suffering from
+
+<span class="smcap">Nervous Debility, Lost Vitality</span>, and those diseases of a
+<span class="smcap">Personal Nature</span> resulting from <span class="smcap">Abuses</span> and <span class="smcap">Other
+Causes</span>. Speedy relief and complete restoration to <span class="smcap">Health,
+Vigor</span> and <span class="smcap">Manhood Guaranteed</span>. Send at once for Illustrated
+Pamphlet free. Address</p>
+
+<p style="font-size: x-large;"><span class="smcap">Voltaic Belt Co., Marshall, Mich.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>I CURE FITS!</b></p>
+
+<p>When I say cure I do not mean merely to stop them for a time and then
+have them return again, I mean a radical cure. I have made the disease
+of FITS, EPILEPSY or FALLING SICKNESS a life-long study. I warrant my
+remedy to cure the worst cases. Because others have failed is no reason
+for not now receiving a cure. Send at once for a treatise and a Free
+Bottle of my infallible remedy. Give Express and Post Office. It costs
+you nothing for a trial, and I will cure you.</p>
+
+<p style="margin-left: 2em;">Address Dr. H.G. ROOT, 183 Pearl St., New York.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/illus-052g.jpg" width="100" height="97" alt="80 CARDS" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 100px;">
+<img src="images/illus-052h.jpg" width="100" height="92" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<p class='center'>BEST QUALITY.</p>
+
+<p>New designs in Satin and
+Gold finish, with name, 10 cts.
+We offer $100 for a pack of cards
+any nicer work, or prettier styles.
+<i>Samples free.</i> Eagle Card Works, New Haven, Ct.</p>
+
+<p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_46" id="Page_46">[Pg 46]</a></span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class='center'><b>MISCELLANEOUS.</b></p>
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">DIAMONDS FREE!</p>
+
+<p>We desire to make the circulation of our paper 250,000 during the next
+six months. To accomplish which we will give absolutely free a genuine
+<b>first water</b> Diamond Ring, and the Home Companion for one year, for
+only <b>$2.00</b>. Our reasons for making this unprecedented offer are as
+follows;</p>
+
+<p>A newspaper with 200,000 subscribers can get 1c. per line per 1,000 of
+circulation for its advertising space, or $5,000 per issue <b>more</b> than it
+costs to produce and mail the paper. With but 10,000 or 20,000
+subscribers, its advertising revenues do not pay expenses. Only the
+papers with mammoth circulations make fortunes for their owners, <b>derived
+from advertising space</b>. For these and other reasons, we regard 100,000
+subscribers as being of more financial benefit to a paper than the paper
+is to the subscribers. With 100,000 or 200,000 bona-fide subscribers, we
+make $100,000 to $200,000 a year clear profit from advertising, above
+cost of publishing. Without a large circulation, we would lose money.
+Therefore, to secure a very large circulation, and thus receive high
+rates and large profits from advertising space, this <b>only equitable</b> plan
+of conducting business is adopted.</p>
+
+<p><b>The first question to be answered is</b>,&mdash;is the diamond pure&mdash;a genuine
+stone? <b>Our answer is YES.</b></p>
+
+<div style="border-style: dotted; border-width: 0.5px; padding: 0.5em;">
+<p>The stone is GUARANTEED to be no Alaska Diamond, Rhine Pebble, or other
+imitation, but a</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>WARRANTED GENUINE AND PURE DIAMOND.</b></p>
+
+<p>If it is not found so by the most careful and searching tests, we will
+refund the money, enter the subscriber's name on our list, and have the
+paper mailed to him free during its existence. To the publisher of this
+paper has been sent a guarantee from the manufacturing Jeweler, from
+whom we obtain these rings, that they are just as represented, so that
+readers may rely upon the promises being fulfilled to the letter.</p>
+</div>
+
+
+<p>The second question is, <b>IS THE PAPER A DESIRABLE FAMILY JOURNAL? YES.</b>
+It contains contributions from the first writers of the times: fiction,
+choice facts, intellectual food of the most interesting, instructive and
+refined character. It is one of the</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>LEADING PAPERS OF THE PROGRESSIVE WEST.</b></p>
+
+<p>We are determined to make it the most desirable and reliable paper in
+the United States; will spare no effort or money to achieve that object.
+Sample Copies sent free on application. Remit by draft, express, or new
+postal note, to</p>
+
+<p style="font-size: large;"><b>THE HOME COMPANION.<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">N.W. Cor. Fourth and Race Streets, Cincinnati, O.</span></b></p>
+
+<p>Don't fail to name the paper in which you see this advertisement.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 400px;">
+<img src="images/illus-053.jpg" width="300" height="334" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+<p class='center'><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Don't be Humbugged<br /></span>
+<span style="font-size: large;">With Poor, Cheap Coulters.</span></b></p>
+
+<p>All farmers have had trouble with their Coulters. In a few days they get
+to wabbling, are condemned and thrown aside. In our</p>
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large;">"BOSS" Coulter</p>
+
+<p>we furnish a tool which can scarcely be worn out; and when worn, the
+wearable parts, a prepared wood journal, and movable thimble in the hub
+(held in place by a key) can be easily and cheaply renewed. <b>We guarantee
+our "BOSS"</b> to plow more acres than any other three Coulters now used.</p>
+
+<p class='center'>OUR "O. K." CLAMP</p>
+
+<p>Attaches the Coulter to any size or kind of beam, either right or left
+hand plow. We know that after using it you will say it is <b>the Best Tool
+on the market</b>. Ask your dealer for it.</p>
+
+<p>Manufactured by the BOSS COULTER CO.,<br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Bunker Hill, Ills.</span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="Literature" id="Literature"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-054.jpg" width="500" height="149" alt="Literature." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2><a name="FOR_THOSE_WHO_FAIL" id="FOR_THOSE_WHO_FAIL"></a>FOR THOSE WHO FAIL.</h2>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">"All honor to him who shall win the prize,"<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">The world has cried for a thousand years,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But to him who tries and who fails and dies<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">I give great honor and glory and tears.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Give glory and honor and pitiful tears<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">To all who fail in their deeds sublime,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Their ghosts are many in the van of years,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">They were born with Time in advance of Time.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Oh, great is the hero who wins a name,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">But greater many and many a time<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Some pale-faced fellow who dies in shame<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And lets God finish the thought sublime.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And great is the man with a sword undrawn,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And good is the man who refrains from wine;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But the man who fails and yet still fights on,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Lo, he is the twin-born brother of mine.<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 8em;">&mdash;<i>Joaquin Miller.</i></span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="A_SINGULAR_PHILOSOPHER" id="A_SINGULAR_PHILOSOPHER"></a>A SINGULAR PHILOSOPHER.</h2>
+
+<p>Hon. Henry Cavendish was born in England, Oct. 10, 1731, and died Feb.
+21, 1810. Cavendish was the son of Lord Charles Cavendish, a son of the
+Duke of Devonshire; and his mother was Lady Anne Grey, daughter of
+Henry, Duke of Kent. It is thus seen that the subject of this sketch
+belonged to two of the two most aristocratic, noble families in England,
+having for grandfathers the Dukes of Kent and Devonshire. This man, who
+became one of the most distinguished chemists and physicists of the age,
+born in high life, of exalted position and wealth, passed through the
+period of his boyhood and early manhood in utter obscurity, and a dense
+cloud rests upon his early life. Indeed, the place of his birth has been
+in dispute; some of his biographers asserting that he was born in
+England, others that he was born in France or Italy. It is now known
+that he was born at Nice, whither his mother had gone for the sake of
+health.</p>
+
+<p>It seems incredible that one highly distinguished, who lived and died so
+recently, should have almost entirely escaped observation until he had
+reached middle life. From fragments of his early history which have been
+collected, we learn that he was a peculiar boy,&mdash;shy, reticent, fond of
+solitary walks, without playfellows, and utterly insensible to the
+attractions of home and social life. He was born with inflexible
+reserve; and the love of retirement so manifest in in later life
+mastered all his instincts even when a boy. If he had been of poor and
+obscure parentage, it would not seem so strange that one who for nearly
+fifty years was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and for a lengthened
+period a member of the Institute of France, and an object of European
+interest to men of science, had no one to record the incidents of his
+early life. But he lost his mother when almost an infant, and this sad
+event probably influenced greatly his early career, and isolated him
+from the world in which he lived.</p>
+
+<p>We find him at Dr. Newcome's school at Hackney in 1742, and from this
+school he went directly to Cambridge, where he remained until 1753. He
+did not graduate, true to his odd instincts, although he spent the full
+period for a degree at Cambridge. No records of his college life have
+been preserved, and, as he went to London, it is wonderful that the next
+ten years of his life remain a blank. He joined the Royal Society in
+1760, but contributed nothing until 1766, when he published his first
+paper on "Factitious Airs." Cavendish was a great mathematician,
+electrician, astronomer, meteorologist, and as a chemist he was equally
+learned and original. He lived at a time when science was to a large
+extent but blank empiricism; even the philosophy of combustion was based
+on erroneous and absurd hypotheses, and the speculation of experimenters
+were wild and fantastic. He was the first to submit these speculations
+to crucial tests, to careful and accurate experiment; and the results
+which were given to the world introduced a new era in scientific
+knowledge. We have so much to say regarding the man, that we can only
+present a brief outline of his great discoveries. Alone, in a spacious
+house on Clapham Common, outside of London, did this singular man work
+through many long years, until he filled it with every possible device
+capable of unfolding or illustrating principles in science.</p>
+
+<p>At the time of a visit to London in 1856 this famous house was standing,
+and remained as it was when the owner left it, about a half century
+before. The exterior of the house would not attract special attention;
+but within, the whole world could not, perhaps, furnish a parallel.
+Anvils and forges, files and hammers, grindstones and
+tempering-troughs, furnaces and huge bellows, had converted the panelled
+and wall-frescoed drawing-room into the shop of a blacksmith. In the
+spacious dining-room chemical apparatus occupied the place of furniture.
+Electrical machines, Leyden-jars, eudiometers, thermometric scales,
+philosophical instruments, were distributed through the chambers. The
+third story, save two bed-chambers,&mdash;one for the housekeeper, the other
+for the footman,&mdash;had been fitted up for an observatory. The lenses and
+achromatic glasses, tubes and specula, concave mirrors, and
+object-prisms, and the huge, rough old telescope, peering through the
+roof, were still there as their owner had left them. All appliances of
+housekeeping were absent, and Cavendish House was destitute of all
+comforts, for which the owner had no taste.</p>
+
+<p>In this house Cavendish lived for nearly half a century, totally
+isolated from the world and all human sympathies. He seldom or never
+visited relatives, and they were never guests at his house. He had
+several servants, all of whom were males, with one exception. He was shy
+of women, and did not like to have them come in his way. If he saw his
+female servant in any of the rooms, he would order her away instantly,
+or fly himself to other quarters. Rarely, during all the years of his
+solitary life, did a woman cross his threshold; and, when one did, he
+would run from her as if she brought the plague. His servants were all
+trained to silence, and in giving his orders the fewest words possible
+were used. His meals were served irregularly, whenever in the intervals
+of absorbing labors, he could snatch a fragment of time. He uniformly
+dined upon one kind of meat,&mdash;a joint of mutton; and he seemed to have
+no knowledge that there were other kinds in the market.</p>
+
+<p>Upon one occasion he had invited a few scientific friends to dinner at
+Cavendish House, and when his servant asked him what he should provide,
+"A leg of mutton!" said Cavendish. "It will hardly be enough," said the
+servant. "Well, then get two." "Anything else, sir?" "Yes, get four legs
+of mutton."</p>
+
+<p>His dress was peculiar,&mdash;a snuff-colored coat reaching to his knees, a
+long vest of the same color, buff breeches, and a three-cornered hat.
+With him the fashion never changed; he had but one suit; not an extra
+coat, hat, or even two handkerchiefs. When his wardrobe gave out, and he
+was forced to see his tailor, he became very nervous. He would walk the
+room in agony, give orders to have the tailor sent for, and then
+immediately countermand the same. His shoes for fifty years were of one
+pattern; and when he took them off they were put in one place behind a
+door, and woe to the servant who accidentally displaced them. He hung
+his old three-cornered hat on one peg at his house, and when he attended
+the meetings of the Royal Society he had a peg in the hall known as
+"Cavendish's peg." If, through accident, it was taken by some member
+before his arrival, he would stop, look at the occupied peg, and then
+turn on his heel, and go back to his house. When he went to the
+meetings, he walked in the middle of the street, never on the sidewalk;
+and he invariably took the same route. Upon reaching the steps leading
+to the rooms, he would stop, hesitate, put his hand on the door-handle,
+and look about timidly, and sometimes return at a rapid pace.</p>
+
+<p>His cane, which he carried for fifty years, he placed upright in his
+left boot, which he took off at the door, covering his foot with a
+slipper. Once inside the rooms of the Royal Society, and surrounded by
+the most distinguished men of England and the world, he became
+excessively shy, and read his wonderful papers in an awkward manner.
+Applause of any kind he could not bear; and if in conversation any one
+praised his researches or papers, he would turn away abruptly, as if
+highly indignant. If he was appealed to as authority upon any point, he
+would dart away, and perhaps quit the hall for the evening. This man of
+great genius and vast acquirements was incapable of understanding or
+enduring praise or flattery. He sought in every possible way to escape
+recognition or notice, listened attentively to conversation, but seldom
+asked questions; never spoke of himself, or of what he had accomplished
+in the world of science.</p>
+
+<p>Cavendish was a man possessed of vast wealth, and, when he died, he was
+the richest bank-owner in all England.</p>
+
+<p>"At the age of forty, a large accession came to his fortune. His income
+already exceeded his expenditure. Pecuniary transactions were his
+aversion. Other matters occupied his attention. The legacy was therefore
+paid in to his bankers. It was safe there, and he gave it no more heed.
+One of the firm sought to see him at Clapham. In answer to the
+inquiries of the footman as to his Business, the banker replied to see
+Mr. Cavendish personally. 'You must wait, then,' responded the servant,
+'till he rings his bell.' The banker tarried for hours, when the
+long-expected bell rang. His name was announced. 'What does he want?'
+the master was heard to ask. 'A personal interview.' 'Send him up.' The
+banker appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"'I am come, sir, to ascertain your views concerning a sum of two
+hundred thousand pounds placed to your account.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Does it inconvenience you?' asked the philosopher. 'If so, transfer it
+elsewhere.'</p>
+
+<p>"'Inconvenience, sir? By no means,' replied the banker. 'But pardon me
+for suggesting that it is too large a sum to remain unproductive. Would
+you not like to invest it?'</p>
+
+<p>"'Invest it? Eh? Yes, if you will. Do as you like, but don't interrupt
+me about such things again. I have other matters to think about.'"</p>
+
+<p>With all his wealth it never occurred to him that others were in need,
+and that he might do good by benefactions. Solicited on one occasion to
+contribute to a charitable object, he exclaimed, "Give, eh! What do you
+want? How much?" "Give whatever you please, sir," said the solicitor.
+"Well, then, will ten thousand pounds do?"</p>
+
+<p>On another occasion he was forced, from circumstances, to attend a
+christening in a church; and, when it was intimated to him that it was
+customary to bestow some little present upon the attending nurse, he ran
+up to her, and poured into her lap a double handful of gold coins, and
+hastily departed. This was the only occasion on which he was known to
+cross the threshold of a church. Cavendish died possessed of five
+million dollars of property, and yet at no time had he the slightest
+knowledge of how much he had, and how it was invested. He despised
+money, and made as little use of it as possible.</p>
+
+<p>As regards matters of religion, he never troubled himself about them. He
+would never talk upon the subject, and probably never gave it a thought.
+All days of the week were alike to him: he was as busy on Sunday as on
+any other day. When asked by a friend what his views were of God, he
+replied, "Don't ask me such questions: I never think of them."</p>
+
+<p>The circumstances of Cavendish's death are as remarkable as his career
+in life.</p>
+
+<p>"Without premitory disease or sickness, or withdrawal from daily duties,
+or decadence of mental powers, or physical disability, he made up his
+mind that he was about to die. Closing his telescopes, putting his
+achromatic glasses in their several grooves, locking the doors of his
+laboratories, destroying the papers he deemed useless, and arranging
+those corrected for publication, he ascended to his sleeping-apartment
+and rang his bell. A servant appeared.</p>
+
+<p>"'Edgar,' said Cavendish, addressing him by name, 'listen! Have I ever
+commanded you to do an unreasonable thing?'</p>
+
+<p>"The man heard the question without astonishment, for he knew his
+master's eccentricities, and replied in the negative.</p>
+
+<p>"'And that being the case,' continued the old man, 'I believe I have a
+right to be obeyed.'</p>
+
+<p>"The domestic bowed his assent.</p>
+
+<p>"'I shall now give you my last command,' Cavendish went on to say, 'I am
+going to die. I shall, upon your departure, lock my room. Here let me be
+alone for eight hours. Tell no one. Let no person come near. When the
+time has passed, come and see if I am dead. If so, let Lord George
+Cavendish know. This is my last command. Now, go.'</p>
+
+<p>"The servant knew from long experience that to dispute his master's will
+would be useless. He bowed, therefore, and turned to go away.</p>
+
+<p>"'Stay&mdash;one word!' added Cavendish. 'Repeat exactly the order I have
+given.'</p>
+
+<p>"Edgar repeated the order, promised obedience once more, and retired
+from the chamber."</p>
+
+<p>The servant did not keep his promise, but called to his master's bedside
+Sir Everard Home, a distinguished physician.</p>
+
+<p>"Sir Everard inquired if he felt ill.</p>
+
+<p>"'I am not ill,' replied Cavendish; 'but I am about to die. Don't you
+think a man of eighty has lived long enough? Why am I disturbed? I had
+matters to arrange. Give me a glass of water.'</p>
+
+<p>"The glass of water was handed to him; he drank it, turned on his back,
+closed his eyes, and died.</p>
+
+<p>"This end of a great man, improbable as are some of the incidents
+narrated, is no fiction of imagination. Sir Everard Home's statement,
+read before the Royal Institution, corroborates every particular. The
+mental<span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_47" id="Page_47">[Pg 47]</a></span> constitution of the philosopher, puzzling enough during his
+life, was shrouded certainly in even greater mystery in his death."</p>
+
+<p>It is as a chemist that Cavendish stands preeminent. Without
+instructors, without companionship, in the solitary rooms of his
+dwelling, he meditated and experimented. The result of his researches he
+communicated in papers read to the Royal Society, and these are quite
+numerous. He was the first to demonstrate the nature of atmospheric air
+and also of water. He was the discoverer of nitrogen and several gaseous
+bodies. He did much to overthrow the phlogiston theory, which was
+universally accepted in his time; and his researches upon arsenic were
+of the highest importance. There is scarcely any department of chemistry
+which he did not enrich by his discoveries. He was a close student of
+electrical phenomena, and made many discoveries in this department of
+research. He was also an astronomer and observed the heavens with his
+telescopes with the deepest interest. Some of his most important
+discoveries were unknown until after his death, as they were hidden in
+papers, which, for some reason, he would not publish.</p>
+
+<p>The life of this singular man was morally a blank, and can only be
+described by negations. He did not love; he did not hate; he did not
+hope; he did not worship. He separated himself from his fellow-men and
+from his God. There was nothing earnest, enthusiastic, heroic, in his
+nature, and as little that was mean, groveling, or ignoble. He was
+passionless, wholly destitute of emotion. Everything that required the
+exercise of fancy, imagination, faith, or affection, was distasteful to
+Cavendish. He had a clear head for thinking, a pair of eyes for
+observing, hands for experimenting and recording, and these were all.
+His brain was a calculating engine; his eyes, inlets of vision, not
+fountains of tears; his heart, an anatomical organ necessary for the
+circulation of the blood. If such a man can not be loved, he can not be
+abhorred or despised. He was as the Almighty made him, and he served an
+important end in the world.</p>
+
+<p>Such a man manifestly would never sit for his portrait. And he never
+did. It was taken by Borrow the painter, unobserved by Cavendish, while
+at a dinner-party given for the express purpose of securing the
+likeness. It is now in the British Museum. Cuts of this painting are
+rare.&mdash;<i>Popular Science News.</i></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
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+
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+same post-office.
+
+</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address <span class="smcap">Prairie Farmer Pub. Co.,</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">150 Monroe Street, Chicago.</span><br />
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+
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+</div>
+
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+
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+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="HUMOROUS" id="HUMOROUS"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-058.jpg" width="500" height="167" alt="HUMOROUS" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<h2><a name="THE_DONKEYS_DREAM" id="THE_DONKEYS_DREAM"></a>THE DONKEY'S DREAM.</h2>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A donkey laid him down to sleep,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And as he slept and snored full deep,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">He was observed (strange sight) to weep,<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">As if in anguished mood.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">A gentle mule that lay near by,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The donkey roused, and, with a sigh,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">In kindly voice inquired why<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">Those tears he did exude.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">The donkey, while he trembled o'er<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And dropped cold sweat from every pore,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Made answer in a fearful roar:<br /></span>
+<span class="i4">"<i>I dreamed I was a dude!</i>"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="TOM_TYPO" id="TOM_TYPO"></a>TOM TYPO.</h2>
+
+<div class="poem"><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Tom Typo was a printer good,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">A merry, cheerful elf;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">And whatsoever care he had,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">He still "composed" himself.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">Where duty called him he was found<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Still working in his place;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">But nothing tempted from his post&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Which really was the "case."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He courted pretty Emma Grey,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">One of earth's living gems&mdash;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">The sweetest Em, he used to say,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Among a thousand "ems."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">So "chased" was Emma's love for Tom,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">It met admiring eyes;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">She "proved" a "copy" to her sex.<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And wanted no "revise."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">And Tom, he kept his "pages" clear<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And grew to be a "type"<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Of all that manhood holds most dear,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">When he with age was ripe.<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He made his last "impression" here<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">While yet his heart was warm,<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">Just in the "nick" closed his career,<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">And death "locked up his form."<br /></span>
+</div><div class="stanza">
+<span class="i0">He sank into his final rest<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Without one sigh or moan;<br /></span>
+<span class="i0">His latest words&mdash;"Above my breast<br /></span>
+<span class="i2">Place no 'imposing stone.'"<br /></span>
+</div></div>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<h2><a name="Courtship_of_a_Vassar_Girl" id="Courtship_of_a_Vassar_Girl"></a>Courtship of a Vassar Girl.</h2>
+
+<p>The parents and the old relatives are chatting over their darling's
+future. Meanwhile the fiances have escaped into the back parlor.</p>
+
+<p>Virginia&mdash;Where are you leading me to, John?</p>
+
+<p>John&mdash;I wish to tell you, while others forget us, how happy I am to
+marry you&mdash;you, so winning, so witty, the gem of Vassar College.</p>
+
+<p>Virginia&mdash;Oh! how many compliments to a poor graduate who only won the
+premium of rhetoric, and was second best in geometry.</p>
+
+<p>John&mdash;I love you, and worship you just as you are.</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;Oh, my friend, how anaphorical, and especially how epanaletical.</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;I don't understand.</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;I mean that you repeat yourself. It is the custom of lovers to abuse
+of the gorgiaques figures from the very protasis and exordium.</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;I love you because you are accomplished and perfect.</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;Did I not know you, I should think that you favored asteisin and
+ethossoia.</p>
+
+<p>J. (Somewhat abashed.)&mdash;Ah! do you see * * *</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;Why this aposiopesis?</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;Aposiopesis!</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;This reticence?</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;That is clearer. I acknowledge that the expressions you use annoy
+and trouble me.</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;You, on your side, speak a language stamped with schematism, while
+to be correct, even in making love, your language should be discursive.
+Allow me to tell you so frankly.</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;Anyhow, you do not doubt my love?</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;I pardon this epitrope, but pray use less metaphor and more litotes
+in the prosopography you dedicate to my modest entity&mdash;</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;What will you? Men love women; I am a man; therefore, I love you.</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;Your syllogism is perfect in its premises, but the conclusion is
+false.</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;Oh! you are a cruel angel!</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;I like that catachresis, but once again I repeat, I am practical,
+and prefer synedoche.</p>
+
+<p>J. [Very much perplexed.]&mdash;Will you continue the conversation in the
+garden?</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;Yes. (They go into the garden.) Look, here is a very lovely
+parallelogram of green surrounded by petasites. Let us sit under those
+maritamboues will you?</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;Willingly! Ah! here I am happy! My heart fills with joy; it seems to
+me it contains the universe.</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;You are speaking pure Spinozism.</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;When I think that you will be my wife, and I your husband! What will
+be our destiny!</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;The equation being given you are looking for the unknown quantity.
+Like you, I shall await the co-efficient.</p>
+
+<p>J. (Who is determined to follow out his own thoughts)&mdash;With the world of
+constellations above us, and nature surrounding us, admire with me those
+orbs sending us their pure light. Look up there at that star.</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;It is Allioth, neighbor to the polar star. They are nearing the
+cosmical moment, and if we remain here a few moments longer the
+occultation will take place.</p>
+
+<p>J. (Resignedly.)&mdash;And there those thousands of stars.</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;It is the galaxy. Admire also the syzygy of those orbs.</p>
+
+<p>J. (Exhausted.)&mdash;And the moon; do you see the moon?</p>
+
+<p>V.&mdash;It is at its zenith; it will be at its nadir in fifteen days, unless
+there are any occultations in the movements of that satellite.</p>
+
+<p>J.&mdash;How happy I am!</p>
+
+<p>(They go indoors.)</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 45%;' />
+
+<p><a name="humour_item" id="humour_item"></a>The owner of a soap factory, who had been complained of for maintaining
+a nuisance, was terribly put out at the charge and explained to the
+court: "Your honor, the odors complained of can not exist!" "But here
+are twenty complaints." "Yes, but I have worked in my factory for the
+last fifteen years, and I'll take my oath I can not detect any smells."
+"As a rule, prisoner," replied the judge, as he sharpened his spectacles
+on his bootleg, "the best noses are on the outside of soap factories.
+You are fined $25 and costs." Moral: Where a soap factory and a
+school-house are at loggerheads the school should be removed.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Prairie Farmer<br />
+<br />
+AND<br />
+<br />
+Youth's Companion<br />
+<br />
+One Year, $3 for the two.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">It is not required that both papers be sent to one address, nor to the
+same post-office.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">Address <span class="smcap">Prairie Farmer Pub. Co.,</span></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">150 Monroe Street, Chicago.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><b>Illinois Central Railroad.</b></p>
+
+<p>The elegant equipment of coaches and sleepers being added to its various
+through routes is gaining it many friends. Its patrons fear no
+accidents. Its perfect track of steel, and solid road-bed, are a
+guarantee against them.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center'><b>MEDICAL.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">DISEASE CURED</span><br />
+
+Without Medicine.</b><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>A Valuable Discovery for supplying Magnetism to the Human System.
+Electricity and Magnetism utilized as never before for Healing the
+Sick.</i></p>
+
+
+<p class="center">THE MAGNETON APPLIANCE CO.'s</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b><span style="font-size: x-large;">Magnetic Kidney Belt!</span></b></p>
+
+<p class="center">FOR MEN IS<br />
+WARRANTED TO CURE
+<i>Or Money refunded</i>, the following diseases without medicine:&mdash;<i>Pain in
+the Back, Hips, Head, or Limbs, Nervous Debility, Lumbago, General
+Debility, Rheumatism, Paralysis, Neuralgia, Sciatica, Diseases of the
+Kidneys, Spinal Diseases, Torpid Liver</i>, <b>Gout Seminal Emissions,
+Impotency, Asthma, Heart Disease, Dyspepsia, Constipation, Erysipelas,
+Indigestion, Hernia or Rupture, Catarrh, Piles, Epilepsy, Dumb Ague,
+etc.</b></p>
+
+<p>When any debility of the <b>GENERATIVE ORGANS</b> occurs, <b>Lost Vitality,
+Lack of Nerve Force and Vigor, Wasting Weakness,</b> and all those Diseases
+of a personal nature, from whatever cause, the continuous stream of
+Magnetism permeating through the parts, must restore them to a healthy
+action. There is no mistake about this appliance.</p>
+
+<p><span style="font-size: x-large;">TO THE LADIES:</span>&mdash;If you are afflicted with <b>Lame Back, Weakness of the
+Spine, Falling of the Womb, Leucorrh&oelig;a, Chronic Inflammation and
+Ulceration of the Womb, Incidental Hemorrhage or Flooding, Painful,
+Suppressed, and Irregular Menstruation, Barrenness, and Change of Life,
+this is the Best Appliance and Curative Agent known.</b></p>
+
+<p>For all forms of <b>Female Difficulties</b> it is unsurpassed by anything
+before invented, both as a curative agent and as a source of power and
+vitalization.</p>
+
+<p>Price of either Belt with Magnetic Insoles, $10, sent by express C.O.D.,
+and examination allowed, or by mail on receipt of price. In ordering
+send measure of waist, and size of shoe. Remittance can be made in
+currency, sent in letter at our risk.</p>
+
+<p>The Magneton Garments are adapted to all ages, are worn over the
+under-clothing (<b>not next to the body like the many Galvanic and
+Electric Humbugs advertised so extensively</b>), and should be taken off at
+night. They hold their POWER FOREVER, and are worn at all seasons of the
+year.</p>
+
+<p>Send stamp for the "New Departure in Medical treatment <b>Without
+Medicine</b>," with thousands of testimonials.</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;">THE MAGNETON APPLIANCE CO.,</span><br />
+<b><span style="margin-left: 2em;">218 State Street. Chicago, Ill.</span></b><br />
+</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Note</span>.&mdash;Send one dollar in postage stamps or currency (in letter
+at our risk) with size of shoe usually worn, and try a pair of our
+Magnetic Insoles, and be convinced of the power residing in our other
+Magnetic Appliances. Positively no cold feet when they are worn, or
+money refunded.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Self Cure Free</b></p>
+
+<div class="center">
+<table summary="" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" width="50%">
+<tbody><tr><td align="left">Nervous</td><td align="center">Lost</td><td align="right">Weakness</td></tr>
+<tr><td align="left">Debility</td><td align="center">Manhood</td><td align="right">and Decay</td></tr>
+</tbody></table></div>
+
+
+<p>A favorite prescription of a noted specialist (now retired.)
+Druggists can fill it. Address</p>
+
+<p><b>DR. WARD &amp; CO., LOUISIANA, MO.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<p class='center'><b>SCALES.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center">
+<b><span style="font-size: large;">U.S. STANDARD SCALES,</span></b><br />
+<br />
+MANUFACTURED EXPRESSLY FOR<br />
+<br />
+<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The PRAIRIE FARMER</b></span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="center"><i>Every Scale Guaranteed by the Manufacturers, and by Us, to be Perfect,
+and to give the Purchaser Satisfaction.</i></p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">The PRAIRIE FARMER Sent Two Years Free</p>
+
+<p class="center">To any person ordering either size Wagon Scale at prices given below.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 600px;">
+<img src="images/illus-059.jpg" width="600" height="357" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+
+<p>2-Ton Wagon or Farm Scale (Platform 6&times;12 feet), $35; 3-Ton (7&times;13), $45; 5-Ton (8&times;14),
+$55. Beam Box, Brass Beam, Iron Levers, Steel Bearings, and
+full directions for setting up.</p>
+
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>The Prairie Farmer Sent 1 Year Free!</b></p>
+
+<p>To any person ordering either of the following Scales, at prices named below.</p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;">
+
+<img src="images/illus-060a.jpg" alt="" title="" height="169" width="300" />
+<span class="caption">The Housekeeper's Scale&mdash;$4.00</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Weighing accurately from 1-4 oz. to 25
+lbs. This is also a valuable Scale for Offices
+for Weighing Mail Matter. Tin Scoop,
+50c. extra; Brass 75c. extra.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/illus-060b.jpg" alt="" title="" height="228" width="300" />
+<span class="caption">The Family Scale&mdash;$7.00.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Weighs from 1-4 oz. to 240 lbs. Small articles
+weighed in Scoop, large ones on Platform.
+Size of Platform, 10&frac12;&times;13&frac12; in.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/illus-060c.jpg" alt="" title="" height="276" width="300" />
+<span class="caption">The Prairie Farmer Scale&mdash;$10.00</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>Weighs from 2 oz. to 320 lbs. Size of Platform
+14&times;19 inches. A convenient Scale for Small Farmers, Dairymen, etc.</p>
+
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/illus-060d.jpg" alt="" title="" height="298" width="300" />
+<span class="caption">Platform Scales&mdash;4 Sizes.</span>
+</div>
+
+<p>400 lbs., $15; 600 lbs., $20; 900 lbs., $24;
+1,200 lbs., $28; Wheels and Axles, $2 Extra.</p>
+
+<p>In ordering, give the Price and Description given above. All Scales Boxed and
+Delivered at Depot in Chicago. Give full shipping directions. Send money by Draft on
+Chicago or New York Post Office Order or Registered Letter. Address</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>THE PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING COMPANY, CHICAGO, ILL.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center'><b>MISCELLANEOUS</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 500px;">
+<img src="images/illus-060f.jpg" alt="SEEDS FOR THE GARDEN, FARM &amp; FIELD." title="" height="318" width="500" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center">ESTABLISHED 1845.</p>
+
+<p>Our Annual Catalogue, mailed free on application, published first of
+every January, contains full description and prices of <b>Reliable
+Vegetable, Tree, Field and Flower Seed, Seed Grain, Seed Corn, Seed
+Potatoes, Onion Sets, etc; also Garden Drills, Cultivators, Fertilizers,
+etc.,</b> with full information for growing and how to get our Seeds.</p>
+
+<p class="center">Address PLANT SEED COMPANY,<br />
+
+Nos. 812 &amp; 814 N. 4th St.,    ST. LOUIS, MO.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 150px;">
+<img src="images/illus-060g.jpg" alt="" title="" height="107" width="150" />
+</div>
+
+<p><b>THE STANDARD REMINGTON TYPE-WRITER</b> is acknowledged to be the only
+rapid and reliable writing machine. It has no rival. These machines are
+used for transcribing and general correspondence in every part of the
+globe, doing their work in almost every language. Any young man or woman
+of ordinary ability, having a practical knowledge of the use of this
+machine may find constant and remunerative employment. All machines and
+supplies, furnished by us, warranted. Satisfaction guaranteed or money
+refunded. Send for circulars. WYCKOFF, SEAMANS &amp; BENEDICT, 38 East
+Madison St, Chicago, Ill.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>SEEDS</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">ALBERT DICKINSON,</p>
+
+<p class="center">Dealer in Timothy, Clover, Flax, Hungarian, Millet, Red Top, Blue
+Grass, Lawn Grass, Orchard Grass, Bird Seeds, &amp;c.</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>POP CORN.</b></p>
+
+<table summary="" border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0">
+<tbody><tr><td align="left">Warehouses</td><td align="left">{115, 117 &amp; 119 Kinzie St.</td></tr>
+
+<tr><td align="left"></td><td align="left">{104, 106, 108 &amp; 110 Michigan St.</td></tr>
+</tbody></table><p><span class='pagenum'><a name="Page_48" id="Page_48">[Pg 48]</a></span></p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<h2><a name="GENERAL_NEWS" id="GENERAL_NEWS"></a>GENERAL NEWS.</h2>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> State tax of Florida this year is but three mills.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Hog</span> cholera is again raging in Champaign county, Ill.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A cat</span> show is to be held in New York, beginning on the 23d inst.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Ice</span> harvesters along the Hudson river are on a strike for higher wages.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Ohio river is rapidly rising from the melting of heavy bodies of
+snow.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Several</span> heavy failures among grain dealers of New York occurred last
+week.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Senator Anthony</span> is unable to attend to the duties as President pro tem
+of the Senate.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> glucose works at Buffalo N. Y., have been removed to Peoria, Ill.,
+and Levenworth, Kansas.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">On</span> Friday last one murderer was hung in Virginia, another in South
+Carolina, and still another in California.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">A very</span> heavy snow storm prevailed in Western and Northern N. Y., last
+week. It also extended to New England.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> State Senate of Texas has passed a bill giving the public domain,
+except homesteads to actual settlers, to the public schools.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">There</span> were over four thousand suicides in Paris last year, which is
+attributed to the tremendous pace at which the people live in France.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> starch-sugar industry of the country consumes forty thousand bushels
+of corn per day, and the product is valued at about $10,000,000 per
+year.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">In</span> attempting to slaughter a flock of prairie chickens near Fort Sill, a
+party of eight hunters grew so careless that three of their number were
+badly wounded.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> employes in three of the nail-mills at Wareham, Mass., struck,
+Saturday, against reducing their wages ten per cent. The nailers and
+puddlers of Plymouth also struck.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Canada</span> is raising a standing army of 1,200 men to serve for three years.
+The full number applied at the recruiting office in Montreal, where the
+quota was only one hundred.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> Grand Orient of France has issued an appeal to all the lodges of
+freemasons in the world asking a renewal of unity between the Grand
+Orient and all other branches of the masonic rite.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> situation in Tonquin effectually ties the hands of France. The
+announcement of the blocking of Canton harbor is the only important
+event of the week in the Franco-Chinese struggle.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Dr. Tanner</span>, the famous faster, is practicing medicine in Jamestown, N.
+Y. The physicians of that city have made a fruitless attempt to secure
+his indictment by the grand jury as an illegal practitioner.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">The</span> French press are advocating an organized effort against the
+prohibition of the importation of American pork. The prohibition, it is
+estimated, will cost the French ports 100,000,000 francs, and deprive
+the working people, besides, of cheap and wholesome food.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Articles</span> of incorporation were filed at Springfield, Saturday, for the
+building of a railroad from a point within five miles of the northeast
+corner of Cook county to a point in Rock Island county, on the
+Mississippi, opposite Muscatine, Iowa. The capital is $3,000,000, and
+among the incorporators are Joseph R. Reynolds, Edgar Terhune Holden,
+and Josiah Browne, of Chicago.</p>
+
+
+<h3><a name="CONGRESSIONAL" id="CONGRESSIONAL"></a>CONGRESSIONAL.</h3>
+
+<p>Senator Edmunds has again been chosen president pro tem of the Senate.
+Mr. Anthony, of Rhode Island, declares himself too ill to perform the
+duties of the position. On Monday nearly 500 bills were introduced into
+the House. The total number of bills introduced and referred since the
+session began, reaches nearly 4,000. There are many important measures
+among them, while there are more that are of somewhat doubtful import,
+especially those which look to a still further increase of the pension
+appropriations. There are bills for the regulation of banks and banking;
+several new bankruptcy acts; one reducing the fees on patents as
+follows: The fee upon filing original application for a patent is
+reduced from $15 to $5. The minimum fees for a design patent shall be $5
+instead of $10 and the minimum term for which granted shall be five
+instead of three and a half years; a bill to reorganize the infantry
+branch of the army; for reorganizing and increasing the navy; several to
+revise the tariff; to look after the forfeiture of land grants; to
+restrict importation of foreign adulterated goods; to stamp out
+contagious diseases of animals; to establish a department of commerce;
+to repeal the act prohibiting ex-confederate officers from serving in
+the United States army; to relieve Fitz John Porter, and hundreds of
+bills for the relief or benefit of individuals in different parts of the
+country. There are also bills for the regulation of transportation
+companies and for the establishment of a system of government telegraph.
+As yet no appropriation bills have been reported and the Ways and Means
+committee has but recently organized into subcommittees and has not
+begun the consideration of any subject. There is already business enough
+before this Congress to keep it in continuous session for years.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 500px;"><a name="MARKETS" id="MARKETS"></a>
+<img src="images/illus-062.jpg" width="500" height="139" alt="MARKETS." title="" />
+</div>
+
+<h2><a name="FINANCIAL_AND_COMMERCIAL" id="FINANCIAL_AND_COMMERCIAL"></a>FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL.</h2>
+
+<p>
+<span class="smcap" style="margin-left: 1em;">Office of The Prairie Farmer,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;"><span class="smcap">Chicago.</span> Jan 15, 1884.</span><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>There is an increased financial activity over last week. Bankers, on
+Monday, felt quite certain of a brisk week and were correspondingly
+cheerful. Interest rates are unchanged, being 6 and 7 per cent.</p>
+
+<p>Eastern exchange sold between banks at 60@70c per $1,000 premium, and
+closed firm.</p>
+
+<p>There is no change in Government securities.</p>
+
+<p>The New York stock market was weak, and it is reported that the New York
+millionaires such as Gould, Vanderbilt, Sage, etc., have suffered to the
+extent of several millions each by the late general shrinkage in the
+value of stocks. Nevertheless, it is in such times as these that the
+Vanderbilts of the country reap their richest harvests. They have money
+to buy depressed stock with, and when the wheel turns their investments
+again add to their wealth. The little fellows have to sacrifice all
+their cash and then go to the wall.</p>
+
+<p>Government securities are as follows:</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>4's coupons, 1907</td><td align='left'>Q. Apr.</td><td align='left'>123&frac14;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>4's reg., 1907</td><td align='left'>Q. Apr.</td><td align='left'>123&frac14;</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>4&frac12;'s coupon, 1891</td><td align='left'>Q. Mar.</td><td align='left'>114<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>1</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>4&frac12;'s registered, 1891</td><td align='left'>Q. Mar.</td><td align='left'>114<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>1</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span></td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>3's registered</td><td align='left'>Q. Mar.</td><td align='left'>100</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<h4>GRAIN AND PROVISIONS.</h4>
+
+<p>There was more of a speculative feeling in the Chicago grain and
+provision markets yesterday than for some time. There was something of a
+recovery from the panicky feeling of Saturday, when the bulls had
+complete charge of the prices, but there was no advance.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Flour</span> was unchanged, the article not yet feeling the uncertain condition
+of the wheat market.</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>Choice to favorite white winters</td><td align='right'>$5 25@5 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Fair to good brands of white winters</td><td align='right'>4 75@5 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Good to choice red winters</td><td align='right'>5 00@5 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Prime to choice springs</td><td align='right'>4 75@5 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Good to choice export stock, in sacks, extras</td><td align='right'>4 25@4 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Good to choice export stock, double extras</td><td align='right'>4 50@4 65</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Fair to good Minnesota springs</td><td align='right'>4 50@4 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Choice to fancy Minnesota springs</td><td align='right'>5 25@5 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Patent springs</td><td align='right'>6 00@6 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Low grades</td><td align='right'>2 25@3 50</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Wheat.</span>&mdash;Red winter, No. 2, 97@99c; car lots of spring. No. 2, sold at
+89@90&frac12;c; No. 3, do. 84&frac12; @85c.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Corn.</span>&mdash;Moderately active. Car lots No 2, 53@53<span style="font-size: small;"><sup>7</sup>/<sub>8</sub></span>c; rejected, 46&frac12;;
+new mixed, 49c.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Oats.</span>&mdash;No. 2 in store, closed 32&frac12;@32&frac34;.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Rye.</span>&mdash;May, in store 58@58&frac12;.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Barley.</span>&mdash;No. 2, 59 in store; No. 3, 52&frac12;c.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Flax.</span>&mdash;Closed at $1 45 on track.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Timothy.</span>&mdash;$1 28@1 35 per bushel. Little doing.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Clover.</span>&mdash;Quiet at $6 15@6 35 for prime.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Provisions.</span>&mdash;Mess pork, February, $14 75@ 14 78 per bbl; Green hams,
+9&frac12;c per lb. Short ribs, $7 47&frac12; per cwt.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Lard.</span>&mdash;January, $9 20; February, $9 75.</p>
+
+
+<h4><span class="smcap">Lumber.</span></h4>
+
+<p>Lumber unchanged. Quotations for green are as follows:</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>Short dimension, per M</td><td align='right'>$ 9 50@10 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Long dimension, per M</td><td align='right'>10 00@11 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Boards and strips, No. 2</td><td align='right'>11 00@13 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Boards and strips, medium</td><td align='right'>13 00@16 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Boards and strips, No. 1 choice</td><td align='right'>16 00@20 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Shingles, standard</td><td align='right'>2 10@ 2 20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Shingles, choice</td><td align='right'>2 25@ 2 30</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Shingles, extra</td><td align='right'>2 40@ 2 60</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Lath</td><td align='right'>1 65@ 1 70</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<h4>COUNTRY PRODUCE.</h4>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Note.</span>&mdash;The quotations for the articles named in the following list are
+generally for commission lots of goods and from first hands. While our
+prices are based as near as may be on the landing or wholesale rates,
+allowance must be made for selections and the sorting up for store
+distribution.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Beans.</span>&mdash;Hand picked mediums $2 00@2 10. Hand picked navies, $2 15@2 20.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Butter.</span>&mdash;Dull and without change. Choice to extra creamery, 32@35c per
+lb.; fair to good do 25@32c; fair to choice dairy, 23@28c; common to
+choice packing stock fresh and sweet, 18@22c; ladle packed 10@13c; fresh
+made, streaked butter, 9@11c.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Bran.</span>&mdash;Quoted at $11 87&frac12;@13 50 per ton; extra choice $13.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Broom-corn</span>&mdash;Good to choice hurl 6&frac12;@7&frac12;c per lb; green self-working
+5@6c; red-tipped and pale do 4@5c; inside and covers 3@4c; common short
+corn 2&frac12;@3&frac12;c; crooked, and damaged, 2@4c, according to quality.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Cheese.</span>&mdash;Choice full-cream cheddars 13@13&frac12;c per lb; medium quality do
+9@10c; good to prime full cream flats 13@13&frac34;c; skimmed cheddars
+9@10c; good skimmed flats 6@7c; hard-skimmed and common stock 3@4c.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Eggs.</span>&mdash;In a small way the best brands are quotable at 25@26c per dozen;
+20@23c for good ice house stock; 18@19c per pickled.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Hay.</span>&mdash;No 1 timothy $10@10 50 per ton; No 2 do $8 50@9 50; mixed do $7@8;
+upland prairie $8 00@10 75; No 1 prairie $6@7; No 2 do $4 50@5 50.
+Small bales sell at 25@50c per ton more than large bales.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Hides and Pelts.</span>&mdash;Green-cured light hides 8&frac14;c per lb; do heavy cows
+8c; No 2 damaged green-salted hides 6c; green-salted calf 12@12&frac12;
+cents; green-salted bull 6 c; dry-salted hides 11 cents; No. 2
+two-thirds price; No. 1 dry flint 14@14&frac12;c. Sheep pelts salable at
+28@32c for the estimated amount of wash wool on each pelt. All branded
+and scratched hides are discounted 15 per cent from the price of No. 1.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Hops.</span>&mdash;Prime to choice New York State hops 25@26c per lb; Pacific coast
+of 23@26c; fair to good Wisconsin 15@20c.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Poultry.</span>&mdash;Prices for good to choice dry picked and unfrozen lots are:
+Turkeys 13@14c per lb; chickens 9@10c; ducks 12@13c; geese 9@11c. Thin,
+undesirable, and frozen stock 2@3c per lb less than these figures; live
+offerings nominal.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Potatoes.</span>&mdash;Good to choice 37@40c per bu. on track; common to fair
+30@35c. Illinois sweet potatoes range at $3 50@4 per bbl for yellow.
+Baltimore stock at $2 25@2 75, and Jerseys at $5. Red are dull and
+nominal.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Tallow and grease.</span>&mdash;No 1 country tallow 7@7&frac14;c per lb; No 2 do
+6&frac14;@6&frac12;c. Prime white grease 6@6&frac12;c; yellow 5&frac14;@5&frac34;c; brown
+4&frac12;@5.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Vegetables.</span>&mdash;Cabbage, $8@12 per 100; celery, 25@35c per doz bunches;
+onions, $1 00@1 25 per bbl for yellow, and $1 for red; turnips, $1 35@1
+50 per bbl for rutabagas, and $1 00 for white flat.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Wool.</span>&mdash;from store range as follows for bright wools from Wisconsin,
+Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Eastern Iowa&mdash;dark Western lots
+generally ranging at 1@2c per lb. less.</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>Coarse and dingy tub</td><td align='right'>25@30</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Good medium tub</td><td align='right'>31@34</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Unwashed bucks' fleeces</td><td align='right'>14@15</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Fine unwashed heavy fleeces</td><td align='right'>18@22</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Fine light unwashed heavy fleeces</td><td align='right'>22@23</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Coarse unwashed fleeces</td><td align='right'>21@22</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Low medium unwashed fleeces</td><td align='right'>24@25</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Fine medium unwashed fleeces</td><td align='right'>26@27</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Fine washed fleeces</td><td align='right'>32@33</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Coarse washed fleeces</td><td align='right'>26@28</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Low medium washed fleeces</td><td align='right'>30@32</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Fine medium washed fleeces</td><td align='right'>34@35</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'>Colorado and Territory wools range as follows:</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Lowest grades</td><td align='right'>14@16</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Low medium</td><td align='right'>18@22</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Medium</td><td align='right'>22@26</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Fine</td><td align='right'>16@24</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'>Wools from New Mexico:</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Lowest grades</td><td align='right'>14@16</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Part improved</td><td align='right'>16@17</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Best improved</td><td align='right'>19@23</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left' colspan='2'>Burry from 2c to 10c off: black 2c to 5c off.</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<h4>LIVE STOCK MARKETS.</h4>
+
+<p>The total receipts and shipments for last week were as follows:</p>
+
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'></td><td align='right'>Received.</td><td align='right'>Shipped.</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Cattle</td><td align='right'>38,913</td><td align='right'>18,801</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Calves</td><td align='right'>216</td><td align='right'>37</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Hogs</td><td align='right'>169,076</td><td align='right'>42,205</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Sheep</td><td align='right'>24,595</td><td align='right'>14,225</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Cattle.</span>&mdash;Notwithstanding a reported advance in England, cattle did not
+improve in prices over Saturday. Indeed, there was a decline of a few
+cents per hundred. The supplies were large and the quality inferior.
+Indeed few really fat cattle came in during the week. Eastern markets
+were reported as over stocked. Shippers and dressed meat operators
+bought rather freely of common lots. We may quote as follows:</p>
+
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>Fancy fat cattle</td><td align='right'>$7 00@ 7 25</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Choice to prime steers</td><td align='right'>6 25@ 6 85</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Fair to good shipping steers</td><td align='right'>5 60@ 6 20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Common to medium steers</td><td align='right'>4 65@ 5 55</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Butcher's steers</td><td align='right'>4 50@ 5 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Cows and bulls, common to good</td><td align='right'>3 25@ 4 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Inferior cows and bulls</td><td align='right'>2 30@ 3 20</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Stockers</td><td align='right'>3 50@ 4 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Feeders</td><td align='right'>4 25@ 4 75</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Milch cows, per head</td><td align='right'>25 00@55 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>Veal calves, per 100 lbs.</td><td align='right'>4 00@ 7 25</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Hogs.</span>-There were fair receipts on Saturday and Monday&mdash;an aggregate of
+21,000 head or some 7,000 more than for the same days last week. As city
+packers are at work again, the market was quite active. They bought
+about 15,000 head, and shippers took nearly all that were left. Prices
+advanced from 5 to 10 cents. It may be said in general that the quality
+of the hogs now coming in is poor. Heavy lots were sold at $5 15@6 25;
+light hogs brought $5@5 60. Skips and culls $3 25@5.</p>
+
+<p>Note.&mdash;All sales of hogs are made subject to a shrinkage of 40 lbs for
+piggy sows and 80 lbs for stags. Dead hogs sell for 1&frac12;c per lb for
+weights of 200 and over and [Transcriber's Note: blank in original] for
+weights of less than 100 lbs.</p>
+
+<p><span class="smcap">Sheep.</span>&mdash;The supply was sufficient to meet the demand, though
+considerably less than on Monday of last week. Really choice animals
+were scarce. Shippers and butchers bought freely. Common lots were dull,
+bringing $5 25@5 50, while fancy lots sold at $5.75@6. Very inferior
+sheep sold at $2 50.</p>
+
+
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><b>COMMISSION MERCHANTS.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center">
+<b>J.H. WHITE &amp; CO.,<br />
+<span style="font-size: large;">PRODUCE COMMISSION</span></b><br />
+</p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>106 S. Water St., Chicago.</b></p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 8em;">Refers to this paper.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><b>MISCELLANEOUS.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+
+<p class='center' style='font-weight: bold;'>
+<span style="font-size: x-large;">First-Class Plants<br /></span>
+<span style="font-size: large;">OF BEST VARIETIES OF SMALL FRUITS.<br /></span>
+</p>
+
+<p>Catalogues free. Address</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">O. B. GALUSHA,<br /></span>
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Peoria, Ill.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 25%;">
+<img src="images/illus-063.jpg" width="100" height="122" alt="" title="" />
+</div>
+
+<div class="figright" style="width: 70%;">
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">Print Your Own Cards</p>
+
+<p>Labels, Envelopes, etc. with our <b>$3 Printing Press.</b> Larger sizes for
+circulars, etc., $8 to $75. For pleasure, money making, young or old.
+Everything easy, printed instructions. Send 2 stamps for Catalogue of
+Presses, Type, Cards, etc., to the factory.</p>
+
+<p><b>KELSEY &amp; CO., Meriden, Conn.</b></p>
+</div>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: x-large;"><b>FOR SALE.</b></p>
+
+<p>Pure bred Bronze Turkeys and Pekin Ducks. Also eggs in Season.</p>
+
+<p><span style="margin-left: 2em;">MRS. J. F. FULTON,</span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 4em;">Petersburg. Ills.</span></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p style="font-size: x-large;">MARLBORO RED RASPBERRY</p>
+
+<p>Send to the originators for history and terms. A. S. Caywood &amp; Son,
+Marlboro, N. Y.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>PIG EXTRICATOR</b></p>
+
+<p>To aid animals in giving birth. Send for free circular to <span class="smcap">Wm.
+Dulin</span>, Avoca, Pottawattamie Co., Ia.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center'><b>EDUCATIONAL.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center">
+<span style="font-size: large;">UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK</span><br />
+<span style="font-size: large;"><b>AMERICAN</b></span><br />
+<span style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Veterinary College,</b></span><br />
+
+<b>141 West 54th St., New York City.</b><br />
+</p>
+
+<p>The regular course of lectures commences in October each year. Circular
+and information can be had on application to</p>
+
+<p>
+<span style="margin-left: 1em;"><b>A. LIAUTARD, M.D.V.S.,</b></span><br />
+<span style="margin-left: 2em;">Dean of the Faculty.</span>
+</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class="center"><b>SPECIAL OFFER.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>$67 FOR $18!</b></p>
+
+<div class="figcenter" style="width: 300px;">
+<img src="images/illus-064a.jpg" alt="" title="" height="328" width="300" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: large;"><b>A Superb New Family</b></p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;"><b>Sewing Machine!</b></p>
+
+<p>Combining all the most recent improvements, and now selling for $65, is
+offered by THE PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING COMPANY to subscribers to THE
+PRAIRIE FARMER</p>
+
+<p class="center" style="font-size: x-large;">FOR $18,</p>
+
+<p>including one year's subscription to the paper.</p>
+
+<p>This exceptional offer will remain open for a few days only.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center'><b>SEWING SILK.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<div class="figleft" style="width: 200px;">
+<img src="images/illus-064b.jpg" alt="" title="" height="119" width="200" />
+</div>
+
+<p class="center"><b>Corticelli Sewing Silk,</b></p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>LADIES, TRY IT!</b></p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>The Best Sewing Silk Made.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>Every Spool Warranted.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center"><b>Full Length, Smooth and Strong.</b></p>
+
+<p class="center">Ask your storekeeper for Corticelli Silk.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 65%;" />
+
+<p class='center'><b>MISCELLANEOUS.</b></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;">1884.</p>
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: large; font-weight: bold;"><i>Now is the Time to Subscribe.</i></p>
+
+<hr style="width: 15%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">Harper's Periodicals.</p>
+
+<p class='center'><b>Per Year:</b></p>
+
+<div class='center'>
+<table border="0" cellpadding="4" cellspacing="0" summary="">
+<tr><td align='left'>HARPER'S MAGAZINE</td><td align='right'>$4 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>HARPER'S WEEKLY</td><td align='right'>4 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>HARPER'S BAZAR</td><td align='right'>4 00</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE</td><td align='right'>1 50</td></tr>
+<tr><td align='left'>HARPER'S FRANKLIN SQUARE LIBRARY,
+One year (52 Numbers)</td><td align='right'>10 00</td></tr>
+</table></div>
+
+<p class='center'><i>Postage Free to all subscribers in the United States or
+Canada.</i></p>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<p>The Volumes of the <span class="smcap">Weekly</span> and <span class="smcap">Bazar</span> begin with the first numbers for
+January, the Volumes of the <span class="smcap">Young People</span> with the first Number for
+November, and the Volumes of the <span class="smcap">Magazine</span> with the Numbers for June and
+December of each year.</p>
+
+<p>Subscriptions will be entered with the Number of each Periodical current
+at the time of receipt of order, except in cases where the subscriber
+otherwise directs.</p>
+
+<p>Specimen copy of <span class="smcap">Harper's Young People</span> sent on receipt of four cents in
+stamps.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<p>HARPER'S FRANKLIN SQUARE LIBRARY: A weekly publication, containing works
+of Travel, Biography, History, Fiction, and Poetry, at prices ranging
+from 10 to 25 cents per number. Full list of <i>Harper's Franklin Square
+Library</i> will be furnished gratuitously on application to <span class="smcap">Harper</span> &amp;
+<span class="smcap">Brothers</span>.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<p>Remittances should be made by Post-Office Money Order or Draft, to avoid
+risk of loss. Address</p>
+
+<p class='center'>HARPER &amp; BROTHERS, Franklin Square, N. Y.</p>
+
+<hr style='width: 15%;' />
+
+<p>&#x261E;&nbsp;HARPER'S CATALOGUE, of between three and and four thousand volumes,
+mailed on receipt of Ten Cent in Postage Stamps.</p>
+
+<hr style="width: 45%;" />
+
+<p class='center' style="font-size: x-large; font-weight: bold;">A NEW THING</p>
+
+<p>Every Farmer will have it. Saves them large sums of money; saves labor;
+pays a profit; honest business; Agents clear $20 to $30 a week
+introducing it; no risk to you; terms easy; full satisfaction; a harvest
+for live men with small capital. Address</p>
+
+<p class='center'>F. C. RENNER, New Midway, Frederick Co., Md.</p>
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+<pre>
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3,
+January 19, 1884., by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRAIRIE FARMER ***
+
+***** This file should be named 22040-h.htm or 22040-h.zip *****
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+</body>
+</html>
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+The Project Gutenberg EBook of Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3, January 19,
+1884., by Various
+
+This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with
+almost no restrictions whatsoever.  You may copy it, give it away or
+re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included
+with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org
+
+
+Title: Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3, January 19, 1884.
+       A Weekly Journal for the Farm, Orchard and Fireside
+
+Author: Various
+
+Release Date: July 10, 2007 [EBook #22040]
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRAIRIE FARMER ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by Susan Skinner, Juliet Sutherland and the Online
+Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+THE
+PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+A Weekly Journal for
+
+THE FARM, ORCHARD, AND FIRESIDE.
+
+ESTABLISHED IN 1841.
+ENTIRE SERIES: VOL. 56--NO. 3.
+
+CHICAGO, SATURDAY, JANUARY 19, 1884.
+
+PRICE, $2.00 PER YEAR,
+IN ADVANCE.
+
+
+
+
+[Transcriber's Note: The Table of Contents was originally located on
+page 40 of the periodical. It has been moved here for ease of use.]
+
+
+THE CONTENTS OF THIS NUMBER.
+
+AGRICULTURE--The Corn Root Worm, Page 33; Biographical Sketch of Patrick
+Barry, 33; Compiled Correspondence, 33; Illinois Tile-Makers Convention
+Report, 34; Farmers Advice, 35; Cisterns on the farm, 35; Field and
+Furrow Items, 35.
+
+LIVE STOCK--Iowa Wool-Men, Page 36; Polled Cattle-Breeders, 36; Merino
+Sheep-Breeders, 36; Cattle Diseases, 36; The Horse and His Treatment
+36-37; Cost of Pork on 1883 Corn, 37.
+
+VETERINARY--Grease, So-Called, Page 37; Foul in the Foot, 37; Founder,
+37; Question Answered, 37.
+
+THE DAIRY--Curing Cheese, Page 37; Items, 37.
+
+HORTICULTURE--Southern Ills. Hort. Society, Page 38; Notes on Current
+Topics, 38; Pear Blight, 38; Treatment of Tree Wound, 38; The Tomato
+Pack of 1883, 38; Sweating Apples, 39; Prunings Items, 39.
+
+FLORICULTURE--Smilax and its Uses, Page 39.
+
+EDITORIAL--Will You? Page 40; Items, 40; The Wealth of the Nation, 40;
+Contagious Animal Disease, 40, 41; Iowa State Fair, 41; Still Another
+Fat Stock Show, 41; Questions Answered, 41; Letter from Champaign, 41;
+Wayside Notes, 41.
+
+POULTRY NOTES--Chicken Chat, Page 42; Business Still Running, 42.
+
+THE APIARY--The Best Hive, Page 42.
+
+SCIENTIFIC--Some Gossip About Darwin, Page 43.
+
+HOUSEHOLD--"Going up Head" (poetry), Page 44; Too Fat to Marry, 44;
+Ornaments for Homes, 44.
+
+YOUNG FOLKS--Chat About a Bear, Page 45; A Fairy Story, by Little
+Johnnie, 45.
+
+LITERATURE--For Those Who Fail (poetry), Page 46; A Singular
+Philosopher, 46.
+
+HUMOROUS--The Donkey's Dream, Page 47; Tom Typo 47; Courtship of a
+Vassar Girl, 47; Items, 47.
+
+NEWS OF THE WEEK--Page 48.
+
+MARKETS--Page 48.
+
+
+
+
+THE CORN-ROOT WORM.
+
+
+EDITOR PRAIRIE FARMER--I write you in regard to the corn question. I
+would like to know if angle-worms damage corn.
+
+Eight years ago I came to the conclusion that I could raise double the
+number of bushels of corn that I was then raising. I then commenced
+experimenting on a small scale. I succeeded very well for the first
+three or four years. I got so that I could raise over ninety bushels per
+acre. In one year I got a few pounds over 100 bushels per acre. Three
+years ago my crop began to fail, and has continued to fail up to the
+present year, with the same treatment. Last year it was so bad that I
+concluded to examine the roots of the corn plants. I found both
+angle-worms and grubs in the roots. This year I went into a thorough
+examination and found nothing there but angle-worms, with a wonderful
+increase. They were right at the end of the stalk where the roots were
+thick, but the worms thicker.
+
+The corn at first seems to do very well, but long before the grain gets
+ripe the leaves begin to get dry and the stalks commence falling. The
+consequence is that over one-half the corn is loose on the cob and the
+ears very short. I am entirely headed in the corn line. Is it the
+angle-worms? If so, what is the remedy? I plant my corn every year on
+the same ground. I allow no weeds to grow in my cornfield. Farmers can
+not afford to raise weeds. I remove all weeds and put corn in their
+places.
+
+I have plowed my land for the next year's crop of corn and put on twenty
+loads of manure to the acre and plowed it under. I have no faith in
+planting the ground next year unless I can destroy the worms that I call
+angle-worms. I have consulted several of my brother farmers, and they
+say that the angle-worms never destroy a crop of corn.
+
+I thought last year that my seed corn was poor and run out, so I went to
+Chicago and got Sibley's "Pride of the North," but that was no better.
+
+If you will kindly inform me how to remedy this looseness of the kernel
+I will agree to show you how 100 bushels of corn can be raised on one
+acre every good corn year.
+
+    HORACE HOPKINS.
+        DESPLAINES, ILL., Jan. 2.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+We sent this communication to Professor Forbes, State Entomologist and
+received the following reply:
+
+EDITOR PRAIRIE FARMER--There can be hardly a shadow of a doubt that the
+injury which your correspondent so graphically describes is due to the
+corn root-worm (Diabrotica longicornis), a full account of which will be
+found in my report for 1882, published last November.
+
+The clue to his whole difficulty lies in the sentence, "I plant my corn
+every year on the same ground." As the beetles from which the root-worms
+descend lay their eggs in corn fields in autumn, and as these eggs do
+not hatch until after corn planting in the following spring, a simple
+change of crops for a single year, inevitably starves the entire
+generation to death in the ground.
+
+I inclose a slip, giving a brief account of this most grievous pest; but
+the article in my last report already referred to will be found more
+satisfactory.
+
+    S. A. FORBES.
+        NORMAL, ILL., January 3.
+
+P.S.--You will probably remember that I published a paper on this insect
+in THE PRAIRIE FARMER for December 30, 1882.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The following is the description referred to:
+
+_From the "Crop Report" for 1882._
+
+"The corn-root worm, in the form in which it affects the roots of corn,
+is a slender white grub, not thicker than a pin, from one fourth to
+three-eighths of an inch in length, with a small brown head, and six
+very short legs. It commences its attack in May or June, usually at some
+distance from the stalk, towards which it eats its way beneath the
+epidermis, killing the root as fast as it proceeds. Late in July or
+early in August it transforms in the ground near the base of the hill,
+changing into a white pupa, about fifteen-hundredths of an inch long and
+two-thirds that width, looking somewhat like an adult beetle, but with
+the wings and wing-covers rudimentary, and with the legs closely drawn
+up against the body. A few days later it emerges as a perfect insect,
+about one-fifth of an inch in length, varying in color from pale
+greenish-brown to bright grass-green, and usually without spots or
+markings of any kind. The beetle climbs up the stalk, living on fallen
+pollen and upon the silk at the tip of the ear until the latter dies,
+when a few of the beetles creep down between the husks, and feed upon
+the corn itself, while others resort for food to the pollen of such
+weeds in the field as are at that time in blossom. In September and
+October the eggs are laid in the ground upon or about the roots of the
+corn, and most of the beetles soon after disappear from the field. They
+may ordinarily be found upon the late blooming plants, feeding as usual
+upon the pollen of the flowers, and also to some extent upon molds and
+other fungi, and upon decaying vegetation. There can be no further doubt
+that the insect is single-brooded, that it hibernates in the egg as a
+rule, and that this does not hatch until after the ground has been
+plowed and planted to corn in the spring probably in May or June.
+
+"Although the adult beetles, when numerous, do some harm by eating the
+silk before the kernels are fertilized by the pollen, and also destroy
+occasionally a few kernels in the tip of the ear, yet the principal
+injury is done by the larva in its attack upon the roots. The extent of
+this injury depends not only upon the number of the worms, but also upon
+the soil and weather and the general condition of the crop, being worst
+on high land and in dry weather. Under specially unfavorable
+circumstances the loss due to the insect may amount to from one-fourth
+to one-half or even three-fourths of the crop; but when the conditions
+are generally favorable, it rarely amounts to more than ten or twenty
+per cent, and frequently even to less. Although the roots penetrated by
+the larvae die and decay, thrifty corn will throw out new ones to replace
+those lost. The hold of the stalk upon the ground is often so weakened
+that a slight wind is sufficient to prostrate the corn. Under these
+circumstances it will often throw out new roots from the joints above
+the ground, thus rallying to a certain extent against serious injury.
+
+"As the result of numerous observations and comparisons, it is clearly
+to be seen that little or no mischief is done except in fields that have
+been in corn during the year or two preceding, and a frequent change of
+crops is therefore a complete preventive. Beyond this, the life history
+of the insect gives us little hope of fighting it effectually except at
+too great expense, as the eggs and worms are scattered and hidden in the
+ground, and the perfect beetle is widely dispersed throughout the
+field."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+California has about eighty thousand tons of wheat to ship to Europe.
+Besides this a large amount is already stowed in ships.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+PATRICK BARRY.
+
+[Illustration: Patrick Barry]
+
+
+Our portrait this week is of Patrick Barry, Esq., the noted nurseryman
+and horticulturist of Rochester, N. Y. Mr. Barry was born near Belfast,
+Ireland, in 1816. His father was a small farmer, but he gave the boy a
+good education, and at eighteen he was appointed to teach in one of the
+national schools. At the age of twenty he resigned this position, and
+came to America, where he began clerking in the Linnaean nurseries, at
+Flushing, L. I. During his stay of four years here he mastered the
+principles of the nursery business. In 1840 he moved to Rochester, and
+forming a partnership with Mr. Ellwanger, started the famous Mount Hope
+Nurseries. They began on a tract of but seven acres. In 1852 he issued
+the "Fruit Garden," which is to this day a standard work among
+horticulturists. Previous to this he had written largely for the
+agricultural and horticultural press. In 1852 he also began editing the
+Horticulturist, then owned by Mr. James Vick. Mr. Barry's second great
+work, and the one involving most time and labor was the Catalogue of the
+American Pomological Society.
+
+Mr. Barry has long been President of the Western New York Horticultural
+Society. He is also a member of the Board of Control of the New York
+Experiment Station. He has served several terms in the city council of
+Rochester and in the Board of Supervisors of the country. Mr. Barry is
+an active business man and besides his great labor in conducting the
+nursery affairs, he discharges the duties of President of many corporate
+enterprises in which he has large financial interests. Mr. Barry was
+happily married in 1847, and the amiable sharer of his hardships and his
+successes is still living.
+
+
+
+
+COMPILED CORRESPONDENCE.
+
+
+HANCOCK CO., Dec. 31.--Weather very disagreeable; snow six inches deep,
+and from rain and sleet and thaw and freeze, has formed a hard crust, so
+as to make bad traveling--in the roads icy and slippery. To-day cloudy,
+damp and cool. A few days ago the mercury reached 8 degrees below zero,
+the lowest of the season. It is very hard on stock, and many of the
+cattle are without shelter, as usual. Accept New Year greetings for all
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER family. L. T.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MILLS CO., MO., Jan. 8.--Since the first of January we have had hard
+winter weather. An old weather prophet says we are to have just such
+weather for forty days. I sincerely hope not. On Friday night, January
+4th and 5th, all the thermometers commonly used by farmers went clear
+down out of sight. As they only mark about 30 degrees below zero it was
+uncertain how cold it really was. Unsheltered stock suffered terribly. A
+few farmers were caught without wood, and suffered from the storm in
+securing a supply. We have had five days of snow so that there is a
+heavy coat all over. A. J. L.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+ST. LOUIS, MO., January 13.--Advices from Mobile say the late cold snap
+caused immense damage in that section. The loss to the orange groves is
+estimated at nearly a $1,000,000, and the value of vegetables killed in
+Mobile county alone will reach the same sum. Great damage was also done
+to orange groves in Florida, but many orange growers profited by the
+Signal Service warning and built fires in their groves, and thus saved
+their trees. News from the Michigan peach belt is that the fruits are
+uninjured.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Strawberries are sold in New York city at fifteen cents each.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+AGRICULTURAL
+
+Farmers, Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+Illinois Tile-Makers.
+
+The Illinois State Tile-Makers' Convention at Springfield, last week,
+was more largely attended than in any previous year since the
+association was formed. Nearly one hundred joined the association.
+
+The convention was welcomed to the city by Governor Hamilton in an
+appropriate address in which he expressed his deep sympathy with and
+interest in all the manufacturing enterprises that are giving employment
+to the people and adding wealth to the State. He announced himself as in
+favor of protection and encouragement to the manufacturing interests. He
+thought the tile men were greatly adding to the wealth and
+productiveness of Illinois, and that they were also indirectly improving
+the health of the people.
+
+The President's address was brief but full of information and good
+sense. He pointed out at length the improvements in tile kilns, and in
+various appliances, which have been made in recent years, and declared
+that valuable as these all are, they can not make up for the lack of
+skill and experience. He believed the increased interest in terra cotta,
+and in useful ornamental and out tiling points to the great source of
+supply as the timber of the country decreases in quantity. The
+drain-tile manufacture was simply the beginning of an era of skillful
+clay working, which would not only add greatly to the fertility of the
+soil, but to the means of the beauty and endurance in numerous forms of
+building. Of the statistics of the business, he said the latest
+information is that there are in the State 600 factories, built at an
+average cost of $3,000 each, employing about 5,400 men seven months each
+year, who receive about $250,000 and their board. The total annual
+capacity of these factories he estimates at 56,100 miles annually. He
+estimates the amount invested in the industry, including the value of
+tile already laid, at $5,000,000, and the increased value of land
+drained at $10,000,000.
+
+The Secretary's report gave the general condition of the society. In
+1879 it was composed of forty-five members; in 1880, of thirty-five; in
+1881, of twenty-eight; in 1882, fifty-three; in 1883, of eighty-three,
+and in 1884, of eighty-six. The first meetings of the association were
+necessarily crude, the programme having been prepared after the
+association met. Now, however, they were in working harness, and met
+with a regularly prepared programme. The proceedings of the meetings and
+a summary of the papers read and discussed, are now published in the
+report of the State Board of Agriculture.
+
+The treasurer, John McCabe, Esq., of Rushville, made his report of which
+the following is the summary:
+
+Amount on hand at last report                  $29 35
+Received from members last year                 82 00
+                                              -------
+                                              $111 35
+Paid out last year                              87 50
+                                              -------
+    Balance in the treasury                   $ 23 85
+
+These reports were followed by an essay by Mr. C. G. Elliott, which is
+of so much merit that we give it in full deferring a further report of
+proceedings until next week.
+
+
+
+
+MISTAKES IN DRAINAGE.
+
+
+To speak of our successes rather than our mistakes, is far more
+agreeable to ourselves and also to others. We all take pride in giving
+our experience in any work when we have been successful, but our errors
+and mistakes we often carefully hide from public gaze. The transactions
+of our industrial conventions are largely made up of the successful
+parts of the experiences of members. Our tile manufacturers fail to
+speak of their losses in correcting mistakes the number of kilns they
+have rebuilt, the number of tile they weekly commit to the waste pile,
+the percentage of good and poor tile in each kiln, and many other things
+that your humble servant will probably never suspect until he attempts
+to manufacture tile.
+
+A similar statement may be made with reference to drainage mistakes. How
+many dry weather drains do we hear mentioned in our conventions, or see
+described in our newspapers. By such drains, I mean those which in
+favorable seasons so operate as to permit the land to produce a heavy
+crop--one worth publishing--while in wet years, merely a total loss
+results. Cases of such drainage can be numbered by the score. How many
+miles of drain tile have been taken up and relaid during the past year
+because of some mistake in plan, size of tile, or execution of the work?
+Much might be said of drainage mistakes in a general way, but it is
+proposed in this paper to treat the subject in a specific and practical
+manner. It may be encouraging to remember that it is only by comparing
+success with mistakes that we make progress in any valuable science or
+art. Great skill and success rest upon a foundation of corrected
+mistakes.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 1--LACK OF INFORMATION ON DRAINAGE.
+
+We might more properly call this the cause of many mistakes. "Knowledge
+is power," says the old adage, and we might add that knowledge in
+drainage is success. This knowledge may be obtained in three ways:
+First, from reliable books; second, by inquiring of others who have had
+experience; third, by our own experience. The first is of prime
+importance to the beginner, for in books are found statements of the
+general principles and philosophy of drainage, together with the best
+methods and practice known. The second is often unreliable, for the
+reason that the error of one is often copied by another and becomes wide
+spread before it is detected. The third, though valuable is costly, and
+discouraging to the learner. Gleanings from all of these sources will,
+perhaps, give the most complete satisfaction.
+
+Tile drainage began to be practiced in my own neighborhood about seven
+years ago. Those who were about to begin knew nothing about drainage,
+except from hearsay knowledge that had crept into the community. Not a
+single book upon the subject was consulted or even inquired for. Even
+now they are as rare in farmers libraries as the classic poets. Farmer
+A. wished to drain and consulted farmer B., who had put in some tile the
+year before. Did he think it paid? Yes. What kind of tile did he use and
+how was the work done? So A. planned and did his work in accordance with
+information obtained from B. Neighbor C. followed A., and so the work
+spread. It is now found that mistakes were made in the beginning which
+were handed from one to the other, until now, no alternative remains but
+to remove the whole work, and no little trouble and expense. This case
+is but one out of many which might be stated illustrating the lack of
+information at the beginning of drainage work. My observation upon this
+point has been that those have availed themselves of information given
+in books and papers upon drainage matters made fewer mistakes and did
+better work than those who relied upon the general wave of progress to
+push them along in the footsteps of their nearest neighbor. The theory,
+as well as the art, of drainage should be studied, and all knowledge
+adapted to the peculiarities of each case.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 2--NOT PLANNING FOR FUTURE DRAINAGE.
+
+A mistake often made by the novice is, that at first, drains are located
+without reference to the future drainage of other parts of the farm.
+Drains are put in as experiments, very much as we would plant a new
+variety of fruit or grain, expecting that probably the chances are
+against their success. Subsequently, when plans for more extended
+drainage are made, the drains already in operation were found to poorly
+serve the desired purpose.
+
+In order to guard against this mistake, have faith in drainage. Put it
+down on the whitest page of your memorandum, and with your best pen and
+ink, that drainage will pay, and the fewer mistakes made about it the
+better it will pay. Put it down that the time will come when you will
+drain all of your wet land, and make your plans accordingly. Many times
+have I heard this objection to locating a drain so as to benefit a
+certain field, "O no; I'll never drain that field. It's all right as it
+is. If I can only get this wet over here dry I shall be satisfied." In
+two years this same farmer was planning how he could drain the rejected
+field, and regretting that he had not made provision for it from the
+beginning. I have in mind several miles of tile that will be taken up
+during the coming season and relaid with reference to the drainage of
+all land having a natural slope in that direction.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 3--NOT BEGINNING AT THE RIGHT PLACE.
+
+Many of the drains first put in are at the head of the water shed
+instead of at the lower part or outlet. They discharge improperly and
+fail to fit into a more thorough system, where plans for better drainage
+are laid out.
+
+To avoid this error, begin at the outlet and work with reference to
+ultimately draining the whole section naturally sloping toward this
+outlet. If a surface ditch is necessary, make it. If tile can be used,
+lay them, even if only a fraction of the entire work is done each year.
+Drain laterally toward the main as it is carried upward. The outlay at
+first, rod for rod, will be greater, but the final cost will be less,
+and yearly profits greater.
+
+I have in mind several cases of unsatisfactory drainage growing out of a
+desire to avoid difficulty and expense in making a sufficient outlet.
+Among them may be named the following: Putting a drain across one side
+of a pond because sufficient depth can not be had to admit of its being
+run through the center. Placing drains each side of a slough, parallel
+to its center line, leaving the center undrained. Draining cultivated
+fields and allowing the water to discharge upon land occupying a lower
+level. All of these are make-shifts for the purpose of avoiding the
+expense of a good outlet.
+
+There is in this connection a difficulty which can not be overlooked,
+one which is beyond the control of the individual farmer, and that is,
+when the drainage section is owned by two or more parties. The
+adjustment of such cases has occupied the attention of our legislators,
+and some progress has been made in framing laws to meet the case, yet
+many difficulties remain unprovided for. If all parties agree to accept
+such awards and assessments as a commission may make, then the matter of
+drainage outlets can be satisfactorily adjusted, but if any party is
+disposed to resist, the desired drainage can be practically defeated. I
+may, at present, be justified in saying that where only a few neighbors
+are concerned, it is a mistake to attempt to use the law at all. Arrange
+the matter by mutual agreement or by leaving it to disinterested men to
+decide.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 4--TOO SMALL TILE.
+
+No mistake has become apparent sooner than this. The following
+observations will account for this, and also aid in correcting it. The
+whole area of land which naturally discharges toward the drain is not
+always taken into account. It is generally thought that land lying at
+some distance from the drain, though sloping toward it, does not affect
+the capacity required for the drain, whereas in times of heavy rains,
+when drains are taxed to their utmost, water flows from those more
+distant parts over the surface to the ground acted upon by the tile
+drain. We must then provide for the drainage not only of land contiguous
+to the drains but for an additional amount of water coming from
+adjoining slopes.
+
+Another popular error is that the diameter of the tile is the measure of
+its capacity, whereas the grade upon which it is laid is as important as
+the size of the tile. The extreme porosity of many of our soils, and the
+lack of thorough lateral drainage is another thing by reason of which
+main drains become over-taxed, simply because drainage water is not held
+in check by close soils, or distributed by lateral drains, but is
+brought in large quantities over the surface to the drain line, and must
+be taken away in a short time or injury is done to the land. In making
+mains or sub-mains it is better to err in making them too large than too
+small.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 5--NOT LATERAL ENOUGH.
+
+We expect too much from a single line of tile. We often see a line of
+tile put through a fifteen or twenty acre field with the expectation
+that the field will be drained, and thanks to our tractable soil, and
+the magic influence of tile, a great work is done for the field. It is,
+however, the dry weather drains previously alluded to. Put in the
+lateral drains so that the whole flat will come under the direct
+influence of tile, and you will have a garden spot instead of a field
+periodically flooded. Your sleep will not then be disturbed by fears
+that the morning will reveal your tiled field covered with water, and
+your corn crop on the verge of ruin. We often see a single line laid
+through a pond containing from one half to three acres. Ponds with such
+drainage always get flooded. Put in an abundance of laterals and the
+difficulty is overcome.
+
+I am glad to say that the tendency now among farmers who have practiced
+random drainage is toward more thorough work in this direction. The loss
+of an occasional crop soon demonstrates in favor of more thorough work.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 6--INATTENTION TO DETAILS.
+
+Farmers have been too much under the rule of professional ditchers.
+Having no well defined ideas of good drainage work, they have left the
+matter largely to the judgment, or rather the cupidity of the ditcher
+and the layer. There are many first-class, conscientious workmen, but it
+is to be regretted that the average ditcher does work far below the
+standard of excellence. If by some magic means the conditions of many of
+the drains in our State could be spread out before us in open view, it
+would be a wonder to this convention that tile drainage has wrought out
+such favorable results as it has. We would see tile laid on the siphon
+plan, good and poor joints, faulty connections, ditches crooked enough
+to baffle the sagacious mole should he attempt to follow the line.
+Patience would scarcely hold out to enumerate the exasperating defects
+of much of our drainage work. Nothing can overcome the egotism and
+self-confidence of the average ditcher except the constant supervision
+of the employer. Such work is so soon covered, and errors placed beyond
+immediate detection that nothing else will suffice. To guard against
+such mistakes, know what work you want and how you want it done, and
+then look after it yourself or employ some one in whom you have
+confidence to superintend it. When any mistake is guarded against, from
+beginning to end, the work will not be too well done. The cut-and-cover,
+hurry-scurry methods of doing things, common on some Western farms, will
+not do in drainage work. Carefulness in regard to every detail is the
+only safe rule to adopt.
+
+
+MISTAKE NO. 7--FAILURE TO MAKE OPEN DITCHES FOR WATER COURSES.
+
+The farmers of Illinois have, in many sections, been avoiding the main
+question in the drainage of our rich prairies, and that is the
+improvement of the natural water courses so that they will carry off the
+drainage water of sections for which they afford outlets. Every feasible
+plan and device has been used to circumvent the forces of nature and
+relieve valuable farm lands from surplus water. In the flat sections of
+our State nothing will serve this purpose but the deepening of our large
+sloughs by constructing capacious open ditches. Our land can not be
+properly drained without them. They must be of ample depth and width,
+and well made in every respect. No problem connected with the drainage
+interests of our State should, at present, receive more careful
+attention than this. Nature, has, in most cases, marked out the line for
+work, and says, "let man enlarge and complete for his undivided use
+according to his strength and skill." When such work is done, the demand
+for tile to supplement the drainage thus made possible will be
+unprecedented. The drainage of our roads will be facilitated, and the
+greatest difficulty thus far encountered in the drainage of our flat
+prairies will be overcome. Much has been attempted in this direction in
+some portions of the State, but many open ditches are too shallow, too
+small, and too carelessly made to serve the desired purpose.
+
+In pointing out some of the mistakes made in drainage, I am well aware
+that there are differences of opinion as to what may be properly
+considered a mistake. The aim of drainage is to fit the wet land of the
+entire farm for the successful cultivation of all the field crops at the
+least expense consistent with thoroughness. Now, if experiments must be
+tried by tiling here and there, and afterward take the tile up and
+remold the whole work, there is a loss which, were it not for the large
+profit resulting from the use of tile, would be disastrous.
+
+Should a Board of Public Works build several bridges of insufficient
+capacity in order to find out the necessary dimensions and strength of
+one which will serve their purpose, we should at once regard them
+incompetent and wasteful. I know of tile which have been taken up at
+three different times, larger tile being used each time. This farmer
+discards the use of lateral drains and rests his success upon single
+lines of large tile. He will probably be disappointed in this and,
+perhaps, finally hit upon the correct method. Would it not have been the
+part of wisdom to have obtained some reliable information upon that
+matter at first from books, from inquiring of others of longer
+experience, from a competent engineer, or from all of these sources?
+Anything which needlessly adds to the expense, or detracts from the
+efficiency of the work, should be regarded as a mistake.
+
+As a summary of what has been said regarding mistakes and how to avoid
+them, I append here a few
+
+
+DRAINAGE MAXIMS.
+
+1. Become informed upon the theory and best methods known and used.
+
+2. Do not literally copy the methods of others, but carefully adapt them
+to your own case.
+
+3. Provide good outlets and large mains.
+
+4. Have faith in good tile and thorough work.
+
+5. Study economy and efficiency in locating drains.
+
+6. In difficult cases, or where you have doubt about the success of your
+plans, submit the case to a good engineer before expending money or
+labor.
+
+7. Employ good help by the day, and work it under a competent
+superintendent, rather than job out the work by the rod.
+
+8. Drain as you would plant fruit trees--for the future as well as the
+present.
+
+I have been prosy and practical enough and now have used my allotted
+time and space. It may not be wholly out of place to further tax your
+time and patience, and ask you to lift your eyes from taking a critical
+view of defective drains, muddy ditches, and unattractive detail work,
+and look at the result of careful and thorough labor. As the years come
+and go with their changing seasons, your drained fields are ever your
+friends, always cheering you with a bountiful harvest, always answering
+to every industrious touch you may bestow upon them. "No excellence
+without labor," says the scholar to the discouraged student. "No
+excellence without labor," says the soil to the farmer, as he drains and
+plows and digs, and so we all learn that success in dealing with nature
+is brought about by thorough and honest work.
+
+Our enthusiasm scarcely knows bounds when we see that by our drainage
+work the apparently obstinate soil is made to reflect the sunlight from
+a covering of golden grain; when gardens and orchards bloom and yield
+fruit where once the willows dipped their drooping branches in the slimy
+fluid below, and frogs regaled the passer-by with their festive songs.
+Roses now twine over the rural cottage and send their fragrance into the
+wholesome air, where once the beaver reared his rude dwelling, and
+disease lurked in every breath, ready to seize his unsuspecting victim.
+
+Think you that these changes can be wrought without earnest and careful
+effort? I have but little sympathy with the glittering generalities and
+highly colored pictures of success in industrial pursuits, held before
+the public gaze by unpractical but well meaning public teachers. We need
+the dissemination of ideas of thoroughness and the knowledge necessary
+to put those ideas into practical use in order that the farmers of
+Illinois may make the fewest possible mistakes in drainage.
+
+
+
+
+FARMERS ADVICE.
+
+
+Farmers get plenty of advice. Were we able to work as easy and as well
+as the advice generally given to us would seem to indicate we could how
+easy and independent our occupation would become. In no other line of
+business is advice so freely given, and so much blame attached because
+the advice is not followed.
+
+The great trouble is that nearly everybody imagines they know how to
+farm. Although these same people may never have been practical farmers,
+they yet seem to think that anybody can farm, and, of course, they know
+as much about it as any one, and can tell at least how it ought to be
+done.
+
+Theoretical farming is always very fine--more so than any other calling.
+Very few believe in theory in other branches in business. As a rule, to
+be successful in other occupations, a long training is necessary; step
+by step must one go until each detail is learned. And it is only by
+industry, experience, and hard work that these are fully mastered.
+Advice is offered sparingly, because it is known that experience is the
+only true guide. But in farming theories are supposed to take the place
+of experience, and men who have very little, if any, practical knowledge
+can tell us how to farm. The fact is there is hardly a business or
+occupation that practically requires more study and experience than
+farming. A practical farmer, who makes his farm and farm work a study,
+learns something every day, and unless he is willing to learn not only
+by his own experience, but by that of others, he will soon discover that
+he is falling behind.
+
+Such a man is able to discriminate between the practical experience of
+one and the theory of the other. If new plans or new methods are
+presented, he can, in some degree, judge whether they are in any way
+practical, and if they are, he is willing to give them a trial. He knows
+that what might prove just the right thing to plant in one section of
+country, under certain conditions, and in some soils would, under a
+different climate and soil, result far from satisfactory. The large per
+cent of this kind of real practical knowledge can only be gained by
+experience.
+
+Whenever we meet a man who will not learn, we can not help but conclude
+that he will never make a successful farmer. We want to learn, too, not
+only by our successes, but by our failures. If we try a new plan and
+fail, we want to be able to know why we failed--just as much as to know
+why we succeeded.
+
+One great trouble with us in learning is that we are too apt to keep in
+mind our successes and forget the failures. This is the great fault of
+theoretical farming. If by a combination of favorable conditions success
+is obtained, it is given out as a fact--no exception being given or
+allowed for the very favorable conditions under which the method was
+tried. Such things may rightly be compared to the many specifics given
+to cure the various ills of life. A remedy is tried which, under
+favorable conditions, effects a cure, and forthwith the cure is given
+out as a specific. Others, with the same complaint but under different
+conditions, try the same remedy and fail to receive the least benefit.
+No mention is made of these failures, and, of course, others are induced
+to give the remedy a trial. For this reason it is always interesting to
+hear of failures as well as successes, provided the real cause can be
+stated.
+
+    MILLER CO., MO.
+        N. J. SHEPHERD.
+
+
+
+
+CISTERNS ON THE FARM.
+
+
+There is hardly any one thing on a well-regulated farm so much needed as
+a cistern near the kitchen door, so the farmer's wife will have to go
+but a little distance for water, and no man knows how much is used in a
+farmer's kitchen, unless he carries it for his wife for six months or a
+year, and if he has to carry it a hundred yards or so from the spring,
+he will wonder what in the world his wife does with so much water.
+
+The cistern should be a large one and hold not less than 200 barrels,
+and well built, that is, walled up with brick and scientifically
+plastered. All of the pipes from the roof should lead into one hopper,
+and one pipe leading from the bottom of the hopper (under ground is the
+best) into the cistern. In the bottom of the hopper should be fitted a
+piece of woven wire, which can be readily taken out and put in again;
+the meshes of the wire should not be larger than one-eighth of an inch.
+This piece of woven wire should never be in its place except when water
+is running into the cistern, when it will serve as a strainer to keep
+leaves or trash of any kind from running into the cistern. A waste-water
+pipe should be attached to the down pipe (all of the down pipes should
+lead into one) which leads into the hopper, to waste all the water that
+comes from the roof until the water is perfectly clear and free from
+leaves or trash of any kind; then the waste-water pipe should be taken
+off and a pipe of proper length slipped onto the down pipe conducting
+the water, pure and clean, into the hopper. But before letting the water
+into the hopper, the piece of woven wire should be put in its place in
+the bottom of the hopper, and after the rain is over it should be taken
+out and hung up in a dry place until wanted again, and the waste-water
+pipe put on. If the piece of woven wire is left in the hopper the meshes
+will get filled up, and the hopper will fill with leaves and trash of
+all kinds and run over, and no water get into the cistern--and if it
+does it will not be pure. By this arrangement only pure water will run
+into the cistern; but even then it ought to be cleaned out very fall or
+early in the spring. Farmers will find a cistern in their house lots or
+inside the barn a great convenience--but the one near the kitchen is of
+the greatest importance because the men will not carry water if they can
+help it, and the farmer's wife, if she has any spunk, will insist upon
+the water being carried for her or raise the roof off the house, and I
+don't blame her--the hair on the top of my head is very thin--and
+scarce.
+
+    HIKE'S POINT, KY.
+        E. F. C.
+
+
+
+
+FIELD AND FURROW.
+
+
+Mass. Ploughman: Farm accounts, even when kept in the most simple form,
+not only afford great satisfaction, but they do much to aid the farmer
+in his efforts to success. If at the end of the season he is able to
+strike the balance, and thus learn the cost of his principal crops, he
+is in a position to correctly judge what crops will promise the most
+profit another year.
+
+The Farm Economist has this to say in regard to marketing corn. While it
+is contrary to general opinion, it is nevertheless true, as facts and
+figures are capable of proving: "Farmers in discussing their declining
+markets should remember that every bushel of corn sold in the form of
+whisky cuts off the sale of ten bushels in the form of meat. It might be
+well to consider this in discussing how the market for farm products can
+be improved." This same paper further remarks, "Where's the sense in a
+farmer growling because he is not represented in the government when he
+won't go to a convention and see that he is represented. Quit your
+growling and do your duty. One good vote in the primaries or in the
+convention is worth 1,757,362 growls afterward."
+
+The Wisconsin Tobacco Reporter states that the new phase to the Sumatra
+question has brought out considerable discussion among dealers in the
+Edgerton market and that the prevailing impression appears to be that
+even if the recent decision be upheld, under the jugglery by which
+Sumatra is run into the country, prices for 1883 Wisconsin leaf will not
+be materially affected, as it can not entirely supplant its use and
+there will be a good demand for all our product. The editor adds: The
+scarecrow argument will doubtless be used by some buyers in bearing the
+market, but we are inclined to look upon it more as a bugaboo than many
+others, whatever the effect may be on future crops. We know of no good
+reason why 1883 Wisconsin should sell for lower prices than have ruled
+thus far this season and the report from Eastern markets seem to warrant
+this view.
+
+A. B. Allen, in N. Y. Tribune: My cistern is about five feet in diameter
+and five feet deep. After cleaning it out in spring, I put about one
+bushel of sand in the bottom, and then let the rain-water come in. This
+keeps the water sweet and clear for a whole year. I have tried charcoal
+and various things for this purpose, but find pure clear sand best of
+all. It must not have other soil mixed with it, or any vegetable matter.
+The kind I use is white, and very like such as is found at the sea
+shore. Of course the roof end of the pipe should have wire gauze
+fastened over it so that no foul stuff can be carried down, and the
+eaves-troughs must be kept clean, the roof and chimneys also, and never
+be painted, or the latter even whitewashed. The sand is an excellent
+absorber of even the finest of foul stuff, and this is the reason, in
+addition to its own purity, of its keeping the water so free from
+generating the smell of ammonia.
+
+Peoria Transcript: During some of the comparatively idle days of winter,
+the farmer may combine pleasure with profit by hitching up, taking his
+family, and driving to some one of his successful farm neighbors for a
+friendly visit. Such an act may be looked upon by the man-of-toil as a
+poor excuse to get out of doing a day's work, but we venture that he who
+tries the experiment once will be very apt to repeat it as often as time
+or opportunity will justify. In our neighborhood, and we presume the
+same condition of affairs exists in nearly every locality, there are
+farmers who have lived within a mile or two of each other for years, who
+hardly know their neighbors from a stranger when they meet upon the
+public highway or at town meeting, and as for going to the house,
+nothing short of death in the family or some event of great importance
+will ever bring them into the friendly relations which should exist
+between neighboring farmers.
+
+A New Jersey correspondent of the Rural New Yorker writes: My clear
+water carp pond covers an area of about three-fourths of an acre, and is
+located about eighty feet below springs in the hillside, which furnish a
+never-failing supply of pure, clear water. The normal temperature of
+these springs, where they empty into the pond, varies but little
+according to season, but maintains an average of fifty degrees, Fah.
+Several times through the summer I found the water in the pond indicated
+an average of 80 degrees, Fah. The pond is so constructed that the water
+is constantly drawn from the bottom, thus keeping the surface at this
+high temperature. About one-half the pond is covered with mud to the
+depth of two feet or more--an essential in all carp ponds for
+hibernating. A limited supply of pure German carp fingerlings to place
+in the pond was sent me by Prof. S. F. Baird, United States Commissioner
+of Fish and Fisheries, Washington, D. C., and placed therein on April
+6th last. No food was given besides that which grew in the pond. I saw
+them at rare intervals during the summer, and was agreeably surprised,
+when I drew the pond November 16th last past, to find that they had
+grown to be sixteen inches in length, and a pair weighed eight pounds.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE.
+
+On our 268th page appears the advertisement of the New Improved Monarch
+Lightning Sawing Machine, manufactured by the Monarch Mfg. Co., 163
+Randolph. St., Chicago. The result of long experience in the manufacture
+of implements for cutting up wood is the superior and valuable machine
+which is advertised in our paper.
+
+Such of our readers who live in a timbered district, and who need such a
+machine, should send for their large illustrated free catalogue. This
+company is the largest and most successful corporation in this city
+engaged in manufacturing one man power drag saws. The Monarch Lightning
+Sawing Machine has been sold all over the Western States, and always
+gives satisfaction. It is a first-class firm, thoroughly reliable, and
+their machine is of superior excellence.--Farm, Field and Fireside,
+January, 1884.
+
+See their advertisement on another page of this issue.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FARM MACHINERY, Etc.
+
+[Illustration: DEDERICK'S HAY PRESSES.]
+
+DEDERICK'S HAY PRESSES.
+
+are sent any where on trial to operate against all other presses, the
+customer keeping the one that suits best.
+
+Order on trial, address for circular and location of Western and
+Southern Storehouses and Agents.
+
+TAKE NOTICE.--As parties infringing our patents falsely claim premiums
+and superiority over Dederick's Reversible Perpetual Press. Now,
+therefore, I offer and guarantee as follows:
+
+FIRST. That baling Hay with One Horse, Dederick's Press will bale to the
+solidity required to load a grain car, twice as fast as the presses in
+question, and with greater ease to both horse and man at that.
+
+SECOND. That Dederick's Press operated by One Horse will bale faster and
+more compact than the presses in question operated by Two Horses, and
+with greater ease to both man and beast.
+
+THIRD. That there is not a single point or feature of the two presses
+wherein Dederick's is not the superior and most desirable.
+
+Dederick Press will be sent any where on this guarantee, on trial at
+Dederick's risk and cost.
+
+P. K. DEDERICK & CO., ALBANY, N. Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GREAT SAVING FOR FARMERS.
+
+THE
+Lightning
+Hay Knife!
+
+(WEYMOUTH'S PATENT.)
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Awarded "FIRST ORDER OF Merit" at Melbourne Exhibition, 1880.
+
+Was awarded the FIRST PREMIUM at the International Exhibition in
+Philadelphia, 1876, and accepted by the Judges as SUPERIOR TO ANY OTHER
+KNIFE IN USE.
+
+It is the BEST KNIFE in the _world_ to cut _fine feed_ from bale, to
+cut down _mow_ or _stack_, to cut _corn-stalks_ for feed, to cut _peat_,
+or for ditching in marshes, and has no equal for cutting ensilage from
+the silo. TRY IT.
+
+IT WILL PAY YOU.
+
+Manufactured only by
+HIRAM HOLT & CO., East Wilton, Me., U.S.A.
+
+_For sale by Hardware Merchants and the trade generally_
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE CHICAGO DOUBLE HAY AND STRAW PRESS
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Guaranteed to load more Hay or Straw in a box car than any other, and
+bale at a less cost per ton. Send for circular and price list.
+Manufactured by the Chicago Hay Press Co., Nos. 3354 to 3358 State St.,
+Chicago. Take cable car to factory. Mention this paper.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Sawing Made Easy
+
+Monarch Lightning Sawing Machine!
+
+Sent on 30 Days test Trial.
+
+A Great Saving of Labor & Money.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A boy 16 years old can saw logs FAST and EASY. MILES MURRAY, Portage,
+Mich. writes, "Am much pleased with the MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING
+MACHINE. I sawed off a 30-inch log in 2 minutes." For sawing logs into
+suitable lengths for family stove-wood, and all sorts of log-cutting, it
+is peerless and unrivaled. Illustrated Catalogue, FREE. AGENTS WANTED.
+Mention this paper. Address MONARCH MANUFACTURING CO., 163 N. Randolph
+St., Chicago, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CHICAGO SCALE CO.
+
+2 TON WAGON SCALE, $40. 3 TON, $50.
+4 Ton $60, Beam Box Included.
+
+240 lb. FARMER'S SCALE, $5.
+
+The "Little Detective," 1/4 oz. to 25 lb. $3.
+
+300 OTHER SIZES. Reduced PRICE LIST FREE.
+
+FORGES, TOOLS, &c.
+
+BEST FORGE MADE FOR LIGHT WORK, $10,
+
+40 lb. Anvil and Kit of Tools. $10.
+
+Farmers save time and money doing odd jobs.
+
+Blowers, Anvils, Vices & Other Articles
+
+AT LOWEST PRICES, WHOLESALE & RETAIL.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE PROFIT FARM BOILER
+
+is simple, perfect, and cheap; the BEST FEED COOKER; the only dumping
+boiler; empties its kettle in a minute. OVER 5,000 IN USE; Cook your
+corn and potatoes, and save one-half the cost of pork. Send for circular.
+D. R. SPERRY & CO., Batavia, Illinois.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CHAMPION BALING PRESSES.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A Ton per Hour. Run by two men and one team. Loads 10 to 15 tons in car.
+
+Send for descriptive circular with prices, to GEHRT & CO., 216, 218
+and 220 Maine St., Quincy, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that $2.00 pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _from this date to
+January 1, 1884; $2.00 pays for it from this date to January 1, 1885.
+For $2.00 you get it for one year and a copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, FREE! _This is the most liberal offer
+ever made by any first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+LIVE STOCK DEPARTMENT.
+
+Stockmen, Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+Iowa Wool Men.
+
+The Iowa Wool-Growers' Association met at Des Moines last week. The
+attendance was light. The general sentiment expressed was that sheep
+growing was profitable in Iowa, if the dogs could be got rid of. The
+Legislature will be importuned to abolish the curs. The session the last
+evening was devoted to the tariff on wool. The petition of the Ohio
+sheep-growers, presented to Congress, asking a restoration of the tariff
+law of 1867 on wool, was read and unanimously accepted. Officers for the
+ensuing year were elected as follows: S. P. McNeil, Gordon Grove,
+President; J. C. Robinson, Albia, Samuel Russell, West Grove, and A. N.
+Stewart, Grove Station, Vice-Presidents; A. J. Blakely, Grinnell,
+Secretary.
+
+
+Polled Cattle-Breeders.
+
+Twenty-seven head of Galloway and Angus cattle, belonging to A. B.
+Matthews, Kansas City, were sold at auction at Des Moines, Iowa, January
+9th, at prices ranging from $235 to $610. The sale aggregated $10,425,
+or $386 per head. In the evening of the same day some twenty-five polled
+cattle-breeders met and organized a State association. An address was
+read by Abner Graves, of Dow City, in which the breed was duly extolled.
+An interesting discussion followed, in the course of which it was stated
+that the polled breeds have two anatomical peculiarities in common with
+the American bison, indicating a close relation to, or possible descent
+from the buffalo family. The officers elected were: President, Abner
+Graves, of Dow City; Vice-Presidents, Messrs. Bryan, of Montezuma, D. J.
+Moore, of Dunlop, and Charles Farwell, of Montezuma; Secretary and
+Treasurer, H. G. Gue, of Des Moines. Liberal subscriptions were made to
+the articles of incorporation which were formed inside the organization,
+after the meeting adjourned.
+
+
+Merino Sheep Breeders.
+
+The sixth annual meeting of the Northern Illinois Merino Sheep Breeders'
+Association was held at Elgin, January 9th. The meeting was well
+attended and enthusiastic. George E. Peck presided. The annual report of
+Secretary Vandercook showed the association to be in a growing
+condition. The discussion of the day was mainly on the tariff question.
+A communication from Columbus Delano, President of the National
+Wool-Growers Association was read, asking for the co-operation of the
+society in a move upon Congress for the restoration of duties on
+imported wools as they were established by the act of 1867 met with a
+hearty reception. Thomas McD. Richards delivered an interesting address
+on wool-growing and the merino as a mutton sheep. He argued that a
+prevailing idea to the effect that good mutton could not come from
+fine-wool sheep was entirely erroneous. Touching on the tariff question
+he said the past year had been an unprofitable one to mere wool-growers,
+and that sheep had been unsalable at paying prices. The removal of the
+duty on wool had paralyzed the industry, and the tariff must be
+restored. There was an abundance of competition among the wool-growers
+of our own land without compelling them to compete with the stockmen of
+South America and Australia. The farmers had not clamored for a removal
+of the duty on wool. If the tariff was not restored the wool interests
+of the country would be ruined. Already legislation had lowered the
+price of wool several cents, and had depreciated the value of sheep at
+least $1 per head. The tariff was also dilated upon by Col. John S.
+Wilcox, of Elgin, Daniel Kelley, of Wheaton, and Asa H. Crary. The
+conclusion arrived at was that energetic and united action for the
+restoration of the duty was the thing desired. V. P. Richmond read an
+interesting essay on "Merinos; Their Characteristics and Attributes."
+The annual election of officers resulted as follows: President, George
+E. Peck, Geneva; Vice-Presidents, Thomas McD. Richards, Woodstock, and
+Daniel Kelley, Wheaton; Secretary and Treasurer, W. C. Vandercook,
+Cherry Valley. It was decided to hold the association's annual public
+sheep-shearing at Richmond, McHenry county, April 29 and 30, and C. R.
+Lawson, L. H. Smith, and A. S. Peck were designated a committee to
+represent the association at the annual sheep-shearing of the Wisconsin
+association.
+
+
+Cattle Disease.
+
+The House committee on agriculture last week discussed in a general way
+the subject of pleuro pneumonia in cattle. Mr. Loring, Commissioner of
+Agriculture, expressed his views upon the subject in a short speech. Mr.
+Grinnell, of Iowa, chairman of the committee appointed by the convention
+of cattle men, in Chicago, to visit Washington to influence Legislation
+in reference to diseased cattle, was present. It was arranged that a
+sub-committee, consisting of Congressmen Hatch, Dibrell, Williams,
+Winans, Wilson, and Ochiltree, should meet the representatives of the
+cattle interests at the Agricultural Department. Pleuro-pneumonia among
+cattle will be the first subject considered. The House committee on
+agriculture will report a bill at an early day.
+
+The assistant Secretary of the Treasury has transmitted to the House the
+report of the cattle commission, consisting of James Law, E. F. Thayer,
+and J. H. Sanders, for the past year. The commission recommended that
+the National Government prevent the shipment northward, out of the area
+infected with Texas fever, of all cattle whatsoever, excepting from the
+beginning of November to the beginning of March. Special attention is
+invited by the Assistant Secretary to the recommendation of the
+commission that the Secretary of the Treasury be empowered to order the
+slaughter and safe disposal of all imported herds that may be found
+infected on their arrival in the United States, or may develop a
+dangerous or contagious disease during quarantine; and that he be also
+empowered to have all ruminants (other than cattle) and all swine
+imported into the United States, subjected to inspection by veterinary
+surgeons, and if necessary to prevent the spread of contagious diseases,
+slaughtered or submitted to quarantine until they shall be considered
+uninfected; and that an appropriation of $1,500,000 be made to defray
+the expenses of preventing a further spread of the lung plague among
+cattle in this country, and for stamping out the plague now existing. A
+supplemental report of the majority of commission, submitted by Law and
+Thayer, and of a later date than the first report is also submitted.
+This report deals especially with the inadequacy to the end sought to be
+accomplished of the inspection of cattle at ports of export, and
+recommends that such inspection and guarantee be delayed. Their reason
+for doubting the adequacy of the inspection at ports of exports is that
+neither lung plague nor Texas fever can be certainly detected by such
+examination, because those diseases pass through an average stage of
+incubation for thirty days, during which it is impossible for the most
+accomplished expert to detect the presence of the germ in the system.
+The result would be, if such an inspection were the only thing relied
+upon, that cattle which had been exposed to infection in the stock yards
+several days before inspection would pass that inspection, but three
+weeks later, when they arrived at a foreign port, would show marked
+symptoms of the disease. This result destroys absolutely the efficacy of
+the certificates of inspection as to guarantees to foreign imported
+cattle. The report closes with the statement that so long as the
+infected districts in this country can not be secluded, the landing of
+infected cattle in England from this country can not be prevented, and
+so long as American cattle show these diseases on their arrival in
+England we can hope for no modification of the present restrictions that
+country places against American cattle.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+At the conference between House sub-committee on agriculture and the
+Chicago convention committee a general discussion on contagious diseases
+among cattle was indulged in. The committee of cattle men, in answer to
+the inquiries of representatives, said diseases existed in Delaware, the
+District of Columbia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, Connecticut, New
+York, and possibly in other places. In New York a few counties are
+reported infected.
+
+Mr. Hunt, of New Jersey, said if Congress would appropriate an adequate
+amount payable to the order of the authorities of the different States
+and protect New Jersey for six months from the importation of diseased
+cattle, the State in that time would stamp out pleuro-pneumonia in its
+territory.
+
+Dr. Law, of the Cattle Commission of the Treasury Department, said the
+disease was undoubtedly the result of importation. He said that with
+plenty of money and a Federal law it could be eradicated in twelve
+months. New York City had at one time stamped it out in three months. He
+advocated the burning of buildings where the disease occurred.
+
+Judge Carey, of Wyoming, gave the history of the disease, saying it was
+like Asiatic cholera spreading through Europe and reaching New York
+forty years ago. It existed on the continent of Europe, in Great
+Britain, Australia, New Zealand, and this country. He said $100,000,000
+was invested in the cattle business of the United States.
+
+Representative Hatch said that Mr. Singleton, of Illinois, had offered
+$1,000 reward for an animal afflicted with pleuro-pneumonia, but no one
+had accepted.
+
+Several members of the cattle committee at once offered to show the
+disease to any one doubting its existence.
+
+Representative Weller gave notice that he would offer a bill
+appropriating $10,000,000 by the Government for suppressing contagious
+diseases among cattle, to be distributed among the States and
+Territories in the ratio of representation in Congress, provided that
+each State appropriated a sum equal to the amount given by the
+Government.
+
+The legislation proposed is to make the shipment of cattle known to be
+diseased a penal offense; to establish a cattle bureau in the Department
+of Agriculture; increase the power of the Commissioner of Agriculture;
+provide funds for an elaborate investigation of the diseases of cattle;
+and provide an appropriation to purchase diseased cattle so they can be
+destroyed. An appropriation will be asked the first year of $500,000.
+
+
+
+
+THE HORSE AND HIS TREATMENT.
+
+NUMBER TWO.
+
+
+First, as regards food. The horse is naturally a wild animal and
+therefore, though domesticated, he demands such food as nature would
+provide for him. But man seems to forget this. Nature's food would be
+largely of grass. It is true that when domesticated and put to hard work
+he needs some food of a more concentrated and highly nutritious nature
+than grass; but while labor may necessitate grain, the health of his
+system yet demands a liberal allowance of grass. In direct opposition to
+this many farmers keep their horses off pasture while they are at work,
+which comprises almost the entire season of green pasture. I have
+frequently heard farmers say that their horses did best during the
+spring and summer, if kept in the stable at night. I can only say that I
+have found the very opposite to be true and I believe I have carefully
+and faithfully tested the matter. I have found that when the horses were
+allowed the range of a blue grass pasture at night, they endured work
+the best because they digested their grain and hay better, and good
+digestion made good appetites. In fact, I consider pasture the best food
+and the best medicine a horse can be given. If his coat is rough, if he
+is stiff and lifeless, if he is losing flesh and strength, turn him on
+pasture and he will soon grow better.
+
+Some grasses make far better pasture than others. All in all, I consider
+blue grass the best. It comes earliest in the spring, and while very
+palatable and easily digested, seems to possess more substance than
+other grasses. Next I would place timothy. Clover is good medicine for a
+sick horse, but because of its action on the salivary glands is apt to
+make work horses "slobber" at certain seasons.
+
+For winter, hay is provided. But how is it provided in a majority of
+cases? The grass is cut out of season; is cured negligently, very likely
+is exposed to rain; and then piled up to mold and rot. A few tarpaulins
+to put over the cocks in case of rain, and barracks or mow to protect
+and preserve the hay would give the horse good hay, and be one of the
+very best of investments. It should be remembered that the digestive
+organs of none other of our farm animals are so easily deranged as those
+of the horse. Musty, moldy hay is the moving cause of much disease. The
+man who can not provide a good mow should sell his horses to some farmer
+who can manage better.
+
+Though blue grass is the best for pasture, timothy is the best for hay.
+Clover makes better hay than blue grass. Corn fodder has substance, and
+pound for pound contains about two-thirds as much nutriment as hay. But
+it is not good forage for the horse. Where hay is procurable corn
+fodder should never be fed.
+
+I am convinced that the great majority of farmers do nor feed their
+horses enough forage. I know of farmers who do not feed hay at all when
+their horses are at work, which is more than half the year. Grain is fed
+exclusively. Yet they wonder why their horses lose flesh and have rough
+coats. Feeding a horse all grain is like feeding a man all meat. The
+food is so oily and difficult of digestion that it soon deranges the
+digestive organs. The horse should have all the hay he wishes to eat, at
+all seasons of the year. This brings me to another error in his
+treatment.
+
+When at work the horse should have at least ninety minutes for each
+meal. My observation convinces me that a large number of farmers do not
+give him this much time. Their reason for neglecting to do so is, that
+it would be a loss of time. But the very opposite of this is the case.
+Time is gained. The horse has opportunity to eat slowly, which is
+essential to complete digestion; can eat all he wishes; and has time to
+rest after eating, giving the organs of digestion a chance to work. Give
+your horse an hour and a half to eat his noon-day meal, at least, and at
+the end of the season you will find that by so doing you have gained
+time. He may not have walked before the plow and harrow so many hours,
+but he has stepped faster and pulled more energetically.
+
+Another error is the feeding of too much grain. Some farmers have grain
+in the feeding troughs all the time during the spring and summer. The
+horse is sated. This manner may do for a hog, whose only business is to
+lie around, grunt, and put on fat; but for a horse it will not do. A
+horse should never be given all the grain he will eat. At every meal he
+should clean out his box, and then be ready to eat hay for at least
+fifteen minutes.
+
+Another error is in confining the grain feed almost altogether to corn.
+Corn is a heavy, gross diet. It contains a large proportion of oil, and
+tends to produce lymph and fat, which are inimical to health, and
+destructive of vigor and endurance. Oats is a much better food; yet it
+is very rarely fed in the South, and not half of the farmers of the
+North feed it. Corn heats the blood, and on this account should not be
+fed in hot weather. Oats is a lighter, easier diet, does not heat the
+blood, and makes muscle, rather than fat. All in all, oats is the most
+economical food, at least for horses at work in hot weather.
+
+One more error which I shall notice in feeding is the giving of too much
+dry food. The horse does best upon moist food, or that which has a large
+percentage of water in its composition. Carrots, turnips, beets,
+pumpkins, etc., may be given in small quantities with decided advantage,
+especially in the winter. In summer the hay should be sprinkled with
+water, and the oats soaked. This will not only make the food more
+palatable and easily digested, but will obviate the necessity of
+watering after meals. Many object to watering after the horse has eaten,
+because the fluid carries the grain into the intestines where it can not
+be digested. But if grain and forage are dampened, the horse will not
+require watering after a meal. He will rarely drink if water is offered
+him, and the moisture will aid digestion. This is surely better and more
+humane than to give a horse dry food and then work him for six or seven
+hours in the hot sun, afterward, without any drink.
+
+Of the quality of water given to the horse there is not much to condemn.
+He generally gets better water than the hog, or sheep, because he is
+very fastidious in this matter and will not drink foul water unless
+driven to do so by dire necessity. But I believe that three times is not
+often enough to water a horse at work in hot weather, though this is the
+common and time honored practice. The stomach of the horse is
+small--very small in proportion to the size of his body. When he has
+labored in summer for half a day his thirst is intense, and when he is
+permitted to slake it he drinks too much, producing really serious
+disorders. No valid objection can be urged against watering five times
+per day. The arguments are all in its favor.
+
+The errors in stabling are fully as grievous as any we have noticed. I
+have lately written of the evils of lack of light and proper ventilation
+in these columns, and also discussed the problem of currying in various
+phases, so shall not repeat here what I have heretofore written. One of
+the other evils of stable management often allowed, is the accumulation
+of manure. It is not within the scope of this article to notice the evil
+the neglect to save manure works to the farm and the farmer. But that
+the accumulation of the manure in the stable is a hurt to the horse, no
+sensibly reasoning person can doubt. Its fermentation gives off
+obnoxious gases which pollute and poison the air the horse is
+compelled to breathe, and thus in turn poison the animal's blood. This
+is a more fruitful cause of disease than is generally supposed. The
+gases prove injurious to the eye, and when we consider the accumulation
+of manure and the exclusion of light, we are not apt to wonder much at
+the prevalence of blindness among horses. The manure should be cleaned
+out in the morning, at noon, and again at night. Use sawdust or straw
+liberally for bedding. It will absorb the urine, and as soon as foul,
+should be removed to the compost heap with the dung, where it will soon
+be converted into fine, excellent manure.
+
+Another thing that deserves attention is the stable floor. I
+unhesitatingly say that a composition of clay and fine gravel is best.
+Pavement is the worst, and planks are next. The clay and gravel should
+be put in just moist enough to pack solidly. Stamp till very firm and
+then allow to dry and harden for a week. The stable floor should be kept
+perfectly level. Do not make the horse stand in a strained, unnatural
+position. The stall should be large enough for him to move around--at
+least six feet wide. Narrow stalls are a nuisance but very common.
+
+JOHN M. STAHL.
+
+
+
+
+COST OF PORK ON 1883 CORN.
+
+
+About three weeks ago the "Man of the Prairie" wanted to know how many
+pounds of pork a bushel of corn would make this year. As I wanted to
+know the same thing I have weighed my hogs every week and also the corn
+I fed them, and for the benefit of your readers I will give the results:
+
+December 10--15 hogs, weight 4,130
+    "    17--"   "      "    4,280   ate 960 lbs Corn.
+    "    24--"   "      "    4,410   "   864      "
+    "    31--"   "      "    4,572   "   816      "
+
+This gives a gain, in twenty-one days, of 442 lbs, and they ate in that
+time 2,640 lbs., or 47-1/7 bu. corn.
+
+The corn was planted about the eighth of May; was the large white
+variety; is quite loose on the cob, and a good many of the ears are
+mouldy. A common bushel basket holds of it in ear 35 lbs. The hogs were
+fed the corn in ear twice a day, and had all the water they wanted to
+drink. This gives 9-62/165 lbs. pork to the bushel. At the present price
+of pork ($5.25) it would make the corn worth about 49-1/2 cts. per
+bushel.
+
+    G. W. POWESS.
+        WINNEBAGO CO., ILL.
+
+P.S. The weight of corn given is its weight shelled, as it shells out 55
+lbs from 80 lbs. in ear.
+
+    G. F. P.
+
+
+
+
+VETERINARY
+
+
+Grease, So-Called.
+
+This ailment occurs sometimes in the fore feet, but oftener in the hind
+feet; and though neither contagious nor epizootic, it not unfrequently
+appears about one time or within a brief period, on most or all of the
+horses in a stable. It essentially consists in a stoppage of the normal
+secretions of the skin, which is beneficially provided for maintaining a
+soft condition of the skin of the heel, and preventing chapping and
+excoriation; and it usually develops itself in redness, dryness, and
+scurfiness of the skin; but in bad or prolonged cases, it is accompanied
+with deep cracks, an ichorous discharge, more or less lameness, and even
+great ulceration, and considerable fungus growth; and in the worst cases
+it spreads athwart all the heel, extends on the fetlock, or ascends the
+leg, and is accompanied with extensive swelling and a general oozing
+discharge, of a peculiar strong, disagreeable odor.
+
+Most of the causes of grease are referable to bad management, especially
+in regard to great and sudden changes in the exterior temperature of the
+heels. The feet of the horse may be alternately heated by the bedding
+and cooled by draft from the open stable door; or they may first be made
+hot and sensitive by the irritating action of the urine and filth on the
+stable floor, and then violently reacted on by the cold breezes of the
+open air, or they may be moist and reeking when the horse is led out to
+work, and then chilled for a long period by the slow evaporation of the
+moisture from them amid the clods and soil of the field; or they may be
+warm and even perspiring with the labor of the day, and next plunged
+into a stream or washed with cold water, and then allowed to dry partly
+in the open air and partly in the stable; and in many of these ways, or
+of any others which occasion sudden changes of temperature in the heels,
+especially when those changes are accompanied or aggravated by the
+irritating action of filth, grease is exceedingly liable to be induced.
+Want of exercise, high feeding, and whatever tends to accumulate or to
+stagnate the normal greasy secretion in the skin of the heels, also
+operate, in some degree, as causes. By mere good management and by
+avoiding these known causes, horse owners might prevent the appearance
+of this disease altogether.
+
+In the early, dry, scurfy stage of grease, the heels may be well cleaned
+with soft soap and water, and afterwards thoroughly dried, and then
+treated with a dilution of Goulard's extract--one part to eight parts of
+water, or one part with six parts of lard oil. In the mildest form of
+the stage of cracks and ichorous discharge, after cleansing, some drying
+powder, such as equal quantities of white lead and putty (impure
+protoxide of zinc), may be applied, or simply the mixture of Goulard's
+extract with lard oil may be continued. In the virulent form of cracks,
+accompanied with ulceration, the heels ought to be daily washed clean
+with warm water, and afterwards bathed with a mild astringent lotion,
+and every morning and evening thinly poulticed or coated with carbolized
+ointment; and the whole system ought to be acted on by alteratives, by
+nightly bran mash, and, if the animal be in full condition, with a dose
+of purgative medicine. In the worst and most extensively spread cases,
+poultices of a very cooling kind, particularly poultices of scraped
+carrots or scraped turnips, ought to be used day and night, both for the
+sake of their own action, and as preparatives to the action of the
+astringent application; and the whole course of treatment ought to aim
+at the abatement of the inflammatory action, previous to the stopping of
+the discharge. Nothing tends so much to prevent grease and swelling of
+the legs as frequent hand rubbing and cleansing the heels carefully as
+soon as a horse comes in from exercise or work. In inveterate cases of
+grease, where the disease appears to have become habitual, in some
+degree, a run at grass, when in season, is the only remedy. If a dry
+paddock is available, where a horse can be sheltered in bad weather, it
+will be found extremely convenient; as in such circumstances, he may
+perform his usual labor, and at the same time be kept free from the
+complaint.
+
+
+Foul in the Foot.
+
+This name is given to a disease in cattle, which presents a resemblance
+to foot rot in sheep, but is different from this. It appears to be
+always occasioned by the neglect and aggravation of wounds and ulcers
+originating in mechanical injury--particularly in the insinuating of
+pieces of stone, splinters of wood, etc., between the claws of the hoof,
+or in the wearing, splitting, or bruising of the horn, and consequent
+abrasion of the sensible foot; by walking for an undue length of time,
+or a long distance upon gravelly or flinty roads, or other hard and
+eroding surfaces. It is sometimes ascribed, indeed, to a wet state of
+the pasture; but moisture merely predisposes to it, by softening the
+hoof and diminishing its power of resisting mechanical injury.
+
+The ulcers of foul in the foot usually occur about the coronet and
+extend under the hoof, causing much inflammatory action, very great
+pain, and more or less separation of the hoof; but they often originate
+in uneven pressure upon the sole, and rise upward from a crack between
+the claws, and are principally or wholly confined to one side or claw of
+the foot. A fetid purulent discharge proceeds from the ulcers, and a
+sinus may sometimes be discovered by means of a probe to descend from
+the coronet beneath the hoof. The affected animal is excessively lame,
+and may possibly suffer such a degree of pain as to lose all appetite
+and become sickly and emaciated.
+
+If the disease is of a mild form, or be merely in the initiatory stage,
+it may be readily cured by cleaning, fomentation, and rest; if it be of
+a medium character, between mild and violent, it may be cured by
+cleaning, by carefully paring away loose and detached horn, by destroying
+any fungus growth, and by applying, with a feather, a little butyr of
+antimony; and if it be of a very bad form, or has been long neglected,
+it will require to be probed, lanced, or otherwise dealt with according
+to the rules of good surgery, and afterwards poulticed twice a day with
+linseed meal, and frequently, but lightly, touched with butyr of
+antimony.
+
+
+Founder.
+
+This disease consists in inflammation of the laminae and of the vascular
+parts of the sensible foot. It sometimes attacks only one foot,
+sometimes two, and sometimes all four; but, in a great majority of
+cases, it attacks either one or both of the front feet. A chronic form
+sometimes occurs, and exhibits symptoms somewhat similar to those of
+contraction of the hoof; but acute inflammation of the laminae is what is
+generally called founder.
+
+This disease is occasioned by overstraining of the laminae from long
+standing, by prolonged or excessive driving over hard roads, by
+congestion from long confinement, by sudden reaction from standing in
+snow after being heated, or from covering with warm bedding after
+prolonged exposure to cold, by sudden change of diet from a
+comparatively cool to a comparatively heating kind of food, and by
+translation of inflammatory action from some other part of the body,
+particularly after influenza.
+
+In the early stages of founder, a horse evinces great pain, shows
+excessive restlessness of foot, and tries to lighten the pressure of his
+body on the diseased feet. In the more advanced stages he is feverish,
+breathes hard, has violent throbbing in the arteries of the fetlock,
+lies down, stretches out his legs, and sometimes gazes wistfully upon
+the seat of the disease; and in the ulterior stages, if no efficacious
+remedies have been applied, the diseased feet either naturally recover
+their healthy condition, or they suppurate, slough, cast part or all of
+the hoof, and gradually acquire a small, weak, new hoof, or they undergo
+such mortification and change of tissues as to render the animal
+permanently useless.
+
+The shoe of a foundered foot must be removed; the hoof should be pared
+in such a manner that the sole and central portion of the same alone
+come to sustain the weight of the body. Therefore, the wall of the hoof,
+or that portion of the hoof which, under normal conditions, is made to
+bear upon the shoe, should be pared or rasped away, all around, to such
+an extent that it does not touch the ground when the animal stands upon
+the foot. A well-bedded shed, or a roomy, well-bedded box-stall, should
+be provided, with a view of allowing ample room for stretching out, as
+well as for changing position on a floor which should not be slanting,
+and which conveniences can not be had in a single stall, or when the
+animal is kept tied up in a confined space. Fomentations, evaporating
+lotions, wet cloths, and moist poultices should be applied to the feet.
+The animal ought to have light and spare diet, and bran mashes. When
+much fever exists febrifuges and diuretics should be given.
+
+
+QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
+
+COW DRYING UP UNEVENLY. D. W., AUBURN, ILL.--1. What is the cause of a
+cow going dry in one teat? She dropped her calf the 25th of May, and it
+sucked till it was three months old two teats on one side; that was her
+third calf; her next one will be due the last of April next. For some
+six weeks past the quantity of milk has been diminishing, till now she
+does not give more than a gill from one teat, while the opposite one
+gives more than double that of either of the others. Can any thing be
+done to remedy the difficulty? 2. If a cow gives more milk on one side
+than the other, does it indicate the sex of the coming calf?
+
+REPLY.--Most likely the cow will give milk from all four quarters after
+calving. She should be allowed to gradually dry up now, and toward the
+time of calving, she should not be fed exclusively on dry food. 2. No.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE DAIRY.
+
+Dairymen, Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+Curing Cheese.
+
+The curing of cheese develops not only flavor, but texture and
+digestibility. As a rule, says an English exchange, no American cheese
+is well cured, and this is for want of suitable curing houses. Dr. H.
+Reynolds, of Livermore Falls, Me., remarks upon this subject as follows:
+"Increased attention needs to be given by cheese-makers to this matter
+of curing cheese. Cheese factories should be provided with suitable
+curing rooms, where a uniform temperature of the required degree can be
+maintained, together with a suitable degree of moisture and sufficient
+supply of fresh air. The expense required to provide a suitable curing
+room would be small compared to the increased value of the cheese
+product thereby secured. Small dairymen and farmers, having only a few
+cows, labor under some difficulties in the way of providing suitable
+curing room for their cheese. Yet if they have a clear idea of what a
+curing room should be, they will generally be able to provide something
+which will approximate to what is needed. Good curing rooms are
+absolutely needed in order to enable our cheese-makers to produce a
+really fine article of cheese. The nicer the quality of cheese produced,
+the higher the price it will bring, and the more desirable will it
+become as an article of food. In the curing of cheese certain
+requisites are indispensable in order to attain the best results. Free
+exposure to air is one requisite for the development of flavor. Curd
+sealed up in an air-tight vessel and kept at the proper temperature
+readily breaks down into a soft, rich, ripe cheese, but it has none of
+the flavor so much esteemed in good cheese. Exposure to the oxygen of
+the air develops flavor. The cheese during the process of curding takes
+in oxygen and gives off carbonic acid gas. This fact was proved by Dr.
+S. M. Babcock, of Cornell University, who, by analyzing the air passing
+over cheese while curding, found that the cheese was constantly taking
+in oxygen and giving off carbonic acid gas. The development of flavor
+can be hastened by subjecting the cheese to a strong current of air. The
+flavor is developed by the process of oxidation. If the cheese is kept
+in too close air during the process of curding, it will be likely to be
+deficient in flavor."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+An anonymous writer very truly remarks that the dairyman, by the force
+of circumstances, has to become versed in the breeding and management of
+stock, especially that of dairy breeds; hence, in the very nature of
+things, he becomes a thoughtful, studious, observing man, and, what is
+better, he attains a higher intelligence. The advantages of dairying
+call out, among other things, enhanced revenues, because butter and
+cheese have become necessities; it enriches the farm, and is perfectly
+adapted to foster the breeding and raising of better and more stock. It
+embodies thrift, progress, and prosperity. Under "new methods" it makes
+fine butter and choice beef, not by any means less, but even more, and
+affords better grain. It does not imply farm houses with added burdens,
+but, on the contrary, relieved of drudgery, and the time thus gained can
+be spent in cultivating the refining graces, and thus making farmers'
+homes abodes of culture, refinement, and education, placing the dairy
+farmer upon a level financially, socially, and intellectually with any
+other class or profession.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+THE RURAL NEW-YORKER
+
+The great national farm and garden journal of America, with its
+Celebrated Free Seed Distribution, and
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+one year, post-paid, all for only $3.00. It is a rare chance. Specimen
+copies cheerfully sent gratis. Compare them with other rural weeklies,
+and then subscribe for the best. Apply to
+
+34 PARK ROW, NEW YORK.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+For Sale or Rent.
+
+Farm of four hundred and eighty acres situated in Marlon County,
+Illinois, two and a half miles from Tonti Station, and six miles from
+Odin, on branch of Illinois Central R. R., and O. & M. Road--300 acres
+under plow, 180 acres timber. The latter has never been culled and is
+very valuable. Farm is well fenced into seven fields. Has an orchard on
+it which has yielded over two thousand dollars worth of fruit a year. No
+poor land on the farm, and is called the best body of land in Marion
+County. It was appraised by the Northwestern Insurance Co. for a loan at
+$18,000 and a loan made of six thousand. Buildings are not very good.
+Will sell for $14,800--$2,800 cash, $6,000 May 31, 1887, and $6,000 Feb.
+24, 1892, deferred payments to bear 6 per cent interest, or, to a
+first-class party, having a few thousand dollars to put into stock, a
+liberal arrangement will be made to rent it for a term of years.
+Property belongs to an estate. Address
+
+    J. E. YOUNG,
+        71 Park Avenue, Chicago.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HENRY DAVIS, DYER, IND.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Breeder of Light Brahmas, Plymouth Rocks, Bronze Turkeys, Toulouse
+Geese, and Pekin Ducks. Stock for sale. Eggs in Season. Have won 200
+prizes at leading shows, including 1st on Toulouse Geese at St. Louis
+and Chicago Shows. Write for prices.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+YOUR NAME printed on 50 Cards
+
+ALL NEW designs of _Gold Floral_, _Remembrances_, _Sentiment_, _Hand
+Floral_, etc., with _Love_, _Friendship_, and _Holiday Mottoes_. 10c.
+7 pks. and this elegant Ring, 50 c., 15 pks. & Ring, $1.
+
+12 NEW "CONCEALED NAME" Cards (name concealed with hand holding flowers
+with mottoes) 20c. 7 pks. and this Ring for $1. Agents sample book and
+full outfit, 25c. Over 200 new Cards added this season. Blank Cards at
+wholesale prices.
+
+NORTHFORD CARD CO. Northford, Conn.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEEDS
+
+Our large GARDEN GUIDE describing _Cole's Reliable Seeds_ is MAILED FREE
+TO ALL. We offer the _LATEST Novelties_ in SEED POTATOES, Corn and Oats,
+and the _Best Collection_ of Vegetable, Flower, Grass and Tree SEED.
+Everything is tested. COLE & BRO., Seedsmen, PELLA, IOWA
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Agents Wanted, Male and Female, for Spence's Blue Book, a most
+fascinating and salable novelty. Every family needs from one to a dozen.
+Immense profits and exclusive territory. Sample mailed for 25 cts in
+postage stamps. Address J. H. CLARSON, P.O. Box 2296, Philadelphia, Pa.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PATENT
+
+Procured or no charge. 40 p. book patent-law free. Add. W. T.
+FITZGERALD 1006 F St., Washington, D.C.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CARDS
+
+40 SATIN FINISH CARDS, New Imported designs, name on and Present Free
+for 10c. Cut this out. CLINTON BROS. & Co., Clintonville, Ct.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+AGENTS
+
+WANTED EVERYWHERE to solicit subscriptions for this paper. Write
+PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO., Chicago, for particulars.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that $2.00 pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _one year, and the
+subscriber gets a copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED
+STATES, FREE! _This is the most liberal offer ever made by any
+first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country._
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+HORTICULTURAL
+
+Horticulturists, Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+SOUTHERN ILL. HORTICULTURAL SOCIETY.
+
+The members of the Southern Illinois Horticultural Society recently held
+a meeting at Alton, and resolved to put a little more life into the
+organization. A new constitution was adopted, and the following officers
+were elected for the ensuing year:
+
+    President--E. A. Riehl, Alton.
+    First Vice-President--G. W. Endicott, Villa Ridge.
+    Second Vice-President--Wm. Jackson, Godfrey.
+    Secretary and Treasurer--E. Hollister, Alton.
+
+The following select list of fruits was recommended for the district, or
+Southern grand division of the State:
+
+     Apples--Summer--Red Astrachan, Keswick Codlin, Benoni, Saps of
+     Wine, and Maiden's Blush.
+
+     Fall--It was unanimously agreed that fall apples were not
+     profitable for market purposes.
+
+     Winter--Ben Davis, Rome Beauty, Jonathan, Wine-Sap, Winter May,
+     Gilpin, and Janet.
+
+     Apples for family use--Summer--Early Harvest, Red Astrachan,
+     Carolina Red June, Benoni, Maiden's Blush, Bailey Sweet and
+     Fameuse.
+
+     Fall--Fall Wine, Rambo, Grimes' Golden, Yellow Belleflower.
+
+     Winter--Jonathan, Rome Beauty, Winesap, Ben Davis, Janet, Gilpin,
+     Moore's Sweet, Sweet Vandevere.
+
+     Peaches for Market--Bartlett, Howell, and Duchess.
+
+     Pears for Family Use--Bartlett, Seckel, Howell, White Doyenne,
+     D'Anjou, and Sheldon.
+
+     Peaches--For Family Use and Market--Alexander, Mountain Rose, L. E.
+     York, Oldmixon Free, Crawford's Late Stump, Picquet's Late, Smock,
+     Salway, and Heath Cling.
+
+     Grapes--Home Use and Market--Worden or Concord, Cynthiana or
+     Norton's Va., Mo. Reisling, Noah, Ives.
+
+     Strawberries--Home and Market--Capt. Jack, Downing, and Wilson.
+
+     Raspberries--Black Caps--Doolittle and Gregg.
+
+     Reds--Cuthbert, Brandywine, and Turner for home use only.
+
+
+
+
+Notes on Current Topics.
+
+
+FARM ECONOMY.
+
+Now, if one wants to ascertain how many agricultural implements are used
+by the farmers of the West, let him take a trip across the country for a
+day or two, and he will see reapers and mowers, and hay rakes and
+cultivators, and plows and seeders, standing in the fields and meadows,
+at the end of the rows where they had last been used. A stranger might
+think that this is not the place for them at this particular time of
+year. But in this he shows his ignorance of Western farm economy--for it
+is the very place for them; the identical locality where a great many of
+our farmers choose to keep their costly implements. Besides--don't you
+see, our farmers believe in fostering the manufactures of our country;
+and this place of caring for their tools after using them adds 15 or 20
+per cent to the business of the manufacturers.
+
+
+ABOUT THE BORER.
+
+I referred to the fact that I had lately been cutting away, digging up,
+and making stove-wood of a number of dead and decaying apple trees. Some
+of them had been dead and dying for two or three years. In splitting up
+the body and roots of one of these, I dislodged scores of the borers, of
+all ages and sizes--making quite a dinner for a hen and chickens that
+happened to be nigh. This fact brought forcibly to my mind what I should
+have thought of before, namely--that these dead and dying trees ought
+not to be allowed to remain a day after their usefulness has departed;
+but should be removed bodily and consigned to the flames. Otherwise they
+remain as breeding places for the pests, to the great detriment of the
+rest of the orchard. Cut away your decaying trees at once.
+
+
+COAL ASHES.
+
+Now that coal has become so common as a substitute for wood for fuel,
+not only on the railroads and manufactories, but in the villages and on
+the farms, wood ashes will still be harder to procure. Though not near
+so valuable for the purposes for which wood ashes is chiefly used in
+horticulture, it is believed that ashes from the coal has too great a
+value to be wasted. It should all be saved and applied to some good
+purpose on the garden or orchard. Has any one tried it as a preventive
+to pear blight? or mildew on the gooseberry? or the grape rot? or for
+the yellows or leaf-curl in peach trees? or for the rust in the
+blackberry and raspberry? In any or all of these it may have a decided
+value, and should be faithfully experimented with. As an absorbent
+alone it ought to be worth saving, to use in retaining the house slops
+and other liquid manures that are too often wasted.
+
+
+ONE CAUSE OF FAILURE
+
+in our orchard trees, of which we read and hear so much in late years,
+is doubtless to be found in the fact that we fail to feed them properly.
+A hog will fail to put on fat if he is not fed; a hen will not lay eggs
+if she is starved for food; and is it more reasonable to expect an apple
+or a peach or a pear tree to thrive and grow and yield of its luscious
+fruit in perfection while it is being starved? Our fresh soils--some of
+them at least--contain a fair proportion of the food needed to support
+the life of a tree; we plant our orchards, and for some years, more or
+less, they give us paying returns for our investments. But that food
+will not always last; it is gradually exhausted, and we fail to feed
+them again, or in that proportion their necessities require. They
+languish and die; a disease seizes them, and we complain and grumble at
+the dispensations of Providence.
+
+Think of it, fellow fruit-growers; let us begin to treat our fruit trees
+as we do our hogs and our hens, and see if we can not be favored with
+corresponding results. It is doubtless true that many of the diseases to
+which our trees are subject are caused by starvation, or by improper
+feeding; and a sickly tree is much more certain to be attacked by
+insects than a healthy one.
+
+Rare, indeed, is the case where a tree is carefully fed and cared for,
+and its wants regularly and bountifully supplied, that it does not repay
+as bountifully in its life-giving fruits.
+
+T. G.
+
+
+
+
+PEAR BLIGHT.
+
+THE TWO THEORIES WITH REGARD TO ITS CAUSE, AND THEIR PRACTICAL VALUE.
+
+
+It is assumed that this pest has cost agriculturists many millions of
+dollars during the past decade; not only in the loss of trees, but the
+time--as it seldom appears until after the first crop--consequently the
+land, manure, labor, enclosure, and taxes are not insignificant items.
+Climate, soil, and cultivation have utterly failed, so also the
+nostrums, such as "carbonate of lime" suggested by the best authority,
+and the experts now admit that parasites (such as cause the rust or smut
+in our cereals) are the cause of this mischief. The only question is
+whether they act directly or indirectly: this question determines
+whether it is remediable. If these parasites accomplish all this
+mischief by direct contact, as in the case of rust, their ubiquitous
+character is so demonstrated that we are utterly discouraged; whereas,
+if we prove that their indirect action is the only one that is to be
+dreaded, and that indirect action is remediable we are encouraged to
+cultivate the pear, though we have lost more than five hundred of one
+variety and almost all of the other varieties before we discovered the
+real cause of the failure. "Where you lose you may find;" success does
+not indicate merit, and "fools never learn by experience." As a
+celebrated surgeon said in his lecture. "A good oculist is made at the
+expense of a hatful of eyes."
+
+The celebrated Johnson who wrote the Encyclopedia of Agriculture a few
+years since, is now regarded as an old fogy, because he assumed that the
+spores of smut travel from the manure and seed of the previous crop in
+the circulation of the plant to the capsule, and thus convert the grain
+into a puff-ball, so also the ears of corn, the oats, and rye. This
+monstrosity on the rye grains is called ergot, or spurred rye, and when
+it is eaten by chickens or other fowls their feet and legs shrivel or
+perish with dry gangrene, not because the spores of the fungus which
+produced the spurred rye circulate in the blood of the chicken, nor that
+the spawn or mycelium thus traverses the fowl, but the peculiar and
+specific influence acts upon the whole animal precisely like the poison
+of the poison oak, producing its specific effect on the most remote
+parts of the system, and not as mustard confined to the part it touches.
+The mustard acts directly, but the "poison Ivy" acts indirectly; so also
+the virus of cow-pox poisons the whole system, but usually appears in
+but one spot unless the lymphatics of the whole arm are weak, and in
+that case crops of umbilicated pustules precisely like the original, may
+recur on all parts of the arm for several months. The specific effect of
+ergot or the fungus when indirect is manifested by contracting and even
+strangulating the tubes or capillaries causing them to pucker up (as a
+persimmon acts directly on the mouth), but in this case permanently
+though indirectly, so that rye bread sometimes causes dry gangrene in
+the human subject; the shins and feet shrivel precisely as those parts
+of the limbs of the pear do, moreover a dark fluid exudes (as the
+circulation is arrested where a patch occurs) in both cases alike,
+consequently if the remedy in both cases is based on the same
+principles, and is demonstrated to be equally effectual, the cause and
+the disease are similar.
+
+I have seen dry gangrene in the human subject originate apparently from
+an old "frost bite;" which means merely chronic debility of the
+capillaries of the foot or shin. Thus the extremities of the pear, or
+the weakest part, always succumb first, and the most vigorous trees
+never manifest it until they are weakened by their first crop of fruit.
+All are familiar with the fact that an old frost bite will swell or
+succumb to a temperature which will be innocuous to any other part of
+the body. The microscope may invariably reveal fungi in the patch of
+pear blight precisely as the housewife discovers the mold plant in her
+preserves and canned fruit, and even in the eggs of fowls, the mycelium
+(or spawn) penetrating the fruit or preserve though it be covered while
+boiling hot. If so, the reason why all parts of the tree are not
+attacked at the same time, is not because the fungus is not ubiquitous.
+We first notice the action of strychnia in the legs, or in paralyzed
+limbs exclusively, because they are weaker and become subject to its
+influence more easily; so also the same tree may escape for a long time
+after the limb which has succumbed is removed. Moreover the grafts,
+however numerous, may all be blighted, but the standard seedling on
+which so many varieties were grafted has survived more than fifty
+winters, and it fruited last year.
+
+    DAVID STEWART, M. D.
+        PORT PENN, DEL.
+
+
+
+
+TREATMENT OF TREE WOUNDS.
+
+
+Valuable trees that have been wounded or mutilated are often sacrificed
+for lack of the discreet surgery which would repair the injury they have
+suffered; and Professor C. A. Sargent, of the Bussey Institution, has
+done good service to farmers, fruit-raisers, and landscape-gardeners, by
+translating from the French the following practical hints, which we give
+with slight abridgment:
+
+Bark once injured or loosened can never attach itself again to the
+trunk; and whenever wounds, abrasures, or sections of loose bark exist
+on the trunk of a tree, the damaged part should be cut away cleanly, as
+far as the injury extends. Careful persons have been known to nail to a
+tree a piece of loosened bark, in hope of inducing it to grow again, or
+at least of retaining on the young wood its natural covering.
+Unfortunately the result produced by this operation is exactly opposite
+to that intended. The decaying wood and bark attract thousands of
+insects, which find here safe shelter and abundant food, and, increasing
+rapidly, hasten the death of the tree. In such cases, instead of
+refastening the loosened bark to the tree, it should be entirely cut
+away, care being taken to give the cut a regular outline, especially on
+the lower side; for if a portion of the bark, even if adhering to the
+wood, is left without direct communication with the leaves, it must die
+and decay. A coating of coal-tar should be applied to such wounds.
+
+LOOSENED BARK.--It is necessary to frequently examine the lower portions
+of the trunk, especially of trees beginning to grow old; for here is
+often found the cause of death in many trees, in large sheets of bark
+entirely separated from the trunk. This condition of things, which often
+can not be detected, except by the hollow sound produced by striking the
+trunk with the back of the iron pruning-knife, arrests the circulation
+of sap, while the cavity between the bark and the wood furnishes a safe
+retreat for a multitude of insects, which hasten the destruction of the
+tree. The dead bark should be entirely removed, even should it be
+necessary, in so doing, to make large wounds. Cases of this nature
+require the treatment recommended for the last class.
+
+CAVITIES IN THE TRUNK.--Very often, when a tree has been long neglected,
+the trunk is seriously injured by cavities caused by the decay of dead
+or broken branches. It is not claimed that pruning can remove defects of
+this nature; it can with proper application, however, arrest the
+progress of the evil. The edge of the cavity should be cut smooth and
+even; and all decomposed matter, or growth of new bark formed in the
+interior, should be carefully removed. A coating of coal-tar should be
+applied to the surface of the cavity, and the mouth plugged with a piece
+of well-seasoned oak securely driven into the place. The end of the plug
+should then be carefully pared smooth and covered with coal-tar,
+precisely as if the stump of a branch were under treatment. If the
+cavity is too large to be closed in this manner, a piece of thoroughly
+seasoned oak board, carefully fitted to it, may be securely nailed into
+the opening, and then covered with coal-tar. It is often advisable to
+guard against the attacks of insects by nailing a piece of zinc or other
+metal over the board in such a way that the growth of the new wood will
+in time completely cover it.
+
+Coal-tar, a waste product of gas-works, can be applied with an ordinary
+painter's brush, and may be used cold, except in very cold weather, when
+it should be slightly warmed before application. Coal-tar has remarkable
+preservative properties, and may be used with equal advantage on living
+and dead wood. A single application, without penetrating deeper than
+ordinary paint, forms an impervious coating to the wood-cells, which
+would, without such covering, under external influences, soon become
+channels of decay. This simple application then produces a sort of
+instantaneous cauterization, and preserves from decay wounds caused
+either in pruning or by accident. The odor of coal-tar drives away
+insects, or prevents them, by complete adherence to the wood, from
+injuring it. After long and expensive experiments, the director of the
+parks of the city of Paris finally, in 1863, adopted coal-tar, in
+preference to other preparations used, for covering tree wounds. In the
+case of stone fruit trees it should, however, be used with considerable
+caution, especially on plum trees. It should not be allowed to
+needlessly run down the trunk; and it is well to remember, that the more
+active a remedy is the greater should be the care in its application.
+The practice of leaving a short stump to an amputated branch, adopted by
+some to prevent the loss of sap, although less objectionable in the case
+of coniferous trees than in that of others, should never be adopted.
+Such stumps must be cut again the following year close to the trunk, or
+cushions of wood will form about their base, covering the trunk with
+protuberances. These greatly injure the appearance and value of the
+tree, and necessitate, should it be found desirable, the removal, later
+on, of such excrescences, causing wounds two or three times as large as
+an original cut close to the trunk would have made.
+
+
+
+
+THE TOMATO PACK OF 1883.
+
+
+Through the co-operation of packers in all parts of the United States,
+the American Grocer was enabled to present its annual statement of the
+1883 pack of tomatoes some weeks earlier than usual. Despite a cold,
+backward spring, unusually low temperature throughout the summer, with
+cool nights in August and September, drouth in some sections, early and
+severe frosts in others, the trade is called upon to solve the question:
+Can the demand absorb a supply of three million cases?
+
+The pack of 1883 is heavily in excess of that of 1882, due to an
+increase in the number packers, and to an unusually heavy yield in New
+Jersey and Delaware. In detail, the result in the different States is as
+follows:
+
+             Cases, two
+             doz. each.
+Maryland      1,450,000
+New Jersey      612,703
+Delaware        156,391
+California      117,000
+Ohio            112,000
+Indiana          90,000
+Virginia         75,000
+Kansas           65,000
+New York         59,344
+Iowa             47,925
+Missouri         34,500
+Michigan         30,700
+Massachusetts    25,000
+Canada           20,000
+Connecticut      18,000
+Illinois         14,516
+Pennsylvania     15,000
+              ---------
+   Total      2,943,579
+
+The above total of 2,943,579 cases, of two dozen tins each represents
+seventy million, six hundred and forty-five thousand, eight hundred and
+ninety-six cans, as the minimum quantity of canned tomatoes packed in
+the United States this year.
+
+Never in recent years have the holdings of the jobbers been as light as
+at present. Undoubtedly there is an unusually large stock of tomatoes in
+packers' hands, but there are innumerable parties in all the great
+centers of trade ready to take hold freely at 80 cents.
+
+At no time has the stock of extra brands been equal to the inquiry, and
+hence we have seen the anomaly of a range in prices of from 80 cents to
+$1.40 per dozen. There is room for improvement in quality, as well as
+for methods of marketing the large production of Harford county. A move
+in the right direction has been started by the forming of associations,
+which seek to build extensive warehouses and aid weak packers to carry
+stock, instead of forcing it upon a dull market.
+
+Three million cases or seventy-two million cans means a supply of only
+one and two-fifths cans per capita per annum, or seven cans per annum
+for every family of five persons. With tomatoes retailing from 8 to 15
+cents per can, the consumption could reach three times that quantity,
+and then each family would only find tomatoes upon its bill of fare once
+every fortnight.
+
+While many packers have failed to secure a fair return for their work,
+others have been well paid. Some few have made heavy losses, and will,
+in the future, be less inclined to bet against wet weather, drought and
+frost.
+
+If general business is good during the first half of 1884, The Grocer
+can see no good reason why the stock of tomatoes should not go into
+consumption between 85 cents and $1 per dozen for standards. Any marked
+advance would be sure to check demand, and, therefore, low prices must
+rule if the stock is absorbed prior to the receipt of 1884 packing.
+
+The year closes with Maryland packed obtainable from 75 to 85 cents; New
+Jersey and Delaware, 90 to 95 cents; fancy brands, $1.10 to $1.35,
+delivered on dock in New York.
+
+
+
+
+SWEATING APPLES.
+
+
+According to the Popular Science News, apples do not sweat after they
+are gathered in the autumn. Here is an account of what takes place with
+them.
+
+The skin of a sound apple is practically a protective covering, and
+designed for a two-fold purpose: first, to prevent the ingress of air
+and moisture to the tender cellular structure of the fruit; and, second,
+to prevent the loss of juices by exudation. There is no such process as
+sweating in fruits. When men or animals sweat, they become covered with
+moisture passing through the skin; when an apple becomes covered with
+moisture, it is due to condensation of moisture from without. Apples
+taken from trees in a cool day remain at the temperature of the air
+until a change to a higher temperature occurs, and then condensation of
+moisture from the warmer air circulating around the fruit occurs, just
+as moisture gathers upon the outside of an ice-pitcher in summer. This
+explains the whole matter; and the vulgar notion of fruits "sweating"
+should be dispelled from the mind.
+
+It is almost impossible to gather apples under such conditions of
+temperature that they will not condense moisture after being placed in
+barrels. It would be better if this result could be avoided, as dryness
+of fruit is essential to its protracted keeping.
+
+Our northern autumns are characterized by changes from hot to cold, and
+these occur suddenly. The days are hot, and the nights cool, and this
+favors condensation. Apples picked on a moderately cool day, and placed
+in a moderately cool shed, protected from the sun, will not gather
+moisture, and this is the best method to pursue when practicable.
+
+
+
+
+PRUNINGS.
+
+
+Mr. N. Atwell, one of the Michigan commissioners, whose duty it is to
+look after the peach districts of that State and check if possible the
+ravages of the destructive disease known as "yellows," claims that there
+is no known remedy, and that the only safe plan is to uproot and burn
+the trees upon the first appearance of the disease.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+If you are going to set a new orchard this spring, remember that it is
+an excellent thing to prepare a plan of the orchard, showing the
+position of each tree, its variety, etc. If a tree dies it can be
+replaced by one of the same sort. Some fruit-raisers keep a book in
+which they register the age and variety of every tree in the orchard,
+together with any items in regard to their grafting, productiveness,
+treatment, etc., which are thought to be desirable.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Cor. California Rural Press: The first generation of codling moth begins
+to fly about the first of May. To make sure gather some in the chrysalis
+state in March or April, put in a jar, and set the jar in a place where
+you will see it every day. When they begin to have wings, prepare your
+traps thus: The half of a kerosene can with the tin bent in at the top
+an inch; a half inch of kerosene in the can, a little flat lamp near the
+oil. The light reflected from the bright tin will draw the moth five
+rods at least. If your orchard is forty rods square, sixteen traps will
+do the work. The moth will fly about the light until it touches the oil.
+This will end it.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Industrial South has the following in relation to Albemarle and
+Nelson (Virginia) apple orchards in the space of fifteen square miles:
+"What would you think of an orchard planted, if not since the war, as I
+think it was, a very short time before, and away up on the side of the
+Blue Ridge, that to look from below you would think of insuring your
+neck before setting out to it, producing eighteen hundred barrels? This
+was the produce of picked fruit, to say nothing of the fallen--enough to
+keep a big drying establishment running for months. These are true
+figures--and it is the property of a worthy citizen of Richmond, who, in
+its management, has cause to exclaim "ab imo pectore," save me from my
+friends. Then there is another from which the owner, with a dryer of his
+own, has sold five thousand dollars of the proceeds besides cider,
+vinegar, and brandy. There is yet another, that the lady-owner sold as
+the fruit hung in the orchard, for forty-five hundred dollars. The fruit
+in the area referred to brought over fifty thousand dollars, bought by
+the agent of a New York house, and doubtless much of it will reach
+Europe."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Prof. Cook in the New York Tribune: The Rev. W. W. Meech writes that he
+has seen in several papers of high standing "the beetle Saperdabivitati,
+parent of the borer," described as a "a miller"--"a mistake very
+misleading to those who are seeking knowledge of insect pests." He adds
+that among hundreds of quince trees growing he has had but three touched
+by this enemy in eight years. He simply takes the precaution to keep
+grass and weeds away from the collar of the tree, "so that there is no
+convenient harbor for the beetle to hide in while at the secret work of
+egg-laying." He thinks a wrap of "petroleum paper around the collar"
+would be found a preventive, as it is not only disagreeable but hinders
+access to the place where the eggs are deposited. It is an unfortunate
+error to refer to a beetle as a moth. It would be better if all would
+recognize the distinction between "bug" and "beetle," and between
+"worms" and "larva," in writing popular articles. I notice that some of
+the editors of medical journals are referring to bacteria as "bugs."
+Surely reform is needed. I am not so sure of Mr. Meech's remedy. I
+imagine that fortune, not his pains, is to be thanked for his grubless
+trees. I have known this borer to do very serious mischief where the
+most perfect culture was practised. The caustic wash is much safer than
+a petroleum wrap. The eggs are often laid high up on the trunk or even
+on the branches. Nothing is better for the borers than the soap and
+carbolic acid mixture.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FLORICULTURE.
+
+Gleanings by an Old Florist.
+
+
+SMILAX AND ITS USES.
+
+Smilax, as now used by florists, is but a very recent affair. Although
+introduced first into Europe from the Cape of Good Hope as early as
+1702, it remained for the florist of our time to find out its great
+adaptability for decoration and other uses in his art or calling. To
+Boston florists belong the credit of its first extensive culture and
+use, and for several years they may be said to have had the monopoly of
+its trade, and Boston smilax, along with Boston tea roses, which was
+pre-eminently the variety called the Bon Silene, was, for years, shipped
+to this and other cities. It is scarcely a decade of years ago, in this
+city, when a batch of one hundred strings could not be bought here,
+home-grown; now there would be no difficulty in getting thousands. Like
+everything else of like character, the first introducers reaped a golden
+harvest, so far as price is concerned, having often obtained a dollar a
+string; while now, the standard price, even in mid winter, is $2 per
+dozen, and often in quantity, it can be obtained at less. But where
+there was one string used then, there are now thousands. In olden times
+the florist was often put to his wits to find material to go around his
+made-up pieces and for relief as a green; now, everything green is
+smilax, and it must be confessed, that with the choice ferns, begonia
+leaves, and the like, that he used to have to prepare with, his work
+then was really often in better taste, so far as relief to flowers is
+concerned, with the old material than the new.
+
+But for the purpose of festooning buildings, churches, and the like,
+smilax is by all odds the very thing wanted, and as much ahead of the
+old-time evergreen wreathing, that we had to use, as the methods now in
+use for obtaining cut flowers are ahead of the old. It is hard to say
+what the florist could do without smilax, so indispensable has it
+become. There are now probably twenty of the principal growers of this
+city that have at least one house in smilax, who will cut not less than
+three thousand strings in a winter, while of the balance of smaller fry
+enough to make up the total to 100,000 strings per year. In times of
+scarcity of material, it is cut not over three feet long; again, when
+the supply exceeds the demand, the buyer will often get it six to nine
+feet long, and at a lower price than he can buy the short--supply and
+demand ruling price, as a rule, between $1 and $3 per dozen.
+
+The plant now under consideration is called, botanically, Myrsiphyllum
+asparagoides; by common usage it is called smilax, although not even a
+member of the true smilax family, some of which are natives of this
+country.
+
+The plant seeds readily, hence every one who grows smilax may, by
+leaving two or three strings uncut, grow his own seed; it is then sure
+to be fresh--which is sometimes not the case when purchased. The seed is
+more likely to germinate if soaked twelve hours in warm water or milk
+before sowing.
+
+A bed may be formed any time of the year, but the usual custom is to
+prepare it so as to be ready to cut, say, in the fall, for the first
+time. Take a pan or shallow box and sow the seed any time during the
+winter before March. When well up, so they can be handled, transplant
+into small pots, and from these shift into larger, say to three or four
+inch pots. Keep the shoots pinched back so as to form a stout, bushy
+plant. During winter they will require an artificial temperature of not
+less than 50 degrees. When summer comes they may be kept in the house or
+stand out of doors until the bed in which they are to grow is ready.
+This may be prepared any time most desirable, but if to cut first in the
+fall, so manage it that they may have two or three months to perfect
+their growth.
+
+The common practice is to give the whole house to the use of the plant,
+but this may be varied at pleasure, growing either the center bunch, the
+front bunch, or both, as may be desirable.
+
+The best soil is decayed sod from a pasture enriched with cow manure. It
+requires no benches to grow this plant; all that is necessary is to
+inclose the space designed by putting up boards one foot high to form a
+coping to hold the soil. Into this the plants are set evenly over the
+entire space, in rows nine inches to one foot apart. At the time of
+planting, a stake is driven into and even with the soil at each plant,
+being careful to have them in true lines both ways, and driven deep
+enough to be quite firm; on the top of this stake is driven a small nail
+or hook. Directly over each nail, in the rafter of the house, or a strip
+nailed to them for the purpose, is placed another nail, and between the
+two a cord similar to that used by druggists or the like--but green, if
+possible, in color, for obvious reasons--is stretched as taught as may
+be, so that when finished the whole house or space used is occupied by
+these naked strings, on which, as the growth proceeds, the plants
+entwine themselves. Some care will be required at first to get them
+started, after which they will usually push on themselves.
+
+The most convenient height of the rafters above the soil is from four to
+ten feet, which will give long enough strings, and, what is important
+for quick growth, keep the plants when young not too far from the glass.
+
+In planting, some make a difference of a month or two in the time, so
+that the crop may not come in all at once; but usually the plants will
+vary some in their growth, and hence, by cutting the largest first, the
+same result is obtained. If a heat of 55 degrees can be obtained as a
+minimum, and care is taken in keeping a moist, growing temperature, a
+crop can be taken off every three months at least. So as soon as ready
+to cut and a market can be obtained for the crop, strings should be
+strung again at once, leaving some of the smaller shoots when cutting
+for a starter of the next crop. Like everything else, heavy cropping
+requires heavy manuring, and hence a rich compost should be added to the
+soil at each cutting.
+
+Some plant their beds fresh every year, others leave them longer. The
+root is perennial in character, and consists of fleshy tubers, not
+unlike asparagus, and may be divided for the new beds; but the general
+practice is to grow new plants. Always beware of buying old, dry roots,
+as they will sometimes refuse to grow, even if they look green and
+fresh. With many, in cutting, the practice is to cut clear through at
+the bottom, string and all, then by a deft movement of the hands the
+smilax is slipped from the string which, with the addition of a foot or
+two to tie again, is at once ready for the next, while others bring to
+market string and all, these being simply matters of practice or
+convenience.
+
+    EDGAR SANDERS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Was Noah's voyage an arktic expedition?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+OUR NEW CLUBBING LIST FOR 1884.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER IN CONNECTION WITH OTHER JOURNALS.
+
+We offer more liberal terms than ever before to those who desire to
+take, in connection with THE PRAIRIE FARMER, either of the following
+weekly or monthly periodicals. In all cases the order for THE PRAIRIE
+FARMER and either of the following named journals must be sent together,
+accompanied by the money; but we do not require both papers to be sent
+to the same person or to the same post-office.
+
+We send specimen copies only of THE PRAIRIE FARMER.
+
+Our responsibility for other publications ceases on the receipt of the
+first number; when such journals are not received within a reasonable
+time, notify us, giving date of your order, also full name and address
+of subscriber.
+
+
+WEEKLIES.
+
+                                    Price of  The two
+                                    the two.    for
+
+Harper's Weekly                        $6 00   $4 60
+Harper's Bazar                          6 00    4 60
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+New York Tribune                        4 00    2 50
+Toledo Blade                            4 00    2 20
+Chicago Times                           3 25    2 50
+Chicago Tribune                         3 50    2 50
+Chicago Inter-Ocean                     3 15    2 50
+Chicago Journal                         3 25    2 50
+Peck's Sun                              3 75    3 00
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+Western Farmer (Madison, Wis.)          3 00    2 00
+Burlington Hawkeye                      4 00    3 00
+The Continent (Weekly Magazine)         6 00    5 00
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+Louisville Courier-Journal              3 75    3 00
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+Advance (Congregational)                5 00    3 35
+Alliance                                4 00    3 00
+New York Independent                    5 00    4 00
+Christian Union                         5 00    4 00
+Boston Pilot (Catholic)                 4 50    3 50
+American Bee Journal                    4 00    3 50
+Florida Agriculturist                   4 00    2 75
+Breeder's Gazette                       5 00    3 50
+Witness (N. Y.)                         3 50    3 00
+Methodist (N. Y.)                       4 00    3 50
+Chicago News                            3 00    2 50
+Globe (Boston)                          3 00    2 75
+Youth's Companion                       3 75    3 00
+Weekly Novelist                         5 00    4 25
+Ledger (Chicago)                        3 00    2 90
+American Bee Journal                    4 00    3 25
+
+
+MONTHLIES.
+
+Harper's Monthly                       $6 00   $4 50
+Atlantic Monthly                        6 00    4 50
+Appleton's Journal                      5 00    4 25
+The Century                             6 00    4 50
+North American Review                   7 00    5 50
+Popular Science Monthly                 7 00    5 50
+Lippincott's Magazine                   5 00    4 50
+Godey's Lady's Book                     4 00    3 00
+St. Nicholas                            5 00    3 50
+Vick's Illustrated Magazine             3 25    2 25
+Am. Poultry Journal (Chicago)           3 25    2 75
+American Bee Journal                    3 00    2 25
+Gardener's Monthly                      4 00    3 00
+Wide Awake                              4 50    3 00
+Phrenological Journal                   4 00    3 00
+American Agriculturist                  3 50    2 50
+Poultry World                           3 25    2 75
+Arthur's Home Magazine                  4 00    3 00
+Andrews' Bazar                          3 00    2 40
+Frank Leslie's Popular Monthly          5 00    4 00
+Frank Leslie's Sunday Magazine          5 00    4 00
+Frank Leslie's Ladies' Magazine         4 50    4 00
+Our Little Ones                         3 50    3 00
+Peterson's Magazine                     4 00    3 30
+Art Amateur                             6 00    5 00
+Demorest's Magazine                     4 00    3 00
+Dio Lewis' Monthly                      4 50    3 50
+
+For clubbing price with any publication in the United States not
+included in the above list send us inquiry on postal card.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+ONE CENT
+
+invested in a postal card and addressed as below
+
+WILL
+
+give to the writer full information as to the best
+lands in the United States now for sale; how he can
+
+BUY
+
+them on the lowest and best terms, also the full text
+of the U. S. land laws and how to secure
+
+320 ACRES
+
+of Government Lands in Northwestern Minnesota
+and Northeastern Dakota.
+
+ADDRESS:
+
+JAMES B. POWER,
+
+Land and Emigration Commissioner,
+
+ST. PAUL, MINN.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+CONSUMPTION.
+
+I have a positive remedy for the above disease; by its use
+thousands of cases of the worst kind and of long standing
+have been cured. Indeed, so strong is my faith in its efficacy,
+that I will send TWO BOTTLES FREE, together with a VALUABLE
+TREATISE on this disease, to any sufferer. Give Express
+& P. O. address, DR. T. A. SLOCUM, 181 Pearl St., N. Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NOW is the time to Subscribe for THE PRAIRIE FARMER. Price only $2.00
+per year is worth double in money.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PUBLISHERS' NOTICE.
+
+_THE PRAIRIE FARMER is printed and published by The Prairie Farmer
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+
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+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Prairie Farmer
+
+ENTERED AT THE CHICAGO POST OFFICE AS SECOND-CLASS MATTER.
+
+CHICAGO, JANUARY 19, 1884.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+WHEN SUBSCRIPTIONS EXPIRE.
+
+WE HAVE SEVERAL CALLS FOR AN EXPLANATION OF THE FIGURES FOLLOWING THE
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+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Transcriber's Note: Original location of Table of Contents.]
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+1841.        1884.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+PROSPECTUS FOR 1884.
+
+SEE INDUCEMENTS OFFERED
+
+SUBSCRIBE NOW.
+
+
+For forty-three years THE PRAIRIE FARMER has stood at the front in
+agricultural journalism. It has kept pace with the progress and
+development of the country, holding its steady course through all these
+forty-three years, encouraging, counseling, and educating its thousands
+of readers. It has labored earnestly in the interest of all who are
+engaged in the rural industries of the country, and that it has labored
+successfully is abundantly shown by the prominence and prestige it has
+achieved, and the hold it has upon the agricultural classes.
+
+Its managers are conscious from comparison with other journals of its
+class, and from the uniform testimony of its readers, that it is
+foremost among the farm and home papers of the country. It will not be
+permitted to lose this proud position; we shall spare no efforts to
+maintain its usefulness and make it indispensable to farmers,
+stock-raisers, feeders, dairymen, horticulturalists, gardeners, and all
+others engaged in rural pursuits. It will enter upon its forty-fourth
+year under auspices, in every point of view, more encouraging than ever
+before in its history. Its mission has always been, and will continue to
+be--
+
+To discuss the most approved practices in all agricultural and
+horticultural pursuits.
+
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+elucidate the principles of correct breeding and management.
+
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+
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+
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+
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+
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+
+To be, in brief, an indispensable and unexceptionable farm and home
+companion for the people of the whole country.
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+talent than is employed on any similar paper in this country. We
+challenge comparison with any agricultural journal in the land.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER is designed for all sections of the country. In
+entering upon the campaign of 1884, we urge all patrons and friends to
+continue their good works in extending the circulation of our paper. On
+our part we promise to leave nothing undone that it is possible for
+faithful, earnest work--aided by money and every needed mechanical
+facility--to do to make the paper in every respect still better than it
+has ever been before.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SPECIAL NOTICE
+
+To each Subscriber who will remit us $2.00 between now and February 1st,
+1884, we will mail a copy of THE PRAIRIE FARMER FOR ONE YEAR, AND ONE OF
+OUR NEW STANDARD TIME COMMERCIAL MAPS OF THE UNITED STATES AND
+CANADA--showing all the Counties, Railroads, and Principal Towns up to
+date. This comprehensive map embraces all the country from the Pacific
+Coast to Eastern New Brunswick, and as far north as the parallel of 52
+deg., crossing Hudson's Bay. British Columbia; Manitoba, with its many
+new settlements; and the line of the Canadian Pacific Railway, completed
+and under construction, are accurately and distinctly delineated. It
+extends so far south as to Include Key West and more than half of the
+Republic of Mexico. It is eminently adapted for home, school, and office
+purposes. The retail price of the Map alone is $2.00. Size, 58 x 41
+inches. Scale, about sixty miles to one inch.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+READ THIS.
+
+ANOTHER SPECIAL OFFER.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+"THE LITTLE DETECTIVE."
+
+WEIGHS 1/4 OZ. TO 25 LBS.
+
+Every housekeeper ought to have this very useful scale. The weight of
+article bought or sold may readily be known. Required proportions in
+culinary operations are accurately ascertained. We have furnished
+hundreds of them to subscribers, and they give entire satisfaction.
+During January, 1884, to any person sending us THREE SUBSCRIBERS, at
+$2.00 each, we will give one of these scales, and to each of the three
+subscribers Ropp's Calculator, No. 1.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RENEW! RENEW!!
+
+Remember that every yearly subscriber, either new or renewing, sending
+us $2, receives a splendid new map of the United States and
+Canada--58 x 41 inches--FREE. Or, if preferred, one of the books offered
+in another column. It is not necessary to wait until a subscription
+expires before renewing.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WE WANT AGENTS
+
+in every locality. We offer very liberal terms and good pay. Send for
+sample copies and terms to agents.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+WILL YOU
+
+    Read about Patrick Barry,
+    about the corn-root worm,
+    about mistakes in drainage,
+    about the change in prize rings at the Fat Stock Show,
+    about improvement in horses,
+    about the value of 1883 corn for pork making,
+    about Fanny Field's Plymouth Rocks,
+    about the way to make the best bee hive,
+    about that eccentric old fellow Cavendish,
+    about the every day life of the great Darwin,
+    about making home ornaments and nice things for the little folks?
+    Will you
+
+    Read the poems, the jokes, the news, the markets, the editorials,
+    the answers to correspondents? In short, will you
+
+    Read the entire paper and then sit down and think it all over and
+    see if you do not conclude that this single number is worth what
+    the paper has cost you for the whole year? Then tell your neighbors
+    about it, show it to them and ask them to subscribe for it. Tell
+    them that they will also get for the $2 a copy of our superb map.
+    By doing this you can double our subscription list in a single
+    week.
+
+WILL YOU?
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Illinois State Board of Agriculture will hold a meeting at the
+Sherman House in Chicago, on the 4th of March next. The principal
+business of the meeting will be to complete arrangements for the next
+State Fair and the Fat Stock Show.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The annual meeting of the Northern Illinois Horticultural Society will
+be held at Elgin Tuesday, January 22d and continuing three days. Kindred
+societies are invited to send delegates, and a large general attendance
+is solicited. Further particulars will be gladly received by S. M.
+Slade, President, Elgin, or D. Wilmot Scott, Secretary, Galena.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Brooklyn Board of Health petitions Congress to appropriate a
+sufficient amount of money to stamp out contagious pleuro-pneumonia and
+provide for the appointment of a number of veterinarians to inspect all
+herds in infected districts, to indemnify owners for cattle slaughtered
+by the Government, and to forbid the movement of all cattle out of any
+infected State which will not take measures to stamp out the disease.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Secretary L. A. Goodman, of the Missouri State Horticultural Society
+writes THE PRAIRIE FARMER that on the 5th of January the mercury at
+Westport, Wis., indicated 26 degrees below zero, the lowest point ever
+recorded there. He adds: "The peaches are killed, as are the
+blackberries. Cherries are injured very much and the raspberries also.
+The dry September checked the growth of the berries and sun-burned them
+some, and now the cold hurts them badly. Apples are all right yet and
+prospects for good crop are excellent."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+It may be of interest to many readers to know that the I. & St. L. R. R.
+will sell tickets from Indianapolis and intermediate points to St.
+Louis, to persons attending the meeting of the Mississippi Valley
+Horticultural Society, at one and one-third rates. Mr. Ragan informs us
+that this is the only railroad line from central Indiana that offers a
+reduction of fare. The Missouri Pacific system of roads, including the
+Wabash, and embracing about ten thousand miles of road, extending as far
+north and east as Chicago, Detroit and Toledo, and as far south and west
+as New Orleans, Galveston and El Paso, will return members in
+attendance, who have paid full fare over these lines, at one cent a
+mile, upon the certificate of the Secretary of the Society. The Chicago
+& Alton, C., B. & Q., Keokuk, St. L. & N. W., Chicago, B. & K. C.,
+Illinois Central, Cairo Short Line, and Hannibal & St. Joe roads will
+return members on the same terms. The Ohio & Mississippi will sell
+tickets to St. Louis and return at one and one-third fare, to members
+indorsed by the Secretary. The Louisville and Nashville will give
+reduced rates to members applying to its General Passenger Agent, C. P.
+Atmore, of Louisville, Ky.
+
+
+
+
+THE WEALTH OF THE NATION.
+
+
+The Census Bureau and Bradstreet's agency have made from the most
+accurate examination possible an estimate of the wealth and business of
+the nation: Aggregate wealth of the United States in 1880 was
+$43,642,000,000 (forty thousand and a half billions); the total amount
+of capital invested in business was $8,177,000,000 (over eight
+billions); and the number of persons engaged in commercial business was
+703,828. Twenty-two per cent of all the business capital of the country
+is credited to the State of New York. Massachusetts ranks second,
+Pennsylvania third, Ohio fourth, Illinois fifth, and Michigan sixth. The
+aggregate business capital of these six States was $5,113,087,000,
+leaving to all the other States $3,063,923,000. The total recorded
+number of traders in the United States in June, 1880--those having
+distinctive position in the commercial or industrial community--was
+703,328; a trifle over 40 per cent were in the Western States. For the
+United States as a whole the average amount of capital employed to each
+venture--as indicated by the aggregate of capital in the country
+invested in trade (as explained in the table compiled from the
+forthcoming census work) and the total number of individuals, firms, and
+corporations engaged in business--is, in round numbers, $11,600.
+
+The wealth of the country is, or was June 1, 1880, distributed as
+follows:
+
+                                                     Millions.
+Farms                                                  $10,197
+Residence and business real estate, capital employed
+  in business, including water-power                     9,881
+Railroads and equipment                                  5,536
+Telegraphs, shipping, and canals                           410
+Live stock, whether on or off farms, farming tools
+  and machinery                                          2,406
+Household furniture, paintings, books, clothing,
+  jewelry, household supplies of food, fuel,
+  etc.                                                   5,000
+Mines (including petroleum wells) and quarries,
+  together with one-half of the annual product
+  reckoned as the average supply on hand                   780
+Three-quarters of the annual product of agriculture
+  and manufactures, and of the annual importation
+  of foreign goods, assumed to be the
+  average supply on hand                                 6,160
+Churches, schools, asylums, public buildings of
+  all kinds, and other real estate exempt from
+  taxation                                               2,000
+Specie                                                     612
+Miscellaneous items, including tools of mechanics          650
+                                                       -------
+      Total                                            $43,642
+
+It will thus be seen that the farms of the United States comprise nearly
+one-fourth of its entire wealth. They are worth nearly double the
+combined capital and equipments of all the railroads, telegraphs,
+shipping, and canals; more than double all the household furniture,
+paintings, books, clothing, jewelry, and supplies of food, fuel, etc.
+The live stock is more valuable than all the church property, school
+houses, asylums, and public buildings of all kinds; more than all the
+mines, telegraph companies, shipping, and canals combined. It would take
+more than three times as much "hard" money as the nation possesses to
+purchase all these domestic animals. The farms and live stock together
+exceed the value of any two other interests in the country.
+
+
+
+
+CONTAGIOUS ANIMAL DISEASES.
+
+
+Congress seems bound to act at once upon the question of protection to
+domestic animals from contagious diseases. The pressure brought to bear
+upon members is enormous, and cannot be ignored. The action of European
+States on swine importation from America, the restrictions on the
+landing of American cattle in England, and the strong effort being made
+there to prohibit their introduction altogether, the known existence of
+pleuro-pneumonia in several of the Atlantic States, the unceasing clamor
+of our shippers and growers of live stock, all conspire to open the eyes
+of the average Congressman to the fact that something must be done. Mr.
+Singleton, of Illinois, must be something above or below the average
+Congressman, if the report is correct that he does not believe
+pleuro-pneumonia exists anywhere within the borders of the United
+States, and that he is willing to back his non-belief by a thousand
+dollars forfeit, if an animal suffering from the disease can be shown
+him. The former owner of Silver Heels, and breeder of fine horses and
+cattle at his Quincy farm, must have his eyes shaded and his ears
+obstructed by that broad brimmed hat, that has so long covered his
+silvered head and marble brow. "The world do move," nevertheless, and
+pleuro-pneumonia does prevail in this country to such an extent as to
+furnish a reasonable excuse for unfriendly legislation abroad, and we
+gain nothing by denying the fact, the Allerton and Singleton assertions
+to the contrary, notwithstanding.
+
+
+
+
+IOWA STATE FAIR.
+
+
+At the late meeting of the Iowa State Agricultural Society, President
+Smith strongly advocated the permanent location of the State Fair. He
+thought it had been hawked about long enough for the purpose of giving
+different cities a chance to skin the people. The Legislature should aid
+the society in purchasing grounds. Ample ground should be purchased, as
+the fair is growing, and they should not be governed solely by our
+present demands. Secretary Shaffer touched briefly on the weather of
+last summer, the acreage and yield of crops, the demonstration of the
+futility of trying to acclimatize Southern seed-corn in the North, and
+the appointment of a State entomologist. He thought the State should
+assist the society in distributing its publications. The improvement of
+the Mississippi river was briefly handled. The state of the corn during
+the past year, the seeding, the yield, etc., were summarized by months.
+The corn crop was a failure. The sorghum industry in its various
+bearings was discussed. Iowa will yet, he said, produce its own sugar.
+The question was raised whether the State should not encourage the
+growth of Northern cane. The sheep industry and its peril from worthless
+dogs was duly treated. This society was the first to insist on the
+necessity of Legislation on this subject looking to the extermination of
+worthless dogs. The society proceeded to locate the fair for the next
+year. Des Moines offered the present grounds for 10 per cent of the gate
+money. Dubuque offered free grounds and $2,500 in money. The first
+ballot resulted in seventy-one votes for Des Moines and twenty-three for
+Dubuque. Officers were elected as follows: President, William L. Smith,
+of Oskalossa; Vice-President, H. C. Wheeler, of Sac; Secretary, John
+Shaffer, of Fairfield; Treasurer, George H. Marsh, of Des Moines.
+
+
+
+
+STILL ANOTHER FAT STOCK SHOW.
+
+
+At the meeting of the Indiana State Board of Agriculture last week, it
+was decided to hold a Fat Stock Show at Indianapolis some time in
+December of the present year. Liberal premiums will be offered. The
+matter elicited a discussion of considerable length, and it was
+generally believed that the show, if properly managed, could be made a
+success. Even if it failed to realize expenses the first year, the
+exhibition would be incalculably beneficial to the State. The election
+of new members to the Board resulted as follows: First district, Robert
+Mitchell, of Gibson county; Second, Samuel Hargrave, of Pike; Third, J.
+Q. A. Seig, of Harrison; Fourth, W. B. Seward, of Monroe; Eighth, W. S.
+Dungan, of Johnson; Fourteenth, L. B. Custer, of Cass; Fifteenth, W. A.
+Banks, of La Porte; Sixteenth, R. M. Lockhart, of DeKalb.
+
+Three Fat Stock Shows in the West! True, the success of the Chicago
+exhibit is having a wide influence. The live stock interests of the
+country are fully awakened to the important results from these shows.
+They are, indeed, educators of the highest character, and they stimulate
+to excellence unthought of by most farmers, ten years ago. Chicago,
+Kansas City, Toronto, and now Indianapolis! Is there not room for a
+similar exhibition in the great stock State of Iowa? Why do we not hear
+from West Liberty or Cedar Rapids?
+
+
+
+
+QUESTIONS ANSWERED.
+
+
+F. J. ST. CLAIR, URSA, ILL.--Who was the first President to issue a
+Thanksgiving Proclamation?
+
+ANSWER.--Washington, in 1798, on the adoption by the States of the
+Constitution of the United States.
+
+SUBSCRIBER, PEOTONE, ILL.--How many kinds of soils are there, and what
+crops are best suited to bottom and what to upland soils?
+
+ANSWER.--There are really but two soils, agriculturally considered,
+fertile soils and barren soils. Generally speaking, fertile soils are
+the result of the disintegration of mechanical forces and chemical
+agencies of limestone rocks; and barren soils--sandy soils--are produced
+by similar means, from rocks largely or wholly composed of silex or
+quartz. The mixture of these two give rise to soils of an infinite
+variety, almost, having many differing degrees of fertility, down to
+barrenness. But you have practically but one soil to deal with, a true
+limestone soil of high fertility, which has received considerable
+accessions from silicious rocks. Your bottom lands do not differ
+materially from the upland, except that the former have received
+considerable vegetable matter, which the latter have lost. For the
+lowlands, corn, grass, and potatoes are the best crops; for the
+highlands, the small grains, sorghum, beans, etc. But provide as much
+vegetable matter for the highlands as your lowlands possess, and make
+the sum of mixture in both alike, and your highlands will grow corn,
+grass, and potatoes as well as the low.
+
+CHARLES VAN METER, SPRINGFIELD, MO.--What is the best work on Grape
+Culture? My means are small, and I can not, of course, buy a work
+costing ten or twelve dollars, however good it may be. Recommend, for
+this latitude, something good and cheap.
+
+ANSWER.--For your needs you will find nothing better than Hussman's
+Grapes and Wine, a single volume, which will be sent you from THE
+PRAIRIE FARMER office, on remittance of $1.50. But there is something
+cheaper still, and very good, indeed, but covering different grounds
+from Hussman. The Grape Catalogue of Bush & Son & Meissner. You may
+obtain it by sending twenty-five cents to Bush & Son & Meissner,
+Bushberg, Missouri.
+
+CONSTANT READER, CHICAGO, ILL.--I am thinking of going down, one of
+these days, to Florida, with a view to go into oranges and make more
+money than I have, or lose it all. I have read a good deal about the
+seductive business, in Florida, though but little of the details of
+cultivation in other countries. Tell me where I can find something about
+how they manage in Spain and the south of Europe.
+
+ANSWER.--Most of the really valuable works on this subject are in
+foreign languages--French, Spanish, or Italian. However, for a wonder, a
+late publication of the Department of State, at Washington--Reports from
+the consuls of the United States, No. 33--contains a valuable and
+lengthy paper on Orange Growing at Valencia, Spain, contributed by the
+consul there, which you may perhaps obtain through your member of
+Congress.
+
+J. D. SLADE, COLUMBUS, GA.--I am interested in a large plantation near
+this city with a friend who is a practical farmer. We have decided to
+abandon the planting of cotton to a great extent and adopt some other
+crops. Having concluded to try the castor bean, I wish to ask some
+information. 1. Will you give me the names of parties engaged in the
+cultivation of the crop in Illinois and Wisconsin? 2. Where can I get
+the beans for planting? 3. Describe the soil, mode of preparation,
+planting, and cultivation, and give me such other information as we may
+need.
+
+ANSWER.--1. Winter wheat and corn have, to a very large extent, taken
+the place of castor beans and tobacco in the agriculture of Southern
+Illinois. As for Wisconsin, we question whether a bushel of castor beans
+was grown there last year. The two sections where they are now mostly
+cultivated are in Southwestern Missouri, by the old settlers, and in
+Middle and Southern Kansas, by the first comers. For information on the
+whole subject, write the Secretary of the Kansas State Board of
+Agriculture for the quarterly report issued two or three years ago,
+which was mostly devoted to castor-bean culture. The Secretary's address
+is Topeka, Kansas. 2. Of the Plant Seed Company, St. Louis, and also
+valuable information--that city being the chief market for the castor
+beans. 3. The soil best suited to the crop is a light, rich, sandy loam,
+though any dry and fertile soil will yield good crops. For some reason
+not clearly understood, the castor bean has been found a powerful and
+energetic agent in improving some, if not all soils, the experience in
+Kansas being, that land which previously refused to yield good crops of
+wheat or corn either, after being cultivated two or three years in
+castor beans has borne great crops. This has been attributed to the
+completeness and the long time the crop shades the ground, and also to
+the long tap root of the plant, which makes it a crop of all others,
+suited to dry soils, and hot climate. After preparing the land as for
+corn, it should be laid off so the plants will stand, for your latitude,
+five feet each way. Three or four seeds are usually planted, but when
+the beans are five to six inches high, and out of the way of cut-worms,
+they are thinned to one. The cultivation is after the manner of Indian
+corn, and the planting should be at the same time. The beans for your
+latitude will begin to ripen late in July, and continue to the end of
+the season, when the plants are killed by severe frosts, light frosts
+doing scarcely any damage. In harvesting, a spot of hard ground is
+prepared and the pods as gathered are thrown on the ground and dried out
+in the sun. And here is where the trouble with making a successful and
+profitable crop comes in. The beans must be kept in the dry from the
+time of gathering the pods--one soaking rain always seriously damaging,
+and frequently destroying the merchantable value of so much of the
+harvest as happens to be on the ground. As in the case of broom corn,
+the hot, dry, and protracted late summer and fall months of that State,
+afford the Kansas farmer something like a monopoly of the castor bean
+crop. It is nevertheless giving place to corn and wheat.
+
+
+
+
+LETTER FROM CHAMPAIGN.
+
+
+The snow continues to accumulate, the last having fallen before midnight
+the 11th. There were only about two inches, but it is drifting this
+morning, for all it is worth, before a gale from the West. The first and
+second snows stay where they were put at first, but the subsequent ones
+are in drifts or scattered all abroad, in the many snows and the
+excellence of the sleighing, this winter resembles '78-'79, but there is
+more snow and the temperature is very much more severe. I suppose there
+is well-nigh eighteen inches now on the ground, something quite unusual
+in this latitude. Let us hope it will stay sometime longer yet, and save
+the fall wheat.
+
+The intensely cold weather of last week was rough on stock of all kinds
+and in all conditions, and particularly hard on that portion having
+short rations. But I have seen many worse storms and much harder weather
+for stock; none however in which the fruits, small or large, suffered
+worse. At least that is the general judgment at the present. Peach buds
+are killed of course, and it will be lucky if the trees have escaped.
+All blackberries, but the Snyder, are dead down to the snow line--and
+some think the Snyder has not escaped, for reasons given further on.
+Examinations made of the buds of Bartlett, Duchess, Howell, Tyson,
+Bigarreau, Seckel, Buffum, Easter Buerre, and others yesterday, showed
+them all to be about equally frosted and blackened, and probably
+destroyed. Last year our pears suffered a good deal from the sleet of
+the second of February, which clung to the trees ten days, and the crop
+was a light one. This year, if appearances can be trusted, there will be
+less. In the many intense freezes of the last twenty-five years, I have
+never known pear buds to be seriously injured; last year being a marked
+exception and this still more so. Hardy grapes have probably suffered as
+much, and the tender varieties are completely done for. How well the May
+cherry has resisted the low temperature remains to be seen. As for the
+sweet cherries, it is probably the end of them.
+
+There were buds set for an unusually abundant crop of apples in
+1884--the Presidential year. The hardy varieties have escaped material
+damage, no doubt, but some of the tender Eastern varieties, like the
+Baldwin, Roxbury Russet, in all reasonable probability, have not only
+lost their buds but their lives also.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The disasters following the very low temperature of last week have no
+doubt been increased by the immaturity of the wood, due to the cool,
+moist summer. If summers like those of 1882-83 are not warm enough to
+ripen the corn crop, buds and wood of fruit trees will not acquire a
+maturity that resists intense cold as we see by our experience with
+pears, grapes, and peaches in the fruit season of 1883, and which is
+almost sure to be repeated with aggravations in 1884. Possibly the
+ground being but lightly frozen and protected by a good coat of snow,
+may save the apple trees and others from great disaster following thirty
+to thirty-five degrees below zero, when falling on half ripened wood,
+but the reasonable fear is that orchards on high land in Northern and
+Central Illinois, have been damaged more than last year. If so perhaps
+it were better after all, since it will open the eyes of a great many to
+the mistakes in location heretofore made, and lead them to put out
+future orchards where they ought to be.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+If my word of warning could reach those engaged in taking measures at
+Washington to prevent the spread of epidemic and infectious diseases in
+our stock, it would be "go slow." If the wishes of a few veterinarians
+are met and the demands of a raft of pauper lawyers and politicians are
+complied with, it will result in the creation of a half dozen
+commissions. Each one of them, as previous ones have done, will find
+sufficient reason for their continuance and reports will be made that
+half the live stock in the country, South and West, is either in danger
+from or suffering under some of the many forms of epidemic or infectious
+diseases--and by the way, what justice is there in putting Detmers out
+of the way, and clinging to Salmon and Laws, both of whom indorsed
+nearly every thing the former did? Beware of commissions, and above all
+of putting men upon them whose bread and butter is of more consequence
+to them than the stock interest, vast as it is.
+
+    B. F. J.
+
+
+
+
+WAYSIDE NOTES.
+
+BY A MAN OF THE PRAIRIE.
+
+
+Of the 2,500,000 packages of seeds distributed by the United States
+Agricultural Department during last year more than 2,000,000 packages
+were furnished to Congressmen, and I notice that some of the papers are
+making unfavorable comments on the fact. Now I do not discover anything
+that seems to me radically wrong in this practice of the Department of
+Agriculture, or rather in the instructions under which the practice
+prevails. There are some men, mostly seedsmen, and some publishers,
+mostly those interested in securing patronage through seed premiums, or
+which are run in the interest of seed dealers, who grumble a great deal
+about this matter, and who sneer at the department and derisively call
+it the "Government seed store." But I imagine if the public was
+thoroughly informed of the good the department has done by its seed
+distributions, it would have a great deal better opinion of this branch
+than it now has, and I wish Mr. Dodge, or some other efficient man, who
+knows all about it from the beginning would give to the country a
+complete history of what has been done in the way of introducing and
+disseminating new seeds, plants, and cuttings. I believe if the whole
+truth were told it would put an end to ridicule and denunciation. I am
+aware that there have been some things connected with this work that
+were not exactly correct. There may have been some helping of friends in
+the purchase of seeds; there may have been some noxious weed seeds sent
+out to the detriment of the country; Congressmen may have used their
+quota of seeds for the purpose of keeping themselves solid with their
+constituents. But, after all, it is my candid opinion the seed
+distributing branch of the department has been an untold blessing to the
+farmers of this country. As to this matter of giving a large proportion
+of the seeds to Congressmen, I have not much fault to find about that
+either, though perhaps a better system of distribution might be devised.
+I have yet to learn that an application to a Congressman for seed has
+been disregarded, if the seeds were to be had, whether that application
+came from a political friend or a political foe. And I do wish that
+farmers generally would make more frequent application to the members
+from their respective districts than they do. It will be money in their
+pockets if they will keep posted in what the department has to
+distribute which is valuable, or new and promising, and solicit samples
+either from Congressmen or direct from the Commissioner of Agriculture.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"Put your thumb down there," said an experienced orchardist to me the
+other day. We were talking about the recently started theory that the
+best bearing orchards are to be found on the low lands of the prairies.
+"You just wait and see if these brag orchards ever bear another crop! It
+will be as it was after the severe winter of 1874 and '75, when the
+following autumn many of our orchards bore so profusely. The succeeding
+year the majority of the trees were as dead as smelts, and the balance
+never had vigor enough afterward to produce a decent crop. Once before,"
+said he, "we had a similar experience in Illinois. Put your thumb down
+at this place and watch for results. Do not say anything about this in
+your Wayside Blusterings, at least as coming from me," and of course I
+don't. But I wanted the readers of THE PRAIRIE FARMER to help me watch
+with fear and trembling for the fulfillment of this horticultural
+prophesy, so I straightway make a note of it and ask you all to "put
+your thumbs down here" and wait. My friend's theory is that the severe
+cold of last winter destroyed a large portion of the roots of these
+trees; that the root pruning caused the extra fruitfulness, but proved
+too severe for the vitality of the trees to withstand, and that next
+year the bulk of the trees will not leaf out at all; and further that
+the old theory as taught by Kennecott, Whitney, Edwards, and the rest of
+the "fathers," that apple trees cannot thrive with wet feet, was the
+correct theory then and is the correct theory now. He would still plant
+on high, well drained land.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+My neighbor up at the "Corners" has a large flock of grade Cotswold
+sheep--Cotswolds crossed on large native Merinos. He keeps them to
+produce early lambs for the Chicago market. For the last three or four
+years he has received, on an average, four dollars per head for his
+lambs, taken at his farm. It is a profitable and pleasant sort of
+farming. Some day I may tell how he manages, in detail.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that_ $2.00 _pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _one year, and the
+subscriber gets a copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED
+STATES, FREE! _This is the most liberal offer ever made by any
+first-class weekly agricultural paper in this country._
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+POULTRY NOTES.
+
+Poultry-Raisers. Write for Your Paper.
+
+
+CHICKEN CHAT.
+
+
+Let me see--it was sometime during the month of December that the "Man
+of the Prairie" went wandering all over the village, and even scoured
+the country round about the village in search of an extra dozen eggs,
+and went home mad, and, man fashion, threatened to kill off every hen on
+the place if they didn't proceed to do their duty like hens and fellow
+citizens. It was also during that same December that the fifty Plymouth
+Rock hens that we are wintering in the barn cellar, laid, regardless of
+the weather, 736 eggs--an average of nearly fifteen eggs apiece.
+
+"Is it a fact that the corn is too poor for manufacture into eggs?"
+
+I don't know anything about the corn in your locality, but I do know
+that our Plymouth Rocks had whole corn for supper exactly thirty-one
+nights during the month of December--not Western corn, but sound,
+well-ripened, Northern corn, that sells in our market for twenty cents
+more per bushel than Western corn. I also know that hens fed through the
+winter on corn alone will not lay enough to pay for the corn, but in our
+climate the poultry-raiser may feed corn profitably fully one-half the
+time. When the morning feed consists of cooked vegetable and bran or
+shorts, and the noon meal of oats or buckwheat, the supper may be of
+corn. I believe the analytical fellows tell us that corn won't make
+eggs, and I am sure I don't know whether it will or not, and I don't
+much care; but I know that hens will eat corn, when they can get it, in
+preference to any other grain, and I know that it "stands by" better
+than anything else, and that it is a heat-producing grain, and
+consequently just the thing to feed when the days are short and the
+nights long, and the mercury fooling around 30 degrees below zero. Hens
+need something besides egg material; they must have food to keep up the
+body heat, and the poultry-raiser who feeds no corn in winter blunders
+just as badly as the one who feeds all corn.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Talking about corn for fowls reminds me that the agricultural papers are
+full of wails from farmers who were taken in last season on seed corn.
+If they had followed the plan of an old farmer of my acquaintance they
+would not now be obliged to mourn a corn crop cut off by frost. When
+this old chap went to farming forty years ago he bought a peck of seed
+corn of the Northern yellow flint variety, and as he "don't believe in
+running after all the new seeds that are advertised in the papers," he
+is still raising the same variety--only it ripens some three weeks
+earlier than it did then. Every fall he does through his field and
+selects his seed corn from the best of the earliest ripened ears; when
+these ears are husked one or two husks are left on each ear, and then
+the husks, with the ears attached, are braided together until there are
+fifteen or twenty ears in a string. These strings of seed corn are hung
+up in the sun for a fortnight or so, and then hung from the rafters in a
+cool, dry loft over the wood-shed; there it remains till seed time comes
+again, and it never fails to grow.
+
+    FANNY FIELD.
+
+
+
+
+BUSINESS STILL RUNNING.
+
+
+"My own hens closed out business six weeks ago," not long since said
+"Man of the Prairie." He mentioned also, that he had not much faith in
+pure bred poultry. Now he severely complains that no eggs can be found
+among the farmers nor in village stores. I will not say that pure
+strains of poultry are better layers than common, but, when one pays a
+good price for poultry, it is an incentive to provide good shelter and
+bestow upon them some manifestations of interest which would not be done
+with the common fowls. Herein may lay in part the secret of better
+returns from pure strains.
+
+Years ago our chickens 'closed out business' for several months. Of late
+this procedure is unknown. We crossed our best common hens with Plymouth
+Rock stock, paying a good price. We furnished comfortable quarters, gave
+variety of feed, and at present writing the lady-like biddies furnish
+enough eggs for our own use and some to sell to stores and neighbors.
+
+We still have a few common hens (not caring to have all pure) yet we
+find that with same care and attention, the purer strains give best
+returns.
+
+Skeptical, like a good many others, we were loth to experiment. Thanks
+to Fanny Field for her wise and instructive poultry writings. In a
+recent number she seemed to be in doubt whether her writings were heeded
+or doing any one good. Let me say in behalf of myself and a few others,
+that a few married ladies now have pin money by following her
+instructions, who, before, had to go to their lords (husbands) when they
+wanted a little money, which was sometimes begrudgingly given, and often
+times not at all.
+
+    BACHELOR & MAID.
+        COUNCIL BLUFFS, IOWA.
+
+
+
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE APIARY.
+
+
+THE BEST HIVE.
+
+
+In answer to many inquiries as to the best hive, we will here state that
+is a mere matter of choice. Many good movable frame hives are now in
+use, free from patents, and while we prefer the Langstroth, there may be
+others just as good.
+
+Apiarists differ as to what constitutes the best hive. Novices in bee
+culture generally think that they can invent a better hive than any in
+use, but after trying their invention for awhile, conclude that they are
+not as wise as they thought they were. Many hives are patented yearly by
+persons ignorant of the nature of the honey-bee, and few, if any, are
+received with favor by intelligent apiarists.
+
+The requisites for a good hive are durability, simplicity, ease of
+construction and of working, and pleasing to the eye. We think the
+Langstroth embodies these. It was invented by the father of modern
+bee-culture. He gave to the world the movable frame; without its use, we
+might as well keep our bees in hollow logs, as our fathers did.
+Different sizes of movable frames are now in use, but two-thirds of the
+apiarists prefer the Langstroth.
+
+Upon many farms, bees may be found in salt barrels, nail-kegs, etc.,
+doing little good for their owner, while if they were put into hives,
+where the surplus could be obtained in good shape, they would become a
+source of income. Specialists either manufacture their own hives, or buy
+them in the flat, in the lumber region. As the farmer may need but a few
+hives, he may find leisure in winter to make them.
+
+Every farmer needs a workshop, and if he has none, should provide
+himself with one. It need not be large, and can be made quite
+inexpensively. In his barn, if it is large, partition off a room for a
+workshop 12 x 14 feet, and if he not be blessed with a good large barn,
+why a thousand feet of common boards, and a load of good stout saplings,
+with a little mechanical skill and some muscle, will provide a very good
+farm workshop.
+
+Get a few tools, such as a saw, square, plane, hatchet, a brace, and a
+few bits, and before twelve months pass away you will wonder how you
+ever managed to do without one before; many a singletree or doubletree
+can be made, or broken implements repaired during leisure, or the rainy
+days of late winter or spring, and the boys will go there to try their
+hands, and develop their mechanical skill; exercising both brain and
+muscle. Remember that the school of industry is second to no university
+in the land.
+
+Now for the hives; in the first place you need a pattern. Purchase of
+some dealer or manufacturer of apiarian supplies, a good Langstroth hive
+complete with section boxes. Then get a couple of hundred feet (more or
+less) of ten inch stock boards, mill dressed on both sides, then with
+your pattern hive, workshop, and tools, you are master of the situation.
+After your hives are made, don't forget to paint them; it is economy to
+paint hives as well as dwelling houses.
+
+
+LANGSTROTH HIVE.
+
+For the benefit of those who may not be able to obtain a pattern hive,
+or frame, we will give the dimensions. The sides of the Langstroth hive
+are 10 inches wide, by 23 inches long, the ends are 12 inches long, the
+back end the same width as the sides; front end, 3/8 inches narrower,
+and recesses or sets back 3-3/8 inches from portico, all 7/8 inches
+thick. The Langstroth frame is 17-1/4 x 9-1/4 inches outside measure.
+The length of top bar of frame is 19-1/4 inches, the frame stuff is all
+7/8 wide, the top bar is 5/8 x 7/8, and is V shaped on the under side
+for a comb guide--the upright pieces 1/2 x 7/8, the bottom pieces
+1/4 x 7/8.
+
+The above are the dimensions of an eight frame hive. Strips 1/4 x 7/8
+inches are nailed on the outside of the hive 1/4 inch from the upper
+edge, and the cap or upper hive rests upon them. We make the cap 22-1/8
+inches long by 13-7/8 inches wide in the clear, and ten inches high.
+
+Some apiarists omit the porticos, but we like them, and the bees appear
+to enjoy them. Right angled triangle blocks, made right and left, are
+used to regulate the entrance. By changing the position of these blocks
+on the alighting board the size of the entrance may be varied, and the
+bees always directed to it by the shape of the block, without any loss
+of time in searching for it--in case of robbing the hive, the hive can
+be entirely closed with them. A board was formerly used to cover the
+frames, but is now generally abandoned, apiarists preferring duck,
+enameled cloth, or heavy muslin.
+
+    MRS. L. HARRISON.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+NO SAFER REMEDY can be had for Coughs and Colds, or any trouble of the
+Throat, than "_Brown's Bronchial Troches_." Price 25 cents. _Sold only
+in boxes._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+ARM & HAMMER BRAND
+
+TO FARMERS.--It is important that the SODA OR SALERATUS they use should
+be _white_ and _pure_, in common with all similar substances used for
+food.
+
+[Illustration: CHURCH & CO'S SODA & SALERATUS]
+
+In making bread with yeast, it is well to use about half a teaspoonful
+of the "ARM AND HAMMER" BRAND SODA or SALERATUS at the same time, and
+thus make the bread rise better and prevent it becoming sour by
+correcting the natural acidity of the yeast.
+
+DAIRYMEN
+
+        AND
+
+            FARMERS
+
+should use only the "ARM AND HAMMER" brand for cleaning and keeping
+milk-pans sweet and clean.
+
+_To insure obtaining only the_ "ARM AND HAMMER" _brand Soda or
+Saleratus, buy it in_ "POUND _or_ HALF-POUND PACKAGES," _which bear our
+name and trade-mark, as inferior goods are sometimes substituted for
+the_ "ARM AND HAMMER" _brand when bought in bulk._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+"THE BEST IS THE CHEAPEST."
+
+ENGINES
+SAW MILLS, THRESHERS,
+HORSE POWERS,
+
+(For all sections and purposes.) Write for FREE Pamphlet and Prices to
+The Aultman & Taylor Co., Mansfield, Ohio.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE FAMOUS EASY-RUNNING
+
+Monarch Lightning Sawing Machine
+
+IT BEATS THE WORLD FOR SAWING LOGS
+OR FAMILY STOVE WOOD.
+
+SENT ON 30 DAYS' TEST TRIAL.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The boy in the picture on the left is sawing up logs into 20-inch
+lengths, to be split into stovewood for family use. This is much the
+BEST and CHEAPEST way to get out your firewood, because the 20-inch
+blocks are VERY EASILY split up, a good deal easier and quicker than the
+old-fashioned way of cutting the logs into 4-feet lengths, splitting it
+into cordwood, and from that sawing it up with a buck saw into
+stovewood. We sell a large number of machines to farmers and others for
+just this purpose. A great many persons who had formerly burned coal
+have stopped that useless expense since getting our Machine. Most
+families have one or two boys, 16 years of age and up, who can employ
+their spare time in sawing up wood just as well as not. The
+
+MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE
+
+will save your paying money and board to ONE hired man and perhaps TWO
+men.
+
+The boy at the right in the picture is sawing up cordwood in a buck
+frame. You can very easily use our machine in this way if you have
+cordwood on hand that you wish to saw up into suitable lengths for
+firewood.
+
+A boy sixteen years old can work the machine all day and not get any
+more tired than he would raking hay. The machine runs VERY EASILY, so
+easily, in fact, that after giving the crank half a dozen turns, the
+operator may let go and the machine will run itself for THREE OR FOUR
+REVOLUTIONS. Farmers owning standing timber cannot fail to see the many
+advantages of this great LABOR-SAVING AND MONEY-SAVING MACHINE. If you
+prefer, you can easily go directly into the woods and easily saw the
+logs into 20-inch lengths for your family use, or you can saw them into
+4-foot lengths, to be split into cordwood, when it can be readily hauled
+off to the village market. Many farmers are making a good deal of money
+with this Machine in employing the dull months of the year in selling
+cordwood.
+
+It makes a great difference in LABOR AND MONEY both in using our
+machine, because you get away with a second man. It takes two men to run
+the old-fashioned cross-cut saw, and it makes two backs ache every day
+they use it. Not so with our saw.
+
+We offer $1,000 for a sawing machine that is EASIER OPERATED and FASTER
+RUNNING than ours. Every farmer should own our machine. It will pay for
+itself in one season. Easily operated by a sixteen-year-old boy.
+
+Lumbermen and farmers should GET THE BEST--GET THE CHEAPEST--GET THE
+MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE.
+
+E. DUTTER, Hicksville, O., writes:--It runs so easy that it is JUST FUN
+to saw wood.
+
+C. A. COLE, Mexico, N. Y., writes:--With this machine I sawed off an elm
+log, twenty-one inches in diameter, in one minute, forty-three seconds.
+
+Z. G. HEGE, Winston, N. C., writes:--I have shown your machine to
+several farmers, and all pronounce it a PERFECT SUCCESS.
+
+WM. DILLENBACK, Dayton, Tex., writes:--I am WELL PLEASED with the
+MONARCH LIGHTNING SAWING MACHINE. My boys can saw WITH ALL EASE.
+
+L. W. YOST, Seneca, Kan., writes:--I will bet $50 that I can saw as much
+with this machine as any two men can with the old-fashioned cross-cut
+saw.
+
+T. K. BUCK, Mt. Vernon, Ill., writes:--I have given the Monarch a fair
+trial, and can truly say it is ALL YOU CLAIM FOR IT, a complete success,
+enabling a boy to do the work of two strong men, and indeed, more. I
+would not take $75 for the MONARCH and be deprived of the privilege of
+having another like it. I sawed off a twenty-inch solid water oak log
+twelve times yesterday in FORTY-FIVE MINUTES.
+
+J. M. CRAWFORD. Columbia, S. C., writes:--I tried the Monarch on an oak
+log to-day before twenty farmers. All said it WORKED PERFECTLY.
+
+N. B.--We are selling SIX TIMES as many Machines as any other firm,
+simply because our Machine gives perfect satisfaction. Our factory is
+running day and night to fill orders. Send in your order at once. The
+BEST is the CHEAPEST. Our agent sold four machines in one day. Another
+sold twenty-eight in his township. Another agent cleared $100 in one
+week. BE SURE AND MENTION THIS PAPER.
+
+WE WISH A LIVE, WIDE-AWAKE AGENT IN EVERY COUNTY IN THE UNITED STATES
+AND CANADA. Write for Latest Illustrated Catalogue giving Special Terms
+and scores of Testimonials.
+
+MONARCH MANUFACTURING CO.
+
+163 E. RANDOLPH STREET, CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that $2.00 pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _from this
+date to January 1, 1885; For $2.00 you get it for one year and a copy
+of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED STATES, FREE!
+_This is the most liberal offer ever made by any first-class weekly
+agricultural paper in this country._
+
+
+
+
+SCIENTIFIC.
+
+
+SOME GOSSIP ABOUT DARWIN.
+
+
+The last number of the American Naturalist presents the following from
+David S. Jorden, of Bloomington, Indiana. It is one of those gossipy
+bits about the great scientist that every body enjoys reading.
+
+In a recent visit to England, the writer strolled into the village of
+Down in Kent, and talked with some of the villagers in regard to Mr.
+Darwin, whose beautiful home is just outside the little town.
+
+Some of this talk, although in itself idle and valueless, may have an
+interest to readers, as showing how a great man looks to his smaller
+neighbors.
+
+The landlord of the "George Inn" said that "all the people wished to
+have Mr. Darwin buried in Down, but the government would not let them.
+It would have helped the place so much. It would have brought hosts of
+people down to see his grave. Especially it would have helped the hotel
+business which is pretty dull in winter time.
+
+"Mr. Darwin was a very fine-looking man. He had a high forehead and wore
+a long beard. Still, if you had met him on the street, perhaps, you
+would not have taken much notice of him unless you knew that he was a
+clever man."
+
+"Sir John Lubbock (Darwin's friend and near neighbor) is a very clever
+man, too, but not so clever nor so remarkable-looking as Mr. Darwin. He
+is very fond of hants (ants), and plants, and things."
+
+At Keston, three miles from Down, the landlady of the Grayhound had
+never heard of Mr. Darwin until after his death. There was then
+considerable talk about his being buried in Westminster, but nothing was
+said of him before.
+
+Several persons had considerable to say of Mr. Darwin's extensive and
+judicious charity to the poor. To Mr. Parslow, for many years his
+personal servant, Mr. Darwin gave a life pension of L50, and the rent of
+the handsome "Home Cottage" in Down. During the time of a water famine
+in that region, he used to ride about on horseback to see who needed
+water, and had it brought to them at his own expense from the stream at
+St. Mary's Cray.
+
+"He was," said Mr. Parslow, "a very social, nice sort of a gentleman,
+very joking and jolly indeed; a good husband and a good father and a
+most excellent master. Even his footmen used to stay with him as long as
+five years. They would rather stay with him than take a higher salary
+somewhere else. The cook came there while young and stayed there till
+his death, nearly thirty years later.
+
+"Mrs Darwin is a pleasant lady, a year older than her husband. Their
+boys are all jolly, nice young fellows. All have turned out so well, not
+one of them rackety, you know. Seven children out of the ten are now
+living.
+
+"George Darwin is now a professor in Oxford. He was a barrister at
+first; had his wig and gown and all, but had to give it up on account of
+bad health. He would have made a hornament to the profession.
+
+"Francis Darwin is a doctor, and used to work with his father in the
+greenhouse. He is soon to marry a lady who lectures on Botany in Oxford.
+
+"For the first twenty years after Mr. Darwin's return from South
+America, his health was very bad--much more than later. He had a stomach
+disease which resulted from sea-sickness while on the voyage around the
+world. Mr. Parslow learned the watercure treatment and treated Mr.
+Darwin in that system, for a long time, giving much relief.
+
+"Mr. Darwin used to do his own writing but had copyists to get his work
+ready for the printer. He was always an early man. He used to get up at
+half past six. He used to bathe and then go out for a walk all around
+the place. Then Parslow used to get breakfast for him before the rest of
+the family came down. He used to eat rapidly, then went to his study and
+wrote till after the rest had breakfast. Then Mrs. Darwin came in and he
+used to lie half an hour on the sofa, while she or someone else read to
+him. Then he wrote till noon, then went out for an hour to walk. He used
+to walk all around the place. Later in life, he had a cab, and used to
+ride on horseback. Then after lunch at one, he used to write awhile.
+Afterwards he and Mrs. Darwin used to go to the bedroom, where he lay
+on a sofa and often smoked a cigarette while she read to him. After this
+he used to walk till dinner-time at five. Before the family grew up,
+they used to dine early, at half-past one, and had a meat-tea at
+half-past six.
+
+"Sometimes there were eighteen or twenty young Darwins of different
+families in the house. Four-in-hand coaches of young Darwins used
+sometimes to come down from London. Mr. Darwin liked children. They
+didn't disturb him in the least. There were sometimes twenty or thirty
+pairs of little shoes to be cleaned of a morning, but there were always
+plenty of servants to do this.
+
+"The gardener used to bring plants into his room often of a morning, and
+he used to tie bits of cotton on them, and try to make them do things.
+He used to try all sorts of seeds. He would sow them in pots in his
+study.
+
+"There were a quantity of people in Westminster Abbey when he was
+buried. Mr. Parslow and the cook were among the chief mourners and sat
+in the Jerusalem chamber. The whole church was as full of people as they
+could stand. There was great disappointment in Down that he was not
+buried there. He loved the place, and we think that he would rather have
+rested there had he been consulted."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+To Our Readers.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER is the OLDEST, MOST RELIABLE, and the LEADING
+AGRICULTURAL JOURNAL OF THE GREAT NORTHWEST, devoted exclusively to the
+interests of the Farmer, Gardener, Florist, Stock Breeder, Dairyman,
+Etc., and every species of industry connected with that great portion of
+the People of the World, the PRODUCERS. Now in the Forty-Second Year of
+its existence, and never, during more than two score years, having
+missed the regular visit to its patrons, it will continue to maintain
+supremacy as A STANDARD AUTHORITY ON MATTERS PERTAINING TO AGRICULTURE
+AND KINDRED PRODUCTIVE INDUSTRIES, and as a FRESH AND READABLE FAMILY
+AND FIRESIDE JOURNAL. It will from time to time add new features of
+interest, securing for each department the ablest writers of practical
+experience.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER will discuss, without fear or favor, all topics of
+interest properly belonging to a Farm and Fireside Paper, treat of the
+most approved practices in AGRICULTURE, HORTICULTURE, BREEDING, ETC.;
+the varied Machinery, Implements, and improvements in same, for use both
+in Field and House; and, in fact, everything of interest to the
+Agricultural community, whether in FIELD, MARKET, OR HOME CIRCLE.
+
+IT WILL GIVE INFORMATION UPON THE PUBLIC DOMAIN, WESTERN SOILS, CLIMATE,
+ETC.; ANSWER INQUIRIES on all manner of subjects which come within its
+sphere; GIVE each week, full and RELIABLE MARKET, CROP, AND WEATHER
+REPORTS; PRESENT the family with choice and INTERESTING LITERATURE;
+amuse and INSTRUCT THE YOUNG FOLKS: AND, in a word, aim to BE, in every
+respect, AN INDISPENSABLE AND UNEXCEPTIONABLE farm and fireside
+COMPANION.
+
+Terms of Subscription and 'Club Rates':
+
+ONE COPY, 1 YEAR, postage paid      $ 2.00
+
+TWO COPIES, "   "  "                  3.75
+
+FIVE  "  "   sent at one time         8.75
+
+TEN   "  "   sent at one time, and
+        one to Club getter           16.00
+
+TWENTY "  "   sent at one time, and
+               one to Club getter    30.00
+
+Address
+
+The Prairie Farmer Publishing Co.,
+Chicago. Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+This Elegant RING GIVEN AWAY
+
+[Illustration]
+
+This elegant 18K ROLLED GOLD WEDDING RING, equal in appearance to a $10
+ring, FREE TO ALL. Wishing to at once secure a large number of new
+subscribers to our well known literary and family paper, BACKLOG
+SKETCHES, and knowing that all who once read it will become regular
+subscribers, we make this most liberal offer to induce all to subscribe,
+firmly believing that in the future we shall be benefited in the
+increased business it will bring us. For only 25 Cents we will send
+BACKLOG SKETCHES three months ON TRIAL, and we will send every
+subscriber, absolutely FREE, this elegant 18K ROLLED GOLD RING. For $1,
+we send Backlog Sketches a year and send every subscriber free, a
+beautiful RING, WARRANTED SOLID GOLD. Backlog Sketches is a large, 16
+page, illustrated literary paper, size Harper's Weekly, every issue
+being filled with the most charming stories and sketches and choicest
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+now. Sample paper for stamp. Address
+
+BACKLOG PUBLISHING CO., AUGUSTA, MAINE
+
+CUT THIS OUT. IT WILL NOT APPEAR AGAIN.
+
+The above liberal offer, by a reliable firm, gives all a chance to get a
+valuable ring free. Subscribe now, before you forget it.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+GOLD MEDAL, PARIS, 1878.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+BAKER'S
+BREAKFAST COCOA.
+
+Warranted _absolutely pure Cocoa_, from which the excess of Oil has been
+removed. It has _three times the strength_ of Cocoa mixed with Starch,
+Arrowroot or Sugar, and is therefore far more economical. It is
+delicious, nourishing, strengthening, easily digested, and admirably
+adapted for invalids as well as for persons in health.
+
+SOLD BY GROCERS EVERYWHERE.
+
+W. BAKER & CO., Dorchester, Mass.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A DANGEROUS AMBUSCADE.
+
+Discovered Barely in Time--The Most Deceptive and Luring of Modern Evils
+Graphically Described.
+
+(_Syracuse Journal._)
+
+Something of a sensation was caused in this city yesterday by a rumor
+that one of our best-known citizens was about to publish a statement
+concerning some unusual experiences during his residence in Syracuse.
+How the rumor originated it is impossible to say, but a reporter
+immediately sought Dr. S. G. Martin, the gentleman in question, and
+secured the following interview:
+
+"What about this rumor, Doctor, that you are going to make a public
+statement of some important matters?"
+
+"Just about the same as you will find in all rumors--some truth; some
+fiction. I had contemplated making a publication of some remarkable
+episodes that have occurred in my life, but have not completed it as
+yet."
+
+"What is the nature of it, may I inquire?"
+
+"Why, the fact that I am a human being instead of a spirit. I have
+passed through one of the most wonderful ordeals that perhaps ever
+occurred to any man. The first intimation I had of it was several years
+ago, when I began to feel chilly at night and restless after retiring.
+Occasionally this would be varied by a soreness of the muscles and
+cramps in my arms and legs. I thought, as most people would think, that
+it was only a cold and so paid as little attention to it as possible.
+Shortly after this I noticed a peculiar catarrhal trouble and my throat
+also became inflamed. As if this were not variety enough I felt sharp
+pains in my chest, and a constant tendency to headache."
+
+"Why didn't you take the matter in hand and check it right where it
+was?"
+
+"Why doesn't everybody do so? Simply because they think it is only some
+trifling and passing disorder. These troubles did not come all at once
+and I thought it unmanly to heed them. I have found, though, that every
+physical neglect must be paid for and with large interest. Men can not
+draw drafts on their constitution without honoring them sometime. These
+minor symptoms I have described, grew until they were giants of agony. I
+became more nervous; had a strange fluttering of the heart, an inability
+to draw a long breath and an occasional numbness that was terribly
+suggestive of paralysis. How I could have been so blind as not to
+understand what this meant I can not imagine."
+
+"And did you do nothing?"
+
+"Yes, I traveled. In the spring of 1879 I went to Kansas and Colorado,
+and while in Denver, I was attacked with a mysterious hemorrage of the
+urinary organs and lost twenty pounds of flesh in three weeks. One day
+after my return I was taken with a terrible chill and at once advanced
+to a very severe attack of pneumonia. My left lung soon entirely filled
+with water and my legs and body became twice their natural size. I was
+obliged to sit upright in bed for several weeks in the midst of the
+severest agony, with my arms over my head, and constant fear of
+suffocation."
+
+"And did you still make no attempt to save yourself?"
+
+"Yes, I made frantic efforts. I tried everything that seemed to offer
+the least prospect of relief. I called a council of doctors and had them
+make an exhaustive chemical and microscopical examination of my
+condition. Five of the best physicians of Syracuse and several from
+another city said I must die!
+
+"It seemed as though their assertion was true for my feet became cold,
+my mouth parched, my eyes wore a fixed glassy stare, my body was covered
+with a cold, clammy death sweat, and I read my fate in the anxious
+expressions of my family and friends."
+
+"But the _finale_?"
+
+"Came at last. My wife, aroused to desperation, began to administer a
+remedy upon her own responsibility and while I grew better very slowly,
+I gained ground surely until, in brief, I have no trace of the terrible
+Bright's disease from which I was dying, and am a perfectly well man.
+This may sound like a romance, but it is true, and my life, health and
+what I am are due to Warner's Safe Cure, which I wish was known to and
+used by the thousands who I believe, are suffering this minute as I was
+originally. Does not such an experience as this justify me in making a
+public statement?"
+
+"It certainly does. But then Bright's disease is not a common complaint,
+doctor."
+
+"Not common! On the contrary it is one of the most common. The trouble
+is, few people know they have it. It has so few marked symptoms until
+its final stages that a person may have it for years, each year getting
+more and more in its power and not suspect it. It is quite natural I
+should feel enthusiastic over this remedy while my wife is even more so
+than I am. She knows of its being used with surprising results by many
+ladies for their own peculiar ailments, over which it has singular
+power."
+
+The statement drawn out by the above interview is amply confirmed by
+very many of our most prominent citizens, among them being Judge Reigel,
+and Col. James S. Goodrich, of the Times, while Gen. Dwight H. Bruce and
+Rev. Prof. W. P. Coddington, D. D., give the remedy their heartiest
+indorsement. In this age of wonders, surprising things are quite common,
+but an experience so unusual as that of Dr. Martin's and occurring here
+in our midst, may well cause comment and teach a lesson. It shows the
+necessity of guarding the slightest approach of physical disorder and by
+the means which has been proven the most reliable and efficient. It
+shows the depth to which one can sink and yet be rescued and it proves
+that few people need suffer if these truths are observed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TO PRESERVE THE HEALTH
+
+Use the Magneton Appliance Co.'s
+
+MAGNETIC LUNG PROTECTOR!
+
+PRICE ONLY $5.
+
+They are priceless to LADIES, GENTLEMEN, and CHILDREN with WEAK LUNGS;
+no case of PNEUMONIA OR CROUP is ever known where these garments are
+worn. They also prevent and cure HEART DIFFICULTIES, COLDS, RHEUMATISM,
+NEURALGIA, THROAT TROUBLES, DIPHTHERIA, CATARRH, AND ALL KINDRED
+DISEASES. Will WEAR any service for THREE YEARS. Are worn over the
+under-clothing.
+
+CATARRH, It is needless to describe the symptoms of this nauseous
+disease that is sapping the life and strength of only too many of the
+fairest and best of both sexes. Labor, study, and research in America,
+Europe, and Eastern lands, have resulted in the Magnetic Lung Protector,
+affording cure for Catarrh, a remedy which contains NO DRUGGING OF THE
+SYSTEM, and with the continuous stream of Magnetism permeating through
+the afflicted organs, MUST RESTORE THEM TO A HEALTHY ACTION. WE PLACE
+OUR PRICE for this Appliance at less than one-twentieth of the price
+asked by others for remedies upon which you take all the chances, and WE
+ESPECIALLY INVITE the patronage of the MANY PERSONS who have tried
+DRUGGING THE STOMACHS WITHOUT EFFECT.
+
+HOW TO OBTAIN This Appliance. Go to your druggist and ask for them. If
+they have not got them, write to the proprietors, enclosing the price,
+in letter at our risk, and they will be sent to you at once by mail,
+post paid.
+
+Send stamp for the "New Departure in Medical Treatment WITHOUT
+MEDICINE," with thousands of testimonials,
+
+              THE MAGNETON APPLIANCE CO.,
+                218 State Street, Chicago, Ill.
+
+NOTE.--Send one dollar in postage stamps or
+currency (in letter at our risk) with size of shoe
+usually worn, and try a pair of our Magnetic Insoles,
+and be convinced of the power residing in
+our Magnetic Appliances. Positively _no cold feet
+where they are worn, or money refunded_.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+AGENTS make over ONE hundred per cent. profit selling the
+
+REFLECTING SAFETY LAMP
+
+which can be sold in every family. Gives more light than three ordinary
+lamps. SAMPLE LAMP SENT FOR FIFTY CENTS IN STAMPS. We have other
+household articles. Send for circulars.
+
+FORSEE & MCMAKIN, CINCINNATI, O.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+PUBLICATIONS.
+
+MARSHALL M. KIRKMAN'S BOOKS ON RAILROAD TOPICS.
+
+DO YOU WANT TO BECOME A RAILROAD MAN
+
+IF YOU DO, THE BOOKS DESCRIBED BELOW POINT THE WAY.
+
+The most promising field for men of talent and ambition at the present
+day is the railroad service. The pay is large in many instances, while
+the service is continuous and honorable. Most of our railroad men began
+life on the farm. Of this class is the author of the accompanying books
+descriptive of railway operations, who has been connected continuously
+with railroads as a subordinate and officer for 27 years. He was brought
+up on a farm, and began railroading as a lad at $7 per month. He has
+written a number of standard books on various topics connected with the
+organization, construction, management and policy of railroads. These
+books are of interest not only to railroad men but to the general reader
+as well. They are indispensable to the student. They present every phase
+of railroad life, and are written in an easy and simple style that both
+interests and instructs. The books are as follows:
+
+"RAILWAY EXPENDITURES--THEIR EXTENT,
+OBJECT AND ECONOMY."--A Practical
+Treatise on Construction and Operation.
+In Two Volumes, 850 pages.                         $4.00
+
+"HAND BOOK OF RAILWAY EXPENDITURES."--Practical
+Directions for Keeping
+the Expenditure Accounts.                           2.00
+
+"RAILWAY REVENUE AND ITS COLLECTION."--And
+Explaining the Organization of
+Railroads.                                          2.50
+
+"THE BAGGAGE PARCEL AND MAIL TRAFFIC
+OF RAILROADS."--An interesting work
+on this important service; 425 pages.               2.00
+
+"TRAIN AND STATION SERVICE"--Giving
+The Principal Rules and Regulations governing
+Trains; 280 pages.                                  2.00
+
+"THE TRACK ACCOUNTS OF RAILROADS."--And
+how they should be kept. Pamphlet.                  1.00
+
+"THE FREIGHT TRAFFIC WAY-BILL."--Its
+Uses Illustrated and Described. Pamphlet.            .50
+
+"MUTUAL GUARANTEE."--A Treatise on Mutual
+Suretyship. Pamphlet.                                .50
+
+Any of the above books will be sent post paid on receipt
+of price, by
+
+PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO.,
+150 Monroe St.          CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+Money should be remitted by express, or by draft check or post office
+order.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ONLY ONE DOLLAR A YEAR.
+
+LOOK at this MAGNIFICENT OFFER for 1884. One of these beautiful Cluster
+Regard Rings or 7 BEAUTIFUL OIL CHROMOS, and these HANDSOME SOLITAIRE
+PARISIAN DIAMOND EAR DROPS. This is no humbug, but a chance that will
+never be offered again, as it appears but once. So do not let THIS
+CHANCE SLIP by when you can get any of these BEAUTIFUL ARTICLES by
+subscribing for the LEADING FAMILY STORY PAPER, HOUSEHOLD AND FARM,
+providing your order is received on or before MARCH 15TH, 1884. As we
+wish to introduce our Illustrated Family Paper, THE HOUSEHOLD AND FARM,
+in fifty thousand new homes, and in order to do so we make this
+wonderful offer. THE HOUSEHOLD AND FARM (Subscription price only $1.00
+per year), is a sixteen page family paper, illustrated, cut and bound,
+and same size as Harper's Weekly, and brimful of interesting reading for
+the household. This offer is only extended to ONE MEMBER OF EACH FAMILY,
+and will not be made again. Postage Stamps taken. Address,
+
+[Illustration]
+
+HOUSEHOLD & FARM, 9 Spruce Street,
+P. O. Box 2834. NEW YORK.
+
+
+
+
+HOUSEHOLD.
+
+    For nothing lovelier can be found
+    In woman than to study _household_ good.--_Milton._
+
+
+"GOING UP HEAD."
+
+AN OLD SOLDIER'S STORY.
+
+
+    The low school-house stood in a green Wabash wood
+      Lookin' out on long levels of corn like a sea--
+      A little log-house, hard benches, and we,
+    Big barefooted boys and rough 'uns, we stood
+      In line with the gals and tried to get 'head
+      At spellin' each day when the lessons was said.
+
+    But one, Bally Dean, tall, bony, and green
+      As green corn in the milk, stood fast at the foot--
+      Stood day after day, as if he'd been put
+    A soldier on guard there did poor Bally Dean.
+      And stupid! God made him so stupid I doubt--
+      But I guess God who made us knows what He's about.
+
+    He'd a long way to walk. But he wouldn't once talk
+      Of that, nor the chores for his mother who lay
+      A shakin' at home. Still, day after day
+    He stood at the foot till the class 'gan to mock!
+      Then to master he plead, "Oh I'd like to go head!"
+      Now it wasn't so much, but the way it was said.
+
+    Then the war struck the land! Why the barefooted band
+      It just nailed up that door: and the very next day,
+      With master for Cap'en, went marchin' away;
+    And Bally the butt of the whole Wabash band.
+      But he bore with it all, yet once firmly said,
+      "When I get back home, I'm agoin' up head!"
+
+    Oh, that school-house that stood in the wild Wabash wood!
+      The rank weeds were growin' like ghosts through the floor.
+      The squirrels hulled nuts on the sill of the door.
+    And the gals stood in groups scrapin' lint where they stood.
+      And we boys! How we sighed; how we sickened and died
+      For the days that had been, for a place at their side.
+
+    Then one fever-crazed and his better sense dazed
+      And dulled with heart-sickness all duty forgot;
+      Deserted, was taken, condemned to be shot!
+    And Bally Dean guardin' his comrade half crazed,
+      Slow paced up and down while he slept where he lay
+      In the tent waitin' death at the first flush of day.
+
+    And Bally Dean thought of the boy to be shot,
+      Of the fair girl he loved in the woods far away;
+      Of the true love that grew like a red rose of May;
+    And he stopped where he stood, and he thought and he thought
+      Then a sudden star fell, shootin' on overhead.
+      And he knew that his mother beckon'd onto the dead.
+
+    And he said what have I? Though I live though I die.
+      Who shall care for me now? Then the dull, muffled drum
+      Struck his ear, and he knew that the master had come
+    With the squad. And he passed in the tent with a sigh,
+      And the doomed lad crept forth, and the drowsy squad led
+      With low trailin' guns to the march of the dead.
+
+    Then with face turned away tow'rd a dim streak of day,
+      And his voice full of tears the poor bowed master said,
+      As he fell on his knees and uncovered his head:
+    "Come boys it is school time, let us all pray."
+      And we prayed. And the lad by the coffin alone
+      Was tearless, was silent, was still as a stone.
+
+    "In line," master said, and he stood at the head;
+      But he couldn't speak now. So he drew out his sword
+      And dropped the point low for the last fatal word.
+    Then the rifles rang out, and a soldier fell dead!
+      The master sprang forward. "Great Heaven," he said,
+      "It is Bally, poor Bally, and he's gone up head!"
+
+    --_Joaquin Miller._
+
+
+
+
+TOO FAT TO MARRY.
+
+
+A very fat young woman came to my office and asked to see me privately.
+When we were alone she said:
+
+"Are you sure no one can overhear us?"
+
+"Quite sure."
+
+"You won't laugh at me, will you?"
+
+"Madam, I should be unworthy of your confidence if I could be guilty of
+such a rudeness."
+
+"Thank you, sir; but no one ever called upon you on such a ridiculous
+errand. You won't think me an idiot, will you?"
+
+"I beg of you to go on."
+
+"You don't care to know my name or residence?"
+
+"Certainly not, if you care to conceal them."
+
+"I have called to consult you about the strangest thing in the world. I
+will tell you all. I am twenty-three years old. When I was nineteen I
+weighed 122 pounds; now I weigh 209; I am all filling up with fat. I can
+hardly breathe. The best young man that ever lived loves me, and has
+been on the point of asking me to marry him, but of course he sees I am
+growing worse all the time and he don't dare venture. I can't blame him.
+He is the noblest man in the world, and could marry any one he chooses.
+I don't blame him for not wishing to unite himself to such a tub as I
+am. Why, Doctor, you don't know how fat I am. I am a sight to behold.
+And now I have come to see if any thing can be done. I know you have
+studied up all sorts of curious subjects, and I thought you might be
+able to tell me how to get rid of this dreadful curse."
+
+She had been talking faster and faster, and with more and more feeling
+(after the manner of fat women, who are always emotional), until she
+broke down in hysterical sobs.
+
+I inquired about her habits--table and otherwise. She replied:
+
+"Oh, I starve myself; I don't eat enough to keep a canary bird alive,
+and yet I grow fatter and fatter all the time. I don't believe anything
+can be done for me. We all have our afflictions, and I suppose we ought
+to bear them with fortitude. I wouldn't mind for myself, but it's just
+breaking his heart; if it wasn't for him I could be reconciled."
+
+I then explained to her our nervous system, and the bearing certain
+conditions of one class of nerves has upon the deposition of adipose
+tissue. I soon saw she was not listening, but was mourning her sorrow.
+Then I asked her if she would be willing to follow a prescription I
+might give her.
+
+"Willing? willing?" she cried. "I would be willing to go through fire,
+or to have my flesh cut off with red-hot knives. There is nothing I
+would not be willing to endure if I could only get rid of this horrible
+condition."
+
+I prepared a prescription for her, and arranged that she should call
+upon me once a week, that I might supervise her progress and have
+frequent opportunities to encourage her. The prescription which I read
+to her was this:
+
+1. For breakfast eat a piece of beef or mutton as large as your hand,
+with a slice of white bread twice as large. For dinner the same amount
+of meat, or, if preferred, fish or poultry, with the same amount of
+farinaceous or vegetable food in the form of bread or potato. For
+supper, nothing.
+
+2. Drink only when greatly annoyed with thirst; then a mouthful of
+lemonade without sugar.
+
+3. Take three times a week some form of bath, in which there shall be
+immense perspiration. The Turkish bath is best. You must work, either in
+walking or some other way, several hours a day.
+
+"But, doctor, I can't walk; my feet are sore."
+
+"I thought that might be the case, but if the soles of your shoes are
+four inches broad, and are thick and strong, walking will not hurt your
+feet. You must walk or work until you perspire freely, every day of the
+week. Of course, you are in delicate health, with little endurance, but,
+as you have told me that you are willing to do anything, you are to work
+hard at something six or seven hours every day."
+
+4. You must rise early in the morning, and retire late at night. Much
+sleep fattens people.
+
+5. The terrible corset you have on, which compresses the center of the
+body, making you look a great deal fatter than you really are, must be
+taken off, and you must have a corset which any dress maker can fit to
+you--a corset for the lower part of the abdomen, which will raise this
+great mass and support it.
+
+"This is all the advice I have to give you at present. At first you will
+lose half a pound a day. In the first three months you will lose from
+twenty to thirty pounds. In six months, forty pounds. You will
+constantly improve in health, get over this excessive emotion, and be
+much stronger. Every one knows that a very fat horse weighing 1,200
+pounds, can be quickly reduced to 1,000 pounds with great improvement to
+activity and health. It is still easier with a human being. That you may
+know exactly what is being done, I wish you to be weighed; write the
+figures in your memorandum, and one week from now, when you come again,
+weigh yourself and tell me how much you have lost."
+
+I happened to be out of the city and did not see her until her second
+visit, two weeks from our last meeting. It was plain when she entered
+that already her system was being toned up, and when we were again in my
+private office, she said:
+
+"I have lost six and a half pounds; not quite as much as you told me,
+but I am delighted, though nearly starved. I have done exactly as you
+prescribed, and shall continue to if it kills me. You must be very
+careful not to make any mistakes, for I shall do just as you say. At
+first the thirst was dreadful. I thought I could not bear it. But now I
+have very little trouble with that."
+
+About four months after our first meeting this young woman brought a
+handsome young man with her, and after a pleasant chat, she said to me:
+
+"We are engaged; but I have told my friend that I shall not consent to
+become his wife until I have a decent shape. When I came to you I
+weighed 209 pounds; I now weigh 163 pounds. I am ten times as strong,
+active, and healthy as I was then, and I have made up my mind, for my
+friend has left it altogether to me, that when I have lost ten or
+fifteen pounds more, we shall send you the invitations."
+
+As the wedding day approached she brought the figures 152 on a card, and
+exclaimed, with her blue eyes running over:
+
+"I am the happiest girl in the world, and don't you think I have
+honestly earned it? I think I am a great deal happier than I should have
+been had I not worked for it."
+
+The papers said the bride was beautiful. I thought she was, and I
+suppose no one but herself and husband felt as much interested in that
+beauty as I did. I took a sort of scientific interest in it.
+
+We made the usual call upon them during the first month, and when, two
+months after the wedding, they were spending the evening with us, I
+asked him if his wife had told him about my relations with her
+avoirdupois? He laughed heartily, and replied:
+
+"Oh, yes, she has told me everything, I suppose: but wasn't it funny?"
+
+"Not very. I am sure you wouldn't have thought it funny if you could
+have heard our first interview. It was just the reverse of funny; don't
+you think so madam?"
+
+"I am sure it was the most anxious visit I ever paid any one. Doctor, my
+good husband says he should have married me just the same, but I think
+he would have been a goose if he had."
+
+"Yes," said the husband, "it was foreordained that we two should be
+one."
+
+"To be sure it was," replied the happy wife, "because it was
+foreordained that I should get rid of those horrid fifty-seven pounds. I
+am going down till I reach one hundred and forty pounds, and there I
+will stop, unless my husband says one hundred and thirty. I am willing
+do anything to please him."--_Dio Lewis' Monthly._
+
+
+
+
+ORNAMENTS FOR HOMES.
+
+
+It is not the most expensively furnished houses that are the most
+homelike, besides comparatively few persons have the means to gratify
+their love of pretty little ornaments with which to beautify their
+homes. It is really painful to visit some houses; there naked walls and
+cheerless rooms meet you yet there are many such, and children in them
+too. How much might these homes be brightened by careful forethought in
+making some little ornaments that are really of no expense, save the
+time.
+
+Comb cases, card receivers, letter holders, match safes, paper racks,
+cornucopias, and many other pretty and useful things can easily be made
+of nice clean paste board boxes (and the boxes are to be found in a
+variety of colors). For any of these cut out the parts and nicely sew
+them together, and the seams and raw edges can be covered with narrow
+strips of bright hued paper or tape. Ornament them with transfer or
+scrap pictures.
+
+I have seen very pretty vases for holding dried flowers and grasses,
+made of plain dark brown pasteboard, and the seams neatly covered with
+narrow strips of paper. Pretty ottomans can be made by covering any
+suitable sized box with a bit of carpeting, and stuffing the top with
+straw or cotton. Or, if the carpeting is not convenient, piece a
+covering of worsteds. A log cabin would be a pretty pattern.
+
+To amuse the children during the long winter months, make a scrap-book
+of pictures. Collect all the old illustrated books, papers, and
+magazines, and cut out the pictures and with mucilage nicely paste them
+in a book, first removing alternate leaves so it will not be too bulky.
+Perhaps this last remark is slightly wandering from my subject, but I
+can't help it, I love the little folks and want them happy. Cares and
+trouble will come to them soon enough. Autograph albums are quite the
+rage nowadays, and children get the idea and quite naturally think it
+pretty nice, and want an album too. For them make a pretty album in the
+form of a boot. For the outside use plain red cardboard; for the inside
+leaves use unruled paper; fasten at the top with two tiny bows of narrow
+blue ribbon. A lady sent my little girl an autograph album after this
+pattern for a birthday present and it is very neat indeed. Any of the
+little folks who want a pattern of it can have it and welcome by sending
+stamp to pay postage. For the wee little girl make a nice rag doll; it
+will please her quite as well as a boughten one, and certainly last much
+longer. I have a good pattern for a doll which you may also have if you
+wish it. A nice receptacle for pins, needles, thread, etc., can be made
+in form of an easy chair or sofa. Cut the part of pasteboard and cover
+the seat, arms, and back with cloth, and stuff with cotton. Brackets
+made of pasteboard will do service a long time.
+
+    MRS. F. A. WARNER
+        SOUTH SAGINAW, MICH.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+RAILROADS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A MAN WHO IS UNACQUAINTED WITH THE GEOGRAPHY OF THIS COUNTRY WILL SEE BY
+EXAMINING THIS MAP THAT THE
+
+CHICAGO, ROCK ISLAND & PACIFIC R'Y
+
+By the central position of its line, connects the East and the West by
+the shortest route, and carries passengers, without change of cars,
+between Chicago and Kansas City, Council Bluffs, Leavenworth, Atchison,
+Minneapolis and St. Paul. It connects in Union Depots with all the
+principal lines of road between the Atlantic and the Pacific Oceans. Its
+equipment is unrivaled and magnificent, being composed of Most
+Comfortable and Beautiful Day Coaches, Magnificent Horton Reclining
+Chair Cars, Pullman's Prettiest Palace Sleeping Cars, and the Best Line
+of Dining Cars in the World. Three Trains between Chicago and Missouri
+River Points. Two Trains between Chicago and Minneapolis and St. Paul,
+via the Famous
+
+"ALBERT LEA ROUTE."
+
+A New and Direct Line, via Seneca and Kankakee, has recently been opened
+between Richmond Norfolk, Newport News, Chattanooga, Atlanta, Augusta,
+Nashville, Louisville, Lexington, Cincinnati Indianapolis and Lafayette,
+and Omaha, Minneapolis and St. Paul and intermediate points.
+
+All Through Passengers Travel on Fast Express Trains.
+
+Tickets for sale at all principal Ticket Offices in the United States
+and Canada.
+
+Baggage checked through and rates of fare always as low as competitors
+that offer less advantages.
+
+For detailed information, get the Maps and Folders of the
+
+GREAT ROCK ISLAND ROUTE,
+
+At your nearest Ticket Office, or address
+
+R.R. CABLE,
+Vice-Pres. & Gen'l M'g'r,
+
+E. ST. JOHN,
+Gen'l Tkt. & Pass. Agt.
+
+CHICAGO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MAPS.
+
+RAND, McNALLY & CO.'S
+NEW RAILROAD
+--AND--
+COUNTY MAP
+--OF THE--
+UNITED STATES
+--AND--
+DOMINION OF CANADA.
+
+Size, 4 x 2-1/2 feet, mounted on rollers to hang on the wall. This is an
+
+ENTIRELY NEW MAP,
+
+Constructed from the most recent and authentic sources.
+
+--IT SHOWS--
+_ALL THE RAILROADS,_
+--AND--
+EVERY COUNTY AND PRINCIPAL TOWN
+--IN THE--
+UNITED STATES AND CANADA.
+
+A useful Map in every one's home, and place of business. PRICE, $2.00.
+
+Agents wanted, to whom liberal inducements will be given. Address
+
+RAND, McNALLY & CO.,
+Chicago, Ill.
+
+By arrangements with the publishers of this Map we are enabled to make
+the following liberal offer: To each person who will remit us $2.25 we
+will send copy of THE PRAIRIE FARMER One Year and THIS MAP
+POSTPAID. Address
+
+PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING CO.,
+CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
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+Arkansas and Texas."
+
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+reliable information as to crops, population, religious denominations,
+commerce, timber, Railroads, lands, etc., etc.
+
+Sent free to any address on receipt of a 2-cent stamp. Address
+
+H.C. TOWNSEND,
+GEN. PASSENGER AGT., ST. LOUIS, MO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+500 VIRGINIA FARMS & MILLS
+
+FOR SALE AND EXCHANGE. Write for free REAL ESTATE JOURNAL.
+
+R.B. CHAFFIN & CO., Richmond, Virginia.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER is the Cheapest and Best Agricultural Paper
+published. Only $2.00 per year.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+REMEMBER _that $2.00 pays for_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER _from this
+date to January 1, 1885; For $2.00 you get it for one year and a
+copy of_ THE PRAIRIE FARMER COUNTY MAP OF THE UNITED STATES,
+FREE! _This is the most liberal offer ever made by any first-class
+weekly agricultural paper in this country._
+
+
+
+
+OUR YOUNG FOLKS
+
+
+CHAT ABOUT A BEAR.
+
+
+As I promised you last week, I will try and tell you about the bear I
+saw a few months ago away down in Nova Scotia, not many miles from that
+quaint old city of Halifax. Do I hear some of THE PRAIRIE FARMER boys
+and girls exclaim, as a real grown-up lady did just before I left
+Chicago: "Halifax! why, yes, I have heard tell of the place, but did not
+think that anybody ever really went there." People do go there, however,
+by the hundreds in the summer time, and a most delightful, hospitable,
+charming class of inhabitants do they find the Blue Noses, as they are
+called--that is, when one goes to them very well introduced.
+
+But we will have a little talk about Halifax and surroundings when you
+have heard about the bear.
+
+Well, in the first place I did not, of course, see the bear in the city,
+but in a place called Sackville--a section of country about five miles
+long, and extending over hill and dale and valley; through woods and
+across streams. My host owned a beautiful farm--picturesquely beautiful
+only, not with a money-making beauty--situated upon the slope of a hill,
+where one could stand and look upon the most tender of melting sunsets,
+away off toward the broad old ocean.
+
+One morning as we were all gathered upon the front stoop, grandpa,
+mamma, baby, kitten and all, we looked down the valley and saw coming up
+the hill, led by two men, an immense yellow bear. One of the farm hands
+was sent to call the men and the bear up to the house. The men, who were
+Swiss, were glad enough to come, as they were taking bruin through the
+country to show off his tricks and make thereby a little money.
+
+The children were somewhat afraid at first, but soon felt quite safe
+when they saw he was firmly secured by a rope. Old bruin's keeper first
+gave him a drink of water, then poured a pailful over him, which he
+seemed to enjoy very much, as the day was a warm one. One of the men
+said something in Swiss, at which the bear gave a roar-like grunt and
+commenced to dance. Around and around the great lumbering fellow went on
+his two hind legs, holding his fore paws in the air. It was not what one
+would call a very "airy waltz," however. Again the keeper spoke, and
+immediately bruin threw himself upon the ground and turned somersaults,
+making us all laugh heartily. He then told him to shake hands (but all
+in Swiss), and it was too funny to see the great awkward animal waddle
+up on his hind legs and extend first one paw and then the other. But
+what interested us all most, both big and little, was to hear the man
+say, "Kisse me," and then to watch the bear throw out his long tongue
+and lick his keeper's face.
+
+We then gave the bear some milk to drink, when suddenly he gave a bound
+forward toward the baby. But he was securely tied, as we well knew. The
+milk roused all the beast's savage instincts, one of the men said.
+
+But what will interest you most of all will be the fact that on the farm
+(which consisted of five hundred acres, nearly all woodland) there were
+seen almost every morning the footprints of a real savage bear. The
+sheep were fast disappearing, and the farmers about were not a little
+worried. One day I went for a walk into these same woods, and such
+woods! you Western boys and girls could not possibly imagine them--the
+old moss-covered logs, and immense trees cut down years ago and left to
+lie there until all overgrown with mosses and lichens. I never before
+experienced such a feeling of solitude as in that walk of over a mile in
+length through those deep dark woods, where sometimes we had literally
+to cut our way through with our little hatchets (we always carried them
+with us when in the forest).
+
+As I sauntered on, those lines of Longfellow's in Evangeline, came
+unconsciously to my mind, so exactly did they describe the place:
+
+    This is the forest primeval. The murmuring pines and the hemlocks,
+    Bearded with moss, and in garments green, indistinct in the twilight,
+    Stand like Druids of old, with voices sad and prophetic.
+    Stand like harpers hoar, with beards that rest on their bosoms.
+    Loud from its rocky caverns, the deep voiced neighboring ocean
+    Speaks, and in accents disconsolate answers the wail of the forest.
+
+Nova Scotia is, as you all know the Acadian country of which our own
+fireside poet writes so beautifully. It was but a few miles from where I
+was visiting that the scene of Evangeline, that exquisitely tender
+romance which so thrills the hearts of both old and young, was laid. As
+I drove through the country, coming ever and anon unexpectedly upon one
+of the many beautiful lakes from half a mile to two miles in length, in
+fancy I pictured the fair Evangeline and her guide, the good Father
+Felician, skirting these lakes in a light canoe as they traversed the
+whole and through in the sad and fruitless search for the lost lover
+Gabriel.
+
+No wonder the soul of the poet was filled with such strange, mystic
+beauty which thus found expression in rhythm and song, for Acadia has an
+enchantment all its own and can best be interpreted by the diviner
+thought of the poet.
+
+But I am afraid, boys and girls, that I have chatted with you so long
+now that there will be scarcely room this week to touch upon Halifax.
+But, however, if you wish, I will try and talk to you about it next
+week, and tell you of some of the winter sports the little Blue Noses
+indulge in in the winter time.
+
+    MARY HOWE.
+
+
+
+
+A FAIRY STORY BY LITTLE JOHNNY.
+
+
+Me an Billy we ben readn fairy tales, an I never see such woppers. I bet
+the feller wich rote em will be burnt every tiny little bit up wen he
+dies, but Billy says they are all true but the facks. Uncle Ned sed cude
+I tell one, and I ast him wot about, and he sed: "Wel Johnny, as you got
+to do the tellin I'le leav the choice of subjeck entirely to you; jest
+giv us some thing about a little boy that went and sook his forten."
+
+So I sed: "One time there was a little boy went out for to seek his
+forten, and first thing he see was great big yello posy on a punkin
+vine."
+
+Then Uncle Ned he sed: "Johnny, was that the punkin vine wich your bed
+once had a bizness connection with?" But I didn't anser, only went on
+with the story.
+
+"So the little boy he wocked into the posy, and crold down the vine on
+his hands and kanees bout ten thousan hundred miles, till he come bime
+bi to a door, wich he opened an went in an found hisself in a grate big
+house, ofle nice like a kings pallows or a hotell. But the little boy
+dident find any body to home and went out a other door, where he see a
+ocion with a bote, and he got in the bote."
+
+Then Uncle Ned he sed a uther time: "Johnny, excuse the ignance of a man
+wich has been in Injy an evry were, but is it the regular thing for
+punkin vines to have sea side resorts in em?"
+
+But I only sed: "Wen the little boy had saild out of site of land the
+bote it sunk, and he went down, down, down in the water, like he was
+tied around the neck of a mill stone, till he was swollowed by a wale,
+cos wales is the largest of created beings wich plows the deep, but
+lions is the king of beests, an the American eagle can lick ol other
+birds, hooray! Wen the boy was a seekn his forten in the stummeck of the
+wales belly he cut to a fence, an wen he had got over the fence he found
+hisself in a rode runin thru a medder, and it was a ofle nice country
+fur as he cude see."
+
+Uncle Ned sed: "Did he put up at the same way side inn wich was
+patternized by Jonah wen he pennitrated to that part of the morl
+vinyerd?"
+
+But I said: "Bimebi he seen a rope hangin down from the ski, and he
+begin for to clime it up, a sayin, 'Snitchety, snatchety, up I go,' 'wot
+time is it old witch?' 'niggers as good as a white man,' 'fee-faw-fum,'
+'Chinese mus go,' 'all men is equil fore de law,' 'blitherum, blatherum,
+boo,' and all the words of madgick wich he cude think of. After a wile
+it got reel dark, but he kep on a climeing, and pretty sune he see a
+round spot of dalite over his hed, and then he cum up out of a well in a
+grate city."
+
+Jest then my father he came in, and he said: "Johnny, you get the bucket
+and go to the wel and fetch sum water for your mother to wash the
+potatoes."
+
+But I said it was Billy's tern, and Billy he sed twasent no sech thing,
+and I said he lide, and he hit me on the snoot of my nose, and we fot a
+fite, but victery percht upon the banners of my father, cos he had a
+stick. Then wile me and Billy was crying Uncle Ned he spoke up and
+begun: "One time there was a grate North American fairy taler--"
+
+But I jest fetched Mose a kick, wich is the cat, and went out and pitcht
+into Sammy Doppy, which licked me reel mean.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BREEDERS DIRECTORY.
+
+The following list embraces the names of responsible and reliable
+Breeders in their line, and parties wishing to purchase or obtain
+information can feel assured that they will be honorably dealt with:
+
+CATTLE.
+
+Jersey.
+
+Mills, Charles F.....................Springfield, Illinois
+
+HORSES.
+
+Clydesdales.
+
+Mills, Charles F.....................Springfield, Illinois
+
+SWINE.
+
+Berkshire.
+
+Mills, Charles F.....................Springfield, Illinois
+
+Chester Whites.
+
+W.A. Gilbert......................Wauwatosa Wis.
+
+SHEEP.
+
+Cotswold.
+
+Mills, Charles F.....................Springfield, Illinois
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+LIVE STOCK, Etc.
+
+
+Jersey Bulls.
+
+JERSEY BREEDERS desiring young bulls of the most approved form and
+breeding, and representing the families most noted for large yields of
+butter, will serve their interests by addressing the undersigned.
+
+Stock recorded in A. J. C. C. H. R.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Cotswold Sheep.
+
+CHOICE representatives of this large and popular breed of sheep for sale
+at prices satisfactory to buyers.
+
+Ewes and rams of different ages.
+
+Breeding stock recorded in the American Cotswold Record.
+
+CHAS. F. MILLS,
+
+Springfield, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+VICTORIA SWINE.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+FALSTAFF.
+
+Winner of First Prize Chicago Fat Stock Show 1878. Originators of this
+famous breed. Also breeders of Pekin Ducks and Light Brahma Fowls. Stock
+for sale. Send for circular A.
+
+SCHIEDT & DAVIS,
+
+Dyer, Lake Co. Ind.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+We will send you a watch or a chain BY MAIL OR EXPRESS, C. O. D., to be
+examined before paying any money and if not satisfactory, returned at
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+Catalogue of 250 styles free.
+
+EVERY WATCH WARRANTED. ADDRESS
+
+STANDARD AMERICAN WATCH CO.,
+
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+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MEDICAL.
+
+
+Weak Nervous Men
+
+[Illustration:]
+
+Whose DEBILITY, EXHAUSTED POWERS, premature decay and failure to
+perform LIFE'S DUTIES properly are caused by excesses, errors of
+youth, etc., will find a perfect and lasting restoration to ROBUST
+HEALTH and VIGOROUS MANHOOD in
+
+THE MARSTON BOLUS.
+
+Neither stomach drugging nor instruments. This treatment of NERVOUS
+DEBILITY and PHYSICAL DECAY is uniformly successful because based on
+perfect diagnosis, NEW AND DIRECT METHODS and absolute THOROUGHNESS.
+Full information and Treatise free.
+
+Address Consulting Physician of
+MARSTON REMEDY CO., 46W. 14th St., New York.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+TWO LADIES MET ONE DAY.
+
+One said to the other "By the way how is that Catarrh of yours?" "Why
+it's simply horrid, getting worse every day." "Well, why don't you try
+'DR. SYKES' SURE CURE,' I know it will cure you!" "Well, then I will,
+for I've tried everything else."
+
+Just six weeks afterward they met again and No. 1 said. "Why, how much
+better you look, what's up! Going to get married, or what?" "Well, yes,
+and it's all owing to 'DR. SYKES' SURE CURE FOR CATARRH;' oh, why
+didn't I know of it before? it's simply wonderful."
+
+Send 10 cents to Dr. C.R. Sykes, 181 Monroe street, Chicago, for
+valuable book of full information, and mention the "Two Ladies."
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+30 DAYS' TRIAL
+
+DR. DYE'S
+
+[Illustration]
+
+ELECTRO VOLTAIC BELT, and other ELECTRIC APPLIANCES. We will send on
+Thirty Days' Trial, TO MEN, YOUNG OR OLD, who are suffering from NERVOUS
+DEBILITY, LOST VITALITY, and those diseases of a PERSONAL NATURE
+resulting from ABUSES and OTHER CAUSES. Speedy relief and complete
+restoration to HEALTH, VIGOR and MANHOOD GUARANTEED. Send at once for
+Illustrated Pamphlet free. Address
+
+VOLTAIC BELT CO., MARSHALL, MICH.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+I CURE FITS!
+
+When I say cure I do not mean merely to stop them for a time and then
+have them return again, I mean a radical cure. I have made the disease
+of FITS, EPILEPSY or FALLING SICKNESS a life-long study. I warrant my
+remedy to cure the worst cases. Because others have failed is no reason
+for not now receiving a cure. Send at once for a treatise and a Free
+Bottle of my infallible remedy. Give Express and Post Office. It costs
+you nothing for a trial, and I will cure you.
+
+Address Dr. H. G. ROOT, 183 Pearl St., New York.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+BEST QUALITY.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+80 Cards
+
+New designs in Satin and Gold finish, with name, 10 cts. We offer $100
+for a pack of cards any nicer work, or prettier styles. _Samples free_.
+EAGLE CARD WORKS, NEW HAVEN, CT.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+
+DIAMONDS FREE!
+
+We desire to make the circulation of our paper 250,000 during the next
+six months. To accomplish which we will give absolutely free a genuine
+FIRST WATER Diamond Ring, and the Home Companion for one year, for
+only $2.00. Our reasons for making this unprecedented offer are as
+follows;
+
+A newspaper with 200,000 subscribers can get 1c. per line per 1,000 of
+circulation for its advertising space, or $5,000 per issue MORE than
+it costs to produce and mail the paper. With but 10,000 or 20,000
+subscribers, its advertising revenues do not pay expenses. Only the
+papers with mammoth circulations make fortunes for their owners,
+DERIVED FROM ADVERTISING SPACE. For these and other reasons, we regard
+100,000 subscribers as being of more financial benefit to a paper than
+the paper is to the subscribers. With 100,000 or 200,000 bona-fide
+subscribers, we make $100,000 to $200,000 a year clear profit from
+advertising, above cost of publishing. Without a large circulation, we
+would lose money. Therefore, to secure a very large circulation, and
+thus receive high rates and large profits from advertising space, this
+ONLY EQUITABLE plan of conducting business is adopted.
+
+THE FIRST QUESTION TO BE ANSWERED IS,--is the diamond pure--a genuine
+stone?
+
+OUR ANSWER IS YES.
+
+The stone is GUARANTEED to be no Alaska Diamond, Rhine Pebble, or other
+imitation, but a
+
+WARRANTED GENUINE AND PURE DIAMOND.
+
+If it is not found so by the most careful and searching tests, we will
+refund the money, enter the subscriber's name on our list, and have the
+paper mailed to him free during its existence. To the publisher of this
+paper has been sent a guarantee from the manufacturing Jeweler, from
+whom we obtain these rings, that they are just as represented, so that
+readers may rely upon the promises being fulfilled to the letter.
+
+The second question is, IS THE PAPER A DESIRABLE FAMILY JOURNAL? YES.
+It contains contributions from the first writers of the times: fiction,
+choice facts, intellectual food of the most interesting, instructive and
+refined character. It is one of the
+
+LEADING PAPERS OF THE PROGRESSIVE WEST.
+
+We are determined to make it the most desirable and reliable paper in
+the United States; will spare no effort or money to achieve that object.
+Sample Copies sent free on application. Remit by draft, express, or new
+postal note, to
+
+THE HOME COMPANION.
+N.W. Cor. Fourth and Race Streets, Cincinnati, O.
+
+Don't fail to name the paper in which you see this advertisement.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Don't be Humbugged With Poor, Cheap Coulters.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+All farmers have had trouble with their Coulters. In a few days they get
+to wabbling, are condemned and thrown aside. In our
+
+"BOSS" Coulter
+
+we furnish a tool which can scarcely be worn out; and when worn, the
+wearable parts, a prepared wood journal, and movable thimble in the hub
+(held in place by a key) can be easily and cheaply renewed. WE GUARANTEE
+OUR "BOSS" to plow more acres than any other three Coulters now used.
+
+OUR "O. K." CLAMP
+
+Attaches the Coulter to any size or kind of beam, either right or left
+hand plow. We know that after using it you will say it is THE BEST TOOL
+ON THE MARKET. Ask your dealer for it.
+
+Manufactured by the BOSS COULTER CO.,
+Bunker Hill, Ills.
+
+
+
+
+LITERATURE.
+
+
+FOR THOSE WHO FAIL.
+
+
+    "All honor to him who shall win the prize,"
+      The world has cried for a thousand years,
+    But to him who tries and who fails and dies
+      I give great honor and glory and tears.
+
+    Give glory and honor and pitiful tears
+      To all who fail in their deeds sublime,
+    Their ghosts are many in the van of years,
+      They were born with Time in advance of Time.
+
+    Oh, great is the hero who wins a name,
+      But greater many and many a time
+    Some pale-faced fellow who dies in shame
+      And lets God finish the thought sublime.
+
+    And great is the man with a sword undrawn,
+      And good is the man who refrains from wine;
+    But the man who fails and yet still fights on,
+      Lo, he is the twin-born brother of mine.
+
+    --_Joaquin Miller._
+
+
+
+
+A SINGULAR PHILOSOPHER.
+
+
+Hon. Henry Cavendish was born in England, Oct. 10, 1731, and died Feb.
+21, 1810. Cavendish was the son of Lord Charles Cavendish, a son of the
+Duke of Devonshire; and his mother was Lady Anne Grey, daughter of
+Henry, Duke of Kent. It is thus seen that the subject of this sketch
+belonged to two of the two most aristocratic, noble families in England,
+having for grandfathers the Dukes of Kent and Devonshire. This man, who
+became one of the most distinguished chemists and physicists of the age,
+born in high life, of exalted position and wealth, passed through the
+period of his boyhood and early manhood in utter obscurity, and a dense
+cloud rests upon his early life. Indeed, the place of his birth has been
+in dispute; some of his biographers asserting that he was born in
+England, others that he was born in France or Italy. It is now known
+that he was born at Nice, whither his mother had gone for the sake of
+health.
+
+It seems incredible that one highly distinguished, who lived and died so
+recently, should have almost entirely escaped observation until he had
+reached middle life. From fragments of his early history which have been
+collected, we learn that he was a peculiar boy,--shy, reticent, fond of
+solitary walks, without playfellows, and utterly insensible to the
+attractions of home and social life. He was born with inflexible
+reserve; and the love of retirement so manifest in in later life
+mastered all his instincts even when a boy. If he had been of poor and
+obscure parentage, it would not seem so strange that one who for nearly
+fifty years was a Fellow of the Royal Society, and for a lengthened
+period a member of the Institute of France, and an object of European
+interest to men of science, had no one to record the incidents of his
+early life. But he lost his mother when almost an infant, and this sad
+event probably influenced greatly his early career, and isolated him
+from the world in which he lived.
+
+We find him at Dr. Newcome's school at Hackney in 1742, and from this
+school he went directly to Cambridge, where he remained until 1753. He
+did not graduate, true to his odd instincts, although he spent the full
+period for a degree at Cambridge. No records of his college life have
+been preserved, and, as he went to London, it is wonderful that the next
+ten years of his life remain a blank. He joined the Royal Society in
+1760, but contributed nothing until 1766, when he published his first
+paper on "Factitious Airs." Cavendish was a great mathematician,
+electrician, astronomer, meteorologist, and as a chemist he was equally
+learned and original. He lived at a time when science was to a large
+extent but blank empiricism; even the philosophy of combustion was based
+on erroneous and absurd hypotheses, and the speculation of experimenters
+were wild and fantastic. He was the first to submit these speculations
+to crucial tests, to careful and accurate experiment; and the results
+which were given to the world introduced a new era in scientific
+knowledge. We have so much to say regarding the man, that we can only
+present a brief outline of his great discoveries. Alone, in a spacious
+house on Clapham Common, outside of London, did this singular man work
+through many long years, until he filled it with every possible device
+capable of unfolding or illustrating principles in science.
+
+At the time of a visit to London in 1856 this famous house was standing,
+and remained as it was when the owner left it, about a half century
+before. The exterior of the house would not attract special attention;
+but within, the whole world could not, perhaps, furnish a parallel.
+Anvils and forges, files and hammers, grindstones and tempering-troughs,
+furnaces and huge bellows, had converted the panelled and wall-frescoed
+drawing-room into the shop of a blacksmith. In the spacious dining-room
+chemical apparatus occupied the place of furniture. Electrical machines,
+Leyden-jars, eudiometers, thermometric scales, philosophical
+instruments, were distributed through the chambers. The third story,
+save two bed-chambers,--one for the housekeeper, the other for the
+footman,--had been fitted up for an observatory. The lenses and
+achromatic glasses, tubes and specula, concave mirrors, and
+object-prisms, and the huge, rough old telescope, peering through the
+roof, were still there as their owner had left them. All appliances of
+housekeeping were absent, and Cavendish House was destitute of all
+comforts, for which the owner had no taste.
+
+In this house Cavendish lived for nearly half a century, totally
+isolated from the world and all human sympathies. He seldom or never
+visited relatives, and they were never guests at his house. He had
+several servants, all of whom were males, with one exception. He was shy
+of women, and did not like to have them come in his way. If he saw his
+female servant in any of the rooms, he would order her away instantly,
+or fly himself to other quarters. Rarely, during all the years of his
+solitary life, did a woman cross his threshold; and, when one did, he
+would run from her as if she brought the plague. His servants were all
+trained to silence, and in giving his orders the fewest words possible
+were used. His meals were served irregularly, whenever in the intervals
+of absorbing labors, he could snatch a fragment of time. He uniformly
+dined upon one kind of meat,--a joint of mutton; and he seemed to have
+no knowledge that there were other kinds in the market.
+
+Upon one occasion he had invited a few scientific friends to dinner at
+Cavendish House, and when his servant asked him what he should provide,
+"A leg of mutton!" said Cavendish. "It will hardly be enough," said the
+servant. "Well, then get two." "Anything else, sir?" "Yes, get four legs
+of mutton."
+
+His dress was peculiar,--a snuff-colored coat reaching to his knees, a
+long vest of the same color, buff breeches, and a three-cornered hat.
+With him the fashion never changed; he had but one suit; not an extra
+coat, hat, or even two handkerchiefs. When his wardrobe gave out, and he
+was forced to see his tailor, he became very nervous. He would walk the
+room in agony, give orders to have the tailor sent for, and then
+immediately countermand the same. His shoes for fifty years were of one
+pattern; and when he took them off they were put in one place behind a
+door, and woe to the servant who accidentally displaced them. He hung
+his old three-cornered hat on one peg at his house, and when he attended
+the meetings of the Royal Society he had a peg in the hall known as
+"Cavendish's peg." If, through accident, it was taken by some member
+before his arrival, he would stop, look at the occupied peg, and then
+turn on his heel, and go back to his house. When he went to the
+meetings, he walked in the middle of the street, never on the sidewalk;
+and he invariably took the same route. Upon reaching the steps leading
+to the rooms, he would stop, hesitate, put his hand on the door-handle,
+and look about timidly, and sometimes return at a rapid pace.
+
+His cane, which he carried for fifty years, he placed upright in his
+left boot, which he took off at the door, covering his foot with a
+slipper. Once inside the rooms of the Royal Society, and surrounded by
+the most distinguished men of England and the world, he became
+excessively shy, and read his wonderful papers in an awkward manner.
+Applause of any kind he could not bear; and if in conversation any one
+praised his researches or papers, he would turn away abruptly, as if
+highly indignant. If he was appealed to as authority upon any point, he
+would dart away, and perhaps quit the hall for the evening. This man of
+great genius and vast acquirements was incapable of understanding or
+enduring praise or flattery. He sought in every possible way to escape
+recognition or notice, listened attentively to conversation, but seldom
+asked questions; never spoke of himself, or of what he had accomplished
+in the world of science.
+
+Cavendish was a man possessed of vast wealth, and, when he died, he was
+the richest bank-owner in all England.
+
+"At the age of forty, a large accession came to his fortune. His income
+already exceeded his expenditure. Pecuniary transactions were his
+aversion. Other matters occupied his attention. The legacy was therefore
+paid in to his bankers. It was safe there, and he gave it no more heed.
+One of the firm sought to see him at Clapham. In answer to the
+inquiries of the footman as to his Business, the banker replied to see
+Mr. Cavendish personally. 'You must wait, then,' responded the servant,
+'till he rings his bell.' The banker tarried for hours, when the
+long-expected bell rang. His name was announced. 'What does he want?'
+the master was heard to ask. 'A personal interview.' 'Send him up.' The
+banker appeared.
+
+"'I am come, sir, to ascertain your views concerning a sum of two
+hundred thousand pounds placed to your account.'
+
+"'Does it inconvenience you?' asked the philosopher. 'If so, transfer it
+elsewhere.'
+
+"'Inconvenience, sir? By no means,' replied the banker. 'But pardon me
+for suggesting that it is too large a sum to remain unproductive. Would
+you not like to invest it?'
+
+"'Invest it? Eh? Yes, if you will. Do as you like, but don't interrupt
+me about such things again. I have other matters to think about.'"
+
+With all his wealth it never occurred to him that others were in need,
+and that he might do good by benefactions. Solicited on one occasion to
+contribute to a charitable object, he exclaimed, "Give, eh! What do you
+want? How much?" "Give whatever you please, sir," said the solicitor.
+"Well, then, will ten thousand pounds do?"
+
+On another occasion he was forced, from circumstances, to attend a
+christening in a church; and, when it was intimated to him that it was
+customary to bestow some little present upon the attending nurse, he ran
+up to her, and poured into her lap a double handful of gold coins, and
+hastily departed. This was the only occasion on which he was known to
+cross the threshold of a church. Cavendish died possessed of five
+million dollars of property, and yet at no time had he the slightest
+knowledge of how much he had, and how it was invested. He despised
+money, and made as little use of it as possible.
+
+As regards matters of religion, he never troubled himself about them. He
+would never talk upon the subject, and probably never gave it a thought.
+All days of the week were alike to him: he was as busy on Sunday as on
+any other day. When asked by a friend what his views were of God, he
+replied, "Don't ask me such questions: I never think of them."
+
+The circumstances of Cavendish's death are as remarkable as his career
+in life.
+
+"Without premitory disease or sickness, or withdrawal from daily duties,
+or decadence of mental powers, or physical disability, he made up his
+mind that he was about to die. Closing his telescopes, putting his
+achromatic glasses in their several grooves, locking the doors of his
+laboratories, destroying the papers he deemed useless, and arranging
+those corrected for publication, he ascended to his sleeping-apartment
+and rang his bell. A servant appeared.
+
+"'Edgar,' said Cavendish, addressing him by name, 'listen! Have I ever
+commanded you to do an unreasonable thing?'
+
+"The man heard the question without astonishment, for he knew his
+master's eccentricities, and replied in the negative.
+
+"'And that being the case,' continued the old man, 'I believe I have a
+right to be obeyed.'
+
+"The domestic bowed his assent.
+
+"'I shall now give you my last command,' Cavendish went on to say, 'I am
+going to die. I shall, upon your departure, lock my room. Here let me be
+alone for eight hours. Tell no one. Let no person come near. When the
+time has passed, come and see if I am dead. If so, let Lord George
+Cavendish know. This is my last command. Now, go.'
+
+"The servant knew from long experience that to dispute his master's will
+would be useless. He bowed, therefore, and turned to go away.
+
+"'Stay--one word!' added Cavendish. 'Repeat exactly the order I have
+given.'
+
+"Edgar repeated the order, promised obedience once more, and retired
+from the chamber."
+
+The servant did not keep his promise, but called to his master's bedside
+Sir Everard Home, a distinguished physician.
+
+"Sir Everard inquired if he felt ill.
+
+"'I am not ill,' replied Cavendish; 'but I am about to die. Don't you
+think a man of eighty has lived long enough? Why am I disturbed? I had
+matters to arrange. Give me a glass of water.'
+
+"The glass of water was handed to him; he drank it, turned on his back,
+closed his eyes, and died.
+
+"This end of a great man, improbable as are some of the incidents
+narrated, is no fiction of imagination. Sir Everard Home's statement,
+read before the Royal Institution, corroborates every particular. The
+mental constitution of the philosopher, puzzling enough during his
+life, was shrouded certainly in even greater mystery in his death."
+
+It is as a chemist that Cavendish stands preeminent. Without
+instructors, without companionship, in the solitary rooms of his
+dwelling, he meditated and experimented. The result of his researches he
+communicated in papers read to the Royal Society, and these are quite
+numerous. He was the first to demonstrate the nature of atmospheric air
+and also of water. He was the discoverer of nitrogen and several gaseous
+bodies. He did much to overthrow the phlogiston theory, which was
+universally accepted in his time; and his researches upon arsenic were
+of the highest importance. There is scarcely any department of chemistry
+which he did not enrich by his discoveries. He was a close student of
+electrical phenomena, and made many discoveries in this department of
+research. He was also an astronomer and observed the heavens with his
+telescopes with the deepest interest. Some of his most important
+discoveries were unknown until after his death, as they were hidden in
+papers, which, for some reason, he would not publish.
+
+The life of this singular man was morally a blank, and can only be
+described by negations. He did not love; he did not hate; he did not
+hope; he did not worship. He separated himself from his fellow-men and
+from his God. There was nothing earnest, enthusiastic, heroic, in his
+nature, and as little that was mean, groveling, or ignoble. He was
+passionless, wholly destitute of emotion. Everything that required the
+exercise of fancy, imagination, faith, or affection, was distasteful to
+Cavendish. He had a clear head for thinking, a pair of eyes for
+observing, hands for experimenting and recording, and these were all.
+His brain was a calculating engine; his eyes, inlets of vision, not
+fountains of tears; his heart, an anatomical organ necessary for the
+circulation of the blood. If such a man can not be loved, he can not be
+abhorred or despised. He was as the Almighty made him, and he served an
+important end in the world.
+
+Such a man manifestly would never sit for his portrait. And he never
+did. It was taken by Borrow the painter, unobserved by Cavendish, while
+at a dinner-party given for the express purpose of securing the
+likeness. It is now in the British Museum. Cuts of this painting are
+rare.--_Popular Science News._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+AND
+
+YOUTH'S COMPANION
+
+ONE YEAR, $3 FOR THE TWO.
+
+It is not required that both papers be sent to one address, nor to the
+same post-office.
+
+  Address PRAIRIE FARMER PUB. CO.,
+  150 Monroe Street, Chicago.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEEDS, Etc.
+
+
+BUIST'S
+SEEDS
+ARE THE BEST.
+
+WARRANTED TO GIVE SATISFACTION OR MONEY RETURNED, SPECIAL-INDUCEMENTS
+FOR MARKET GARDENERS. OUR VALUABLE CATALOGUE OF 192 PAGES FREE TO ALL.
+
+SEED GROWER
+ROBERT BUIST, JR.
+PHILADELPHIA, PA.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration: FERRY'S SEED ANNUAL FOR 1884]
+
+Will be mailed FREE TO ALL applicants and to customers of last year
+without ordering it. It contains illustrations, prices, descriptions and
+directions for planting all Vegetable and Flower Seeds, Plants, etc.
+INVALUABLE TO ALL.
+
+D.M. FERRY & CO.
+DETROIT, Mich.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+J. B. ROOT & CO.'S
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Illustr'd Garden Manual of VEGETABLE and FLOWER SEEDS, ready for all
+applicants.
+
+Market Gardeners SEEDS a Specialty.
+
+Write for Wholesale Price-List, SENT FREE
+ROCKFORD, ILLINOIS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEED-POTATOES and SEEDS.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+60 newest varieties of potatoes. Garden seeds. Seed Grain, etc., at
+lowest prices. Illustrated catalogue and treatise on POTATO CULTURE,
+free. _J. W. WILSON, Austin, Ill._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEEDS!
+
+PLANTS--Catalogue Free.
+
+A. E. SPALDING,
+AINSWORTH, IOWA.
+
+
+
+
+HUMOROUS
+
+
+THE DONKEY'S DREAM.
+
+
+    A donkey laid him down to sleep,
+    And as he slept and snored full deep,
+    He was observed (strange sight) to weep,
+              As if in anguished mood.
+
+    A gentle mule that lay near by,
+    The donkey roused, and, with a sigh,
+    In kindly voice inquired why
+              Those tears he did exude.
+
+    The donkey, while he trembled o'er
+    And dropped cold sweat from every pore,
+    Made answer in a fearful roar:
+              "_I dreamed I was a dude!_"
+
+
+
+
+TOM TYPO.
+
+
+    Tom Typo was a printer good,
+      A merry, cheerful elf;
+    And whatsoever care he had,
+      He still "composed" himself.
+
+    Where duty called him he was found
+      Still working in his place;
+    But nothing tempted from his post--
+      Which really was the "case."
+
+    He courted pretty Emma Grey,
+      One of earth's living gems--
+    The sweetest Em, he used to say,
+      Among a thousand "ems."
+
+    So "chased" was Emma's love for Tom,
+      It met admiring eyes;
+    She "proved" a "copy" to her sex.
+      And wanted no "revise."
+
+    And Tom, he kept his "pages" clear
+      And grew to be a "type"
+    Of all that manhood holds most dear,
+      When he with age was ripe.
+
+    He made his last "impression" here
+      While yet his heart was warm,
+    Just in the "nick" closed his career,
+      And death "locked up his form."
+
+    He sank into his final rest
+      Without one sigh or moan;
+    His latest words--"Above my breast
+      Place no 'imposing stone.'"
+
+
+
+
+COURTSHIP OF A VASSAR GIRL.
+
+
+The parents and the old relatives are chatting over their darling's
+future. Meanwhile the fiances have escaped into the back parlor.
+
+Virginia--Where are you leading me to, John?
+
+John--I wish to tell you, while others forget us, how happy I am to
+marry you--you, so winning, so witty, the gem of Vassar College.
+
+Virginia--Oh! how many compliments to a poor graduate who only won the
+premium of rhetoric, and was second best in geometry.
+
+John--I love you, and worship you just as you are.
+
+V.--Oh, my friend, how anaphorical, and especially how epanaletical.
+
+J.--I don't understand.
+
+V.--I mean that you repeat yourself. It is the custom of lovers to abuse
+of the gorgiaques figures from the very protasis and exordium.
+
+J.--I love you because you are accomplished and perfect.
+
+V.--Did I not know you, I should think that you favored asteisin and
+ethossoia.
+
+J. (Somewhat abashed.)--Ah! do you see * * *
+
+V.--Why this aposiopesis?
+
+J.--Aposiopesis!
+
+V.--This reticence?
+
+J.--That is clearer. I acknowledge that the expressions you use annoy
+and trouble me.
+
+V.--You, on your side, speak a language stamped with schematism, while
+to be correct, even in making love, your language should be discursive.
+Allow me to tell you so frankly.
+
+J.--Anyhow, you do not doubt my love?
+
+V.--I pardon this epitrope, but pray use less metaphor and more litotes
+in the prosopography you dedicate to my modest entity--
+
+J.--What will you? Men love women; I am a man; therefore, I love you.
+
+V.--Your syllogism is perfect in its premises, but the conclusion is
+false.
+
+J.--Oh! you are a cruel angel!
+
+V.--I like that catachresis, but once again I repeat, I am practical,
+and prefer synedoche.
+
+J. [Very much perplexed.]--Will you continue the conversation in the
+garden?
+
+V.--Yes. (They go into the garden.) Look, here is a very lovely
+parallelogram of green surrounded by petasites. Let us sit under those
+maritamboues will you?
+
+J.--Willingly! Ah! here I am happy! My heart fills with joy; it seems to
+me it contains the universe.
+
+V.--You are speaking pure Spinozism.
+
+J.--When I think that you will be my wife, and I your husband! What will
+be our destiny!
+
+V.--The equation being given you are looking for the unknown quantity.
+Like you, I shall await the co-efficient.
+
+J. (Who is determined to follow out his own thoughts)--With the world of
+constellations above us, and nature surrounding us, admire with me those
+orbs sending us their pure light. Look up there at that star.
+
+V.--It is Allioth, neighbor to the polar star. They are nearing the
+cosmical moment, and if we remain here a few moments longer the
+occultation will take place.
+
+J. (Resignedly.)--And there those thousands of stars.
+
+V.--It is the galaxy. Admire also the syzygy of those orbs.
+
+J. (Exhausted.)--And the moon; do you see the moon?
+
+V.--It is at its zenith; it will be at its nadir in fifteen days, unless
+there are any occultations in the movements of that satellite.
+
+J.--How happy I am!
+
+(They go indoors.)
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The owner of a soap factory, who had been complained of for maintaining
+a nuisance, was terribly put out at the charge and explained to the
+court: "Your honor, the odors complained of can not exist!" "But here
+are twenty complaints." "Yes, but I have worked in my factory for the
+last fifteen years, and I'll take my oath I can not detect any smells."
+"As a rule, prisoner," replied the judge, as he sharpened his spectacles
+on his bootleg, "the best noses are on the outside of soap factories.
+You are fined $25 and costs." Moral: Where a soap factory and a
+school-house are at loggerheads the school should be removed.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+AND
+
+YOUTH'S COMPANION
+
+ONE YEAR, $3 FOR THE TWO.
+
+It is not required that both papers be sent to one address, nor to the
+same post-office.
+
+
+  Address PRAIRIE FARMER PUB. CO.,
+  150 Monroe Street, Chicago.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Illinois Central Railroad.
+
+The elegant equipment of coaches and sleepers being added to its various
+through routes is gaining it many friends. Its patrons fear no
+accidents. Its perfect track of steel, and solid road-bed, are a
+guarantee against them.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MEDICAL.
+
+
+DISEASE CURED
+Without Medicine.
+
+_A Valuable Discovery for supplying Magnetism to the Human System.
+Electricity and Magnetism utilized as never before for Healing the
+Sick._
+
+THE MAGNETON APPLIANCE CO.'s
+
+Magnetic Kidney Belt!
+
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+
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+Debility_, _Lumbago_, _General Debility_, _Rheumatism_, _Paralysis_,
+_Neuralgia_, _Sciatica_, _Diseases of the Kidneys_, _Spinal Diseases_,
+_Torpid Liver_, GOUT SEMINAL EMISSIONS, IMPOTENCY, ASTHMA, HEART
+DISEASE, DYSPEPSIA, CONSTIPATION, ERYSIPELAS, INDIGESTION, HERNIA OR
+RUPTURE, CATARRH, PILES, EPILEPSY, DUMB AGUE, ETC.
+
+When any debility of the GENERATIVE ORGANS occurs, LOST VITALITY, LACK
+OF NERVE FORCE AND VIGOR, WASTING WEAKNESS, and all those Diseases of a
+personal nature, from whatever cause, the continuous stream of Magnetism
+permeating through the parts, must restore them to a healthy action.
+There is no mistake about this appliance.
+
+TO THE LADIES:--If you are afflicted with LAME BACK, WEAKNESS OF THE
+SPINE, FALLING OF THE WOMB, LEUCORRHOEA, CHRONIC INFLAMMATION AND
+ULCERATION OF THE WOMB, INCIDENTAL HEMORRHAGE OR FLOODING, PAINFUL,
+SUPPRESSED, AND IRREGULAR MENSTRUATION, BARRENNESS, AND CHANGE OF LIFE,
+THIS IS THE BEST APPLIANCE AND CURATIVE AGENT KNOWN.
+
+For all forms of FEMALE DIFFICULTIES it is unsurpassed by anything
+before invented, both as a curative agent and as a source of power and
+vitalization.
+
+Price of either Belt with Magnetic Insoles, $10, sent by express C. O. D.,
+and examination allowed, or by mail on receipt of price. In ordering
+send measure of waist, and size of shoe. Remittance can be made in
+currency, sent in letter at our risk.
+
+The Magneton Garments are adapted to all ages, are worn over the
+under-clothing (NOT NEXT TO THE BODY LIKE THE MANY GALVANIC AND ELECTRIC
+HUMBUGS ADVERTISED SO EXTENSIVELY), and should be taken off at night.
+They hold their POWER FOREVER, and are worn at all seasons of the year.
+
+Send stamp for the "New Departure in Medical treatment WITHOUT
+MEDICINE," with thousands of testimonials.
+
+THE MAGNETON APPLIANCE CO.,
+218 State Street. Chicago, Ill.
+
+NOTE.--Send one dollar in postage stamps or currency (in letter at our
+risk) with size of shoe usually worn, and try a pair of our Magnetic
+Insoles, and be convinced of the power residing in our other Magnetic
+Appliances. Positively no cold feet when they are worn, or money
+refunded.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SELF CURE FREE
+
+Nervous   Lost      Weakness
+Debility  Manhood   and Decay
+
+A favorite prescription of a noted specialist (now retired.)
+Druggists can fill it. Address
+
+DR. WARD & CO., LOUISIANA, MO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SCALES.
+
+U.S. STANDARD SCALES,
+MANUFACTURED EXPRESSLY FOR
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+_Every Scale Guaranteed by the Manufacturers, and by Us, to be Perfect,
+and to give the Purchaser Satisfaction._
+
+The PRAIRIE FARMER Sent Two Years Free
+
+To any person ordering either size Wagon Scale at prices given below.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+2-Ton Wagon or Farm Scale (Platform 6 x 12 feet), $35; 3-Ton (7 x 13),
+$45; 5-Ton (8 x 14), $55. Beam Box, Brass Beam, Iron Levers, Steel
+Bearings, and full directions for setting up.
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER SENT 1 YEAR FREE!
+
+To any person ordering either of the following Scales, at prices named
+below.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Housekeeper's Scale--$4.00
+
+Weighing accurately from 1/4 oz. to 25 lbs. This is also a valuable
+Scale for Offices for Weighing Mail Matter. Tin Scoop, 50c. extra; Brass
+75c. extra.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Family Scale--$7.00.
+
+Weighs from 1/4 oz. to 240 lbs. Small articles weighed in Scoop, large
+ones on Platform. Size of Platform, 10-1/2 x 13-1/2 in.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+The Prairie Farmer Scale--$10.00
+
+Weighs from 2 oz. to 320 lbs. Size of Platform 14 x 19 inches. A
+convenient Scale for Small Farmers, Dairymen, etc.
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Platform Scales--4 Sizes.
+400 lbs., $15; 600 lbs., $20; 900 lbs., $24; 1,200 lbs., $28; Wheels and
+Axles, $2 extra.
+
+In ordering, give the Price and Description given above. All Scales
+Boxed and Delivered at Depot in Chicago. Give full shipping directions.
+Send money by Draft on Chicago or New York Post Office Order or
+Registered Letter. Address
+
+THE PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING COMPANY, CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISCELLANEOUS
+
+
+SEEDS FOR THE GARDEN, FARM & FIELD.
+
+ESTABLISHED 1845.
+
+Our Annual Catalogue, mailed free on application, published first of
+every January, contains full description and prices of RELIABLE
+VEGETABLE, TREE, FIELD AND FLOWER SEED, SEED GRAIN, SEED CORN, SEED
+POTATOES, ONION SETS, ETC; ALSO GARDEN DRILLS, CULTIVATORS, FERTILIZERS,
+ETC., with full information for growing and how to get our Seeds.
+
+Address PLANT SEED COMPANY,
+Nos. 812 & 814 N. 4th St.,    ST. LOUIS, MO.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+THE STANDARD REMINGTON TYPE-WRITER is acknowledged to be the only rapid
+and reliable writing machine. It has no rival. These machines are used
+for transcribing and general correspondence in every part of the globe,
+doing their work in almost every language. Any young man or woman of
+ordinary ability, having a practical knowledge of the use of this
+machine may find constant and remunerative employment. All machines and
+supplies, furnished by us, warranted. Satisfaction guaranteed or money
+refunded. Send for circulars. WYCKOFF, SEAMANS & BENEDICT, 38 East
+Madison St., Chicago, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEEDS
+
+ALBERT DICKINSON,
+
+Dealer in Timothy, Clover, Flax, Hungarian, Millet, Red Top, Blue
+Grass, Lawn Grass, Orchard Grass, Bird Seeds, &c.
+
+POP CORN.
+
+Warehouses  {115, 117 & 119 Kinzie St.
+            {104, 106, 108 & 110 Michigan St.
+OFFICE.      115 Kinzie St.
+CHICAGO, ILL.
+
+
+
+
+GENERAL NEWS.
+
+
+The State tax of Florida this year is but three mills.
+
+Hog cholera is again raging in Champaign county, Ill.
+
+A cat show is to be held in New York, beginning on the 23d inst.
+
+Ice harvesters along the Hudson river are on a strike for higher wages.
+
+The Ohio river is rapidly rising from the melting of heavy bodies of
+snow.
+
+Several heavy failures among grain dealers of New York occurred last
+week.
+
+Senator Anthony is unable to attend to the duties as President pro tem
+of the Senate.
+
+The glucose works at Buffalo N. Y., have been removed to Peoria, Ill.,
+and Levenworth, Kansas.
+
+On Friday last one murderer was hung in Virginia, another in South
+Carolina, and still another in California.
+
+A very heavy snow storm prevailed in Western and Northern N. Y., last
+week. It also extended to New England.
+
+The State Senate of Texas has passed a bill giving the public domain,
+except homesteads to actual settlers, to the public schools.
+
+There were over four thousand suicides in Paris last year, which is
+attributed to the tremendous pace at which the people live in France.
+
+The starch-sugar industry of the country consumes forty thousand bushels
+of corn per day, and the product is valued at about $10,000,000 per
+year.
+
+In attempting to slaughter a flock of prairie chickens near Fort Sill, a
+party of eight hunters grew so careless that three of their number were
+badly wounded.
+
+The employes in three of the nail-mills at Wareham, Mass., struck,
+Saturday, against reducing their wages ten per cent. The nailers and
+puddlers of Plymouth also struck.
+
+Canada is raising a standing army of 1,200 men to serve for three years.
+The full number applied at the recruiting office in Montreal, where the
+quota was only one hundred.
+
+The Grand Orient of France has issued an appeal to all the lodges of
+freemasons in the world asking a renewal of unity between the Grand
+Orient and all other branches of the masonic rite.
+
+The situation in Tonquin effectually ties the hands of France. The
+announcement of the blocking of Canton harbor is the only important
+event of the week in the Franco-Chinese struggle.
+
+Dr. Tanner, the famous faster, is practicing medicine in Jamestown, N.
+Y. The physicians of that city have made a fruitless attempt to secure
+his indictment by the grand jury as an illegal practitioner.
+
+The French press are advocating an organized effort against the
+prohibition of the importation of American pork. The prohibition, it is
+estimated, will cost the French ports 100,000,000 francs, and deprive
+the working people, besides, of cheap and wholesome food.
+
+Articles of incorporation were filed at Springfield, Saturday, for the
+building of a railroad from a point within five miles of the northeast
+corner of Cook county to a point in Rock Island county, on the
+Mississippi, opposite Muscatine, Iowa. The capital is $3,000,000, and
+among the incorporators are Joseph R. Reynolds, Edgar Terhune Holden,
+and Josiah Browne, of Chicago.
+
+
+
+
+CONGRESSIONAL.
+
+
+Senator Edmunds has again been chosen president pro tem of the Senate.
+Mr. Anthony, of Rhode Island, declares himself too ill to perform the
+duties of the position. On Monday nearly 500 bills were introduced into
+the House. The total number of bills introduced and referred since the
+session began, reaches nearly 4,000. There are many important measures
+among them, while there are more that are of somewhat doubtful import,
+especially those which look to a still further increase of the pension
+appropriations. There are bills for the regulation of banks and banking;
+several new bankruptcy acts; one reducing the fees on patents as
+follows: The fee upon filing original application for a patent is
+reduced from $15 to $5. The minimum fees for a design patent shall be $5
+instead of $10 and the minimum term for which granted shall be five
+instead of three and a half years; a bill to reorganize the infantry
+branch of the army; for reorganizing and increasing the navy; several to
+revise the tariff; to look after the forfeiture of land grants; to
+restrict importation of foreign adulterated goods; to stamp out
+contagious diseases of animals; to establish a department of commerce;
+to repeal the act prohibiting ex-confederate officers from serving in
+the United States army; to relieve Fitz John Porter, and hundreds of
+bills for the relief or benefit of individuals in different parts of the
+country. There are also bills for the regulation of transportation
+companies and for the establishment of a system of government telegraph.
+As yet no appropriation bills have been reported and the Ways and Means
+committee has but recently organized into subcommittees and has not
+begun the consideration of any subject. There is already business enough
+before this Congress to keep it in continuous session for years.
+
+
+
+
+MARKETS.
+
+
+FINANCIAL AND COMMERCIAL.
+
+OFFICE OF THE PRAIRIE FARMER,
+CHICAGO. Jan 15, 1884.
+
+
+There is an increased financial activity over last week. Bankers, on
+Monday, felt quite certain of a brisk week and were correspondingly
+cheerful. Interest rates are unchanged, being 6 and 7 per cent.
+
+Eastern exchange sold between banks at 60@70c per $1,000 premium, and
+closed firm.
+
+There is no change in Government securities.
+
+The New York stock market was weak, and it is reported that the New York
+millionaires such as Gould, Vanderbilt, Sage, etc., have suffered to the
+extent of several millions each by the late general shrinkage in the
+value of stocks. Nevertheless, it is in such times as these that the
+Vanderbilts of the country reap their richest harvests. They have money
+to buy depressed stock with, and when the wheel turns their investments
+again add to their wealth. The little fellows have to sacrifice all
+their cash and then go to the wall.
+
+Government securities are as follows:
+
+4's coupons, 1907              Q. Apr.   123-1/4
+4's reg., 1907                 Q. Apr.   123-1/4
+4-1/2's coupon, 1891           Q. Mar.   114-1/8
+4-1/2's registered, 1891       Q. Mar.   114-1/8
+3's registered                 Q. Mar.   100
+
+
+GRAIN AND PROVISIONS.
+
+There was more of a speculative feeling in the Chicago grain and
+provision markets yesterday than for some time. There was something of a
+recovery from the panicky feeling of Saturday, when the bulls had
+complete charge of the prices, but there was no advance.
+
+FLOUR was unchanged, the article not yet feeling the uncertain condition
+of the wheat market.
+
+Choice to favorite white winters              $5 25@5 50
+Fair to good brands of white winters           4 75@5 00
+Good to choice red winters                     5 00@5 50
+Prime to choice springs                        4 75@5 00
+Good to choice export stock, in sacks, extras  4 25@4 50
+Good to choice export stock, double extras     4 50@4 65
+Fair to good Minnesota springs                 4 50@4 75
+Choice to fancy Minnesota springs              5 25@5 75
+Patent springs                                 6 00@6 50
+Low grades                                     2 25@3 50
+
+WHEAT.--Red winter, No. 2, 97@99c; car lots of spring. No. 2, sold at
+89@90-1/2c; No. 3, do. 84-1/2@85c.
+
+CORN.--Moderately active. Car lots No 2, 53@53-7/8c; rejected, 46-1/2;
+new mixed, 49c.
+
+OATS.--No. 2 in store, closed 32-1/2@32-3/4.
+
+RYE.--May, in store 58@58-1/2.
+
+BARLEY.--No. 2, 59 in store; No. 3, 52-1/2c.
+
+FLAX.--Closed at $1 45 on track.
+
+TIMOTHY.--$1 28@1 35 per bushel. Little doing.
+
+CLOVER.--Quiet at $6 15@6 35 for prime.
+
+PROVISIONS.--Mess pork, February, $14 75@ 14 78 per bbl; Green hams,
+9-1/2c per lb. Short ribs, $7 47-1/2 per cwt.
+
+LARD.--January, $9 20; February, $9 75.
+
+
+LUMBER.
+
+Lumber unchanged. Quotations for green are as follows:
+
+Short dimension, per M               $ 9 50@10 00
+Long dimension, per M                 10 00@11 50
+Boards and strips, No. 2              11 00@13 00
+Boards and strips, medium             13 00@16 00
+Boards and strips, No. 1 choice       16 00@20 00
+Shingles, standard                     2 10@ 2 20
+Shingles, choice                       2 25@ 2 30
+Shingles, extra                        2 40@ 2 60
+Lath                                   1 65@ 1 70
+
+
+COUNTRY PRODUCE.
+
+NOTE.--The quotations for the articles named in the following list are
+generally for commission lots of goods and from first hands. While our
+prices are based as near as may be on the landing or wholesale rates,
+allowance must be made for selections and the sorting up for store
+distribution.
+
+BEANS.--Hand picked mediums $2 00@2 10. Hand picked navies, $2 15@2 20.
+
+BUTTER.--Dull and without change. Choice to extra creamery, 32@35c per
+lb.; fair to good do 25@32c; fair to choice dairy, 23@28c; common to
+choice packing stock fresh and sweet, 18@22c; ladle packed 10@13c; fresh
+made, streaked butter, 9@11c.
+
+BRAN.--Quoted at $11 87-1/2@13 50 per ton; extra choice $13.
+
+BROOM-CORN--Good to choice hurl 6-1/2@7-1/2c per lb; green self-working
+5@6c; red-tipped and pale do 4@5c; inside and covers 3@4c; common short
+corn 2-1/2@3-1/2c; crooked, and damaged, 2@4c, according to quality.
+
+CHEESE.--Choice full-cream cheddars 13@13-1/2c per lb; medium quality do
+9@10c; good to prime full cream flats 13@13-3/4c; skimmed cheddars
+9@10c; good skimmed flats 6@7c; hard-skimmed and common stock 3@4c.
+
+EGGS.--In a small way the best brands are quotable at 25@26c per dozen;
+20@23c for good ice house stock; 18@19c per pickled.
+
+HAY.--No 1 timothy $10@10 50 per ton; No 2 do $8 50@9 50; mixed do $7@8;
+upland prairie $8 00@10 75; No 1 prairie $6@7; No 2 do $4 50@5 50.
+Small bales sell at 25@50c per ton more than large bales.
+
+HIDES AND PELTS.--Green-cured light hides 8-1/4c per lb; do heavy cows
+8c; No 2 damaged green-salted hides 6c; green-salted calf 12@12-1/2
+cents; green-salted bull 6 c; dry-salted hides 11 cents; No. 2
+two-thirds price; No. 1 dry flint 14@14-1/2c. Sheep pelts salable at
+28@32c for the estimated amount of wash wool on each pelt. All branded
+and scratched hides are discounted 15 per cent from the price of No. 1.
+
+HOPS.--Prime to choice New York State hops 25@26c per lb; Pacific coast
+of 23@26c; fair to good Wisconsin 15@20c.
+
+POULTRY.--Prices for good to choice dry picked and unfrozen lots are:
+Turkeys 13@14c per lb; chickens 9@10c; ducks 12@13c; geese 9@11c. Thin,
+undesirable, and frozen stock 2@3c per lb less than these figures; live
+offerings nominal.
+
+POTATOES.--Good to choice 37@40c per bu. on track; common to fair
+30@35c. Illinois sweet potatoes range at $3 50@4 per bbl for yellow.
+Baltimore stock at $2 25@2 75, and Jerseys at $5. Red are dull and
+nominal.
+
+TALLOW AND GREASE.--No 1 country tallow 7@7-1/4c per lb; No 2 do
+6-1/4@6-1/2c. Prime white grease 6@6-1/2c; yellow 5-1/4@5-3/4c; brown
+4-1/2@5.
+
+VEGETABLES.--Cabbage, $8@12 per 100; celery, 25@35c per doz bunches;
+onions, $1 00@1 25 per bbl for yellow, and $1 for red; turnips,
+$1 35@1 50 per bbl for rutabagas, and $1 00 for white flat.
+
+WOOL.--from store range as follows for bright wools from Wisconsin,
+Illinois, Michigan, Indiana, and Eastern Iowa--dark Western lots
+generally ranging at 1@2c per lb. less.
+
+Coarse and dingy tub                           25@30
+Good medium tub                                31@34
+Unwashed bucks' fleeces                        14@15
+Fine unwashed heavy fleeces                    18@22
+Fine light unwashed heavy fleeces              22@23
+Coarse unwashed fleeces                        21@22
+Low medium unwashed fleeces                    24@25
+Fine medium unwashed fleeces                   26@27
+Fine washed fleeces                            32@33
+Coarse washed fleeces                          26@28
+Low medium washed fleeces                      30@32
+Fine medium washed fleeces                     34@35
+
+Colorado and Territory wools range as follows:
+
+Lowest grades                                  14@16
+Low medium                                     18@22
+Medium                                         22@26
+Fine                                           16@24
+
+Wools from New Mexico:
+
+Lowest grades                                  14@16
+Part improved                                  16@17
+Best improved                                  19@23
+
+Burry from 2c to 10c off: black 2c to 5c off.
+
+
+LIVE STOCK MARKETS.
+
+The total receipts and shipments for last week were as follows:
+
+                                  Received. Shipped.
+Cattle                               38,913   18,801
+Calves                                  216       37
+Hogs                                169,076   42,205
+Sheep                                24,595   14,225
+
+CATTLE.--Notwithstanding a reported advance in England, cattle did not
+improve in prices over Saturday. Indeed, there was a decline of a few
+cents per hundred. The supplies were large and the quality inferior.
+Indeed few really fat cattle came in during the week. Eastern markets
+were reported as over stocked. Shippers and dressed meat operators
+bought rather freely of common lots. We may quote as follows:
+
+Fancy fat cattle                                  $7 00@ 7 25
+Choice to prime steers                             6 25@ 6 85
+Fair to good shipping steers                       5 60@ 6 20
+Common to medium steers                            4 65@ 5 55
+Butcher's steers                                   4 50@ 5 00
+Cows and bulls, common to good                     3 25@ 4 50
+Inferior cows and bulls                            2 30@ 3 20
+Stockers                                           3 50@ 4 50
+Feeders                                            4 25@ 4 75
+Milch cows, per head                              25 00@55 00
+Veal calves, per 100 lbs.                          4 00@ 7 25
+
+HOGS.-There were fair receipts on Saturday and Monday--an aggregate of
+21,000 head or some 7,000 more than for the same days last week. As city
+packers are at work again, the market was quite active. They bought
+about 15,000 head, and shippers took nearly all that were left. Prices
+advanced from 5 to 10 cents. It may be said in general that the quality
+of the hogs now coming in is poor. Heavy lots were sold at $5 15@6 25;
+light hogs brought $5@5 60. Skips and culls $3 25@5.
+
+Note.--All sales of hogs are made subject to a shrinkage of 40 lbs for
+piggy sows and 80 lbs for stags. Dead hogs sell for 1-1/2c per lb for
+weights of 200 and over and [Transcriber's Note: blank in original] for
+weights of less than 100 lbs.
+
+SHEEP.--The supply was sufficient to meet the demand, though
+considerably less than on Monday of last week. Really choice animals
+were scarce. Shippers and butchers bought freely. Common lots were dull,
+bringing $5 25@5 50, while fancy lots sold at $5.75@6. Very inferior
+sheep sold at $2 50.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+COMMISSION MERCHANTS.
+
+J.H. WHITE & CO.,
+
+PRODUCE COMMISSION
+
+106 WATER ST., CHICAGO.
+
+Refers to this paper.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+
+First-Class Plants
+OF BEST VARIETIES OF SMALL FRUITS.
+
+Catalogues free. Address
+O. B. GALUSHA,
+Peoria, Ill.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+[Illustration]
+
+Print Your Own Cards
+
+Labels, Envelopes, etc. with our $3 PRINTING PRESS. Larger sizes for
+circulars, etc., $8 to $75. For pleasure, money making, young or old.
+Everything easy, printed instructions. Send 2 stamps for Catalogue of
+Presses, Type, Cards, etc., to the factory.
+
+KELSEY & CO., MERIDEN, CONN.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+FOR SALE.
+
+Pure bred Bronze Turkeys and Pekin Ducks. Also eggs in Season.
+
+MRS. J. F. FULTON,
+
+Petersburg. Ills.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MARLBORO RED RASPBERRY
+
+Send to the originators for history and terms. A. S. Caywood & Son,
+Marlboro, N. Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+PIG EXTRICATOR
+
+To aid animals in giving birth. Send for free circular to WM. DULIN,
+Avoca, Pottawattamie Co., Ia.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+EDUCATIONAL.
+
+
+UNIVERSITY OF THE STATE OF NEW YORK
+AMERICAN
+VETERINARY COLLEGE,
+141 WEST 54TH ST., NEW YORK CITY.
+
+The regular course of lectures commences in October each year. Circular
+and information can be had on application to
+
+A. LIAUTARD, M.D.V.S.,
+Dean of the Faculty.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SPECIAL OFFER.
+
+$67 FOR $18!
+
+[Illustration]
+
+A Superb New Family
+
+Sewing Machine!
+
+Combining all the most recent improvements, and now selling for $65, is
+offered by THE PRAIRIE FARMER PUBLISHING COMPANY to subscribers to THE
+PRAIRIE FARMER
+
+FOR $18,
+
+including one year's subscription to the paper.
+
+This exceptional offer will remain open for a few days only.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+SEWING SILK.
+
+Corticelli Sewing Silk,
+
+[Illustration]
+
+LADIES, TRY IT!
+
+The Best Sewing Silk Made.
+
+Every Spool Warranted.
+
+Full Length, Smooth and Strong.
+
+Ask your Storekeeper for Corticelli Silk.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+MISCELLANEOUS.
+
+
+1884.
+
+_Now is the Time to Subscribe._
+
+Harper's Periodicals.
+
+Per Year:
+
+HARPER'S MAGAZINE                                $4 00
+HARPER'S WEEKLY                                   4 00
+HARPER'S BAZAR                                    4 00
+HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE                             1 50
+HARPER'S FRANKLIN SQUARE LIBRARY,
+    One year (52 Numbers)                        10 00
+
+_Postage Free to all subscribers in the United States or
+Canada._
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+The Volumes of the WEEKLY and BAZAR begin with the first numbers for
+January, the Volumes of the YOUNG PEOPLE with the first Number for
+November, and the Volumes of the MAGAZINE with the Numbers for June and
+December of each year.
+
+Subscriptions will be entered with the Number of each Periodical current
+at the time of receipt of order, except in cases where the subscriber
+otherwise directs.
+
+Specimen copy of HARPER'S YOUNG PEOPLE sent on receipt of four cents in
+stamps.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+HARPER'S FRANKLIN SQUARE LIBRARY: A weekly publication, containing works
+of Travel, Biography, History, Fiction, and Poetry, at prices ranging
+from 10 to 25 cents per number. Full list of _Harper's Franklin Square
+Library_ will be furnished gratuitously on application to HARPER &
+BROTHERS.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+Remittances should be made by Post-Office Money Order or Draft, to avoid
+risk of loss. Address
+
+HARPER & BROTHERS, Franklin Square, N. Y.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+--> HARPER'S CATALOGUE, of between three and and four thousand volumes,
+mailed on receipt of Ten Cent in Postage Stamps.
+
+       *       *       *       *       *
+
+A NEW THING
+
+Every Farmer will have it. Saves them large sums of money; saves labor;
+pays a profit; honest business; Agents clear $20 to $30 a week
+introducing it; no risk to you; terms easy; full satisfaction; a harvest
+for live men with small capital. Address
+
+F. C. RENNER, New Midway, Frederick Co., Md.
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of Prairie Farmer, Vol. 56: No. 3,
+January 19, 1884., by Various
+
+*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK PRAIRIE FARMER ***
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