If a cow is in the habit of kicking, the milker by using a stool of this description, can have both hands to prevent her heels from coming in contact with the pail which sets firm upon the front part of the stool, steadied by his break a cow of the habit of kicking while beknees. He could in a short time effectually Tobacco Juice for Sheep! MR. EDITOR:-I have read your work very attentively, and like it much. But I have not as yet read one word about sick sheep. Perhaps your subscribers never have any that are sick, but I do. longer time, but was mixed with a much greater quantity of that or a like substance. If, then, by the use of cooked food they dispensed with part of the operations of nature, and sent the food quicker into the intestinal canal, they would dispense with the process of re-masti-ing milked. cation and re-insalivation; and he could understand why, although a large increase might take place in bulk, the animal might become bad. The digestive process depends materially upon the condition of the food; it is even possible, by giving cooked food, or food which was physically in the same condition with regard to fineness and moisture, to render ani- Once in a while I have one that will lie down, mals non-ruminative which are naturally ru-turn on its side, then get up and stretch itself minants; that is to say we may give them food out as long as possible, and then cramp itself that would be retained for a short time in the up into a heap, bringing its feet close together rumen, pass quickly into the true digestive under it, then lie down again. stomach and become subject to the action of the true digestion without undergoing re-mas-ing, after lying all night, and cannot, the use tication. We would thus interfere at once with the law of nature; if we cooked food at all, we ought not before cooking to reduce it too fine. If the straw be cut into lengths of from 4 to 6 inches, a cooking process may be set up so as to convert the amylaceous parts into su-juice cured them at once, and the same sheep gar, without interfering with the functions of have not been sick since. This was last winthe rumen; but such food would be re-masti- ter. I would be very glad to hear from anycated. Upon the whole, he was certainly not body on these subjects, as I am in the sheep in favor of the so-called system of cooking raising businnss, and need all the information food, either for the preservation of the health I can get. of the animal, or for the promotion of the process of digestion. A Two-story Milking Stool. Something new under the sun," in the shape of a milking-stool for kicking and unruly cows, is described by a correspondent of the Iowa Homestead. The stool can be made of inch boards, and has many advantages over the old-fashioned one. First procure a piece of board of sufficient size to accommodate the milker, and have in addition, room for the milk-pail. This may be put on legs of about eight inches in height. Then upon this, erect another seat or stool, covering half the space of the bottom one, for the milker to sit, thereby giving him a chance in front to let the pail remain firm and steady, not liable to get kicked over, and by being up from the ground kept free from dirt and mud, and so close to the udder as to prevent loss from milking over, &c. I have others that try to get up in the morn of their limbs being gone. Their ears lop, their head drops to the ground, and they won't eat anything. I had one lie two days in that way. I did not expect it to live. But, sir, in both cases, a few swallows of strong tobacco PLAINFIELD, OCt. 17, 1862. JAS. MOORE. REMARKS.-We are obliged to friend Moore for calling the attention of readers to the care, diseases, &c., of sheep. The late large increase in the demand for wool has turned the enterprize of our farmers into this channel, and it has been our desire also, that those who are most experienced in the business give their neighbors the benefit of their knowledge.-ED. QUANTITY OF FOOD FOR OXEN.-Frequent observations have shown that an ox will consume two per cent. of his weight of hay per day to maintain his condition. If put to moderate labor, an increase of this quantity to three per cent. will enable him to perform his work and still maintain his flesh. If he is to be fatted, he requires four and a half per cent. daily in nutritious food. Corn and Cob Meal, Fall Pasturing Meadow Land, &c. MR. EDITOR: With your permission, I will give my experience in relation to feeding corn and cob meal, and fall pasturing meadow land. I have found corn and cob meal to be excellent feed for all kinds of stock, if ground fine when perfectly dry, and fed in small quantities in the commencement. If not ground fine, it is apt to produce an irritation of the bowels, and if not dry, it is liable to heat and sour, more so than corn ground without the cob. I have found it beneficial to pasture meadow land in the fall, especially when the soil is of a light vegetable mold: provided, that the stock are not turned in, until the grass gets a good start, are not allowed to remain when the ground is wet and soft, nor to graze too close. I have noticed that grass on light soil is apt to remain in small stools-not spreading over all the ground, and that these stools are quite liable to be thrown out by the frost. Being fed off, causes them to tiller, and spread over the ground, and the treading of the cattle, packs the soil, making it firmer, so that the grass is not so liable to injury from frost. YOUNG FARMER. Gives a Remedy for Bark Lice. FRIEND HOYT:-I have read the FARMER with interest the past three years, and have profited some by the hints and suggestions that I find in them, and can cheerfully recommend it to every farmer in the State. I have searched in the columns of the FARMER for a remedy against the Bark Louse on the apple tree, but have not seen any that is so cheap and effectual as this: Sow good, dry ashes through the tops of the trees after a shower of rain, while they are wet. This can be performed with a very little labor, and it improves the tree wonderfully. P. PALMITER. TO MAKE SOWS OWN THEIR YOUNG.-A correspondent of the Boston Cultivator writes that he had a sow which would not own her pigs, and that after trying various things without effect, he gave her a pint of rum, which had the desired result. The rum was put into the swill, though he does not tell of what the swill consisted, but says, "she drank it like any old toper, and was perfectly quiet for three or four hours afterward." The Maine Farmer says the same prescription will prevent sows from eating their young. THE POULTERER. Fecundity of Hens. It would seem a providential arrangement in endowed with so great fecundity. The ordibehalf of man that the domestic hen should be nary praductiveness of a single hen is astonishing. Instances are recofded of hens laying over two hundred eggs annually, while probably one hundred and twenty would be a fair average. Undoubtedly much depends on circumstances as to the productiveness of hens.— Climate has great influence in this subject, and the lodging, food, and the attention which is bestowed upon these animals have more or less effect in promoting their fecundity. It is asserted by Buffon that a hen well fed and attended, will produce upward of one hundred and fifty eggs in a year, besides two broods of chickens. We find statements recorded in our agricultural journals of several instances of extraordinary products of hens, which will enable us to form some judgment on the subject. The editor of the Massachusetts Ploughman says from eighty-three hens seven thousand two hundred eggs were obtained, which would give to each hen eighty-four eggs for the year. A remarkable instance of fecundity in the hen is related by a correspondent: Three pullets of the Poland breed, hatched in June, commenced laying in December following, and, from that to the next December, laid five hundred and fifty-four eggs, averaging one hundred and eighty-five to each hen. It seems ever to have been an object of great importance in an economical point of view to secure the laying of hens during those periods of the year when, if left to themselves, they are indisposed to deposit their eggs. Old hens cannot be depended on for eggs in winter, the very time we want them most. As pullets do not moult the first year, they commence laying at an earlier period than the old hens; and it is possible so to arrange as to have eggs throughout the winter, as well as spring and summer. Some hens are ascertained to lay at longer intervals than others: some will lay one egg in three days; some every other day; others every day; and we have heard of one that laid two eggs in one day! The act of laying is not voluntary on the part of the hen, but is dependent upon her age, constitution, and diet. If she be young, healthy, and well fed, lay she must; if she is old, and half fed, lay she cannot. All that is left to her choice is where she should deposit her egg. C. N. BEMENT. THE BEE KEEPER. Important Facts in relation to Bee-Keeping. system is working a revolution which will, in a few years, increase the income from our apiaries to several millions of dollars in the State of Ohio. Europeans seem not to comprehend these improvements. The capital now lions of dollars, and is rapidly increasing. The introduction of the Italian bee, and of Mr. Twining's new method of controlling and managing bees are aiding the advancement of Mr. Langstroth's discoveries. PROF. HOYT:-In compliance with your request I herewith communicate some sugges-invested in bees in this State exceeds two miltions that may be of benefit to the readers of your valuable Journal, many of whom are interesting themselves in the science of Bee Culture. Intending this as but an introduction to a series of articles on this subject (should they be acceptable) I will not launch out too deeply at first, but will give a few extracts from a communication from the pen of the celebrated Dr. J. P. Kirtland, of Cleveland, O., in response to a letter of inquiry from me. Speaking of the management of his bees in early spring, he says he furnishes them with unbolted rye flour "placed in shallow boxes, with a little straw for them to alight uponimmense quantities of which they carry into their hives as a substitute for pollen," which "stimulates them to a rapid increase of brood." This rapid breeding in the spring, that the stock may be kept strong, being of primary importance to the Apiarist, is mentioned first; then come the answers to my questions. 1st Query.-What is your opinion with regard to the capacity of our country for producing honey. In conclusion I would say that I think that honey will, in a few years, essentially interfere with the use of sugar in the United States, as it did in Great Britain down to the time of Queen Elizabeth. 2d Querg. Have you any practical knowledge of its use for culinary purposes? Answer.—I have never tested its adaptation as a direct substitute for sugar in various culinary processes, but do not suppose it can be very universally used for such purposes, yet it obviates the necessity of preparing sweetmeats in a family, to a great extent. It forms the article of sweetening in the healthful Kennett's Ale, and I have little doubt it would be preferable to liquorice in the preparation of London Porter and all malt liquors. Honey as an article of food is nutritious and species of animal life can digest bee-comb, except the larva of the bee moth. The French are beginning to understand this matter, and now nearly all the honey among them is promptly strained, canned and sealed, while fresh and retaining its flavor. We shall do the same as we grow wiser. Answer. As a whole our country is peculiar-healthful, if taken separate from comb, but no ly fitted for the production of honey, different sections, however, differ greatly in this respect. My apiary in Laporte Co., Ind., yields three times as much as the one I cultivate here. Soil, climate, character of the forests and of the cultivated crops exert great influence. I know nothing of your vicinity, having never been nearer than Madison, but should infer that it was rather favorable for producing honey and pollen. No state in the Union has ever had its capacity for producing honey employed to one-third its extent, nor has Bee cultivation here attained that perfection which it has in certain parts of Europe. Taking the community at large, yet as both an art and a science, in the hands of a few, here it is greatly in the advance of Europe. The introduction of Mr. Langstroth's movable comb 3d Query.-What amount of honey do you think a strong stock of bees and their increase should produce, &c.? Answer. There are too many contingencies involved to allow a definite answer. Mr. Crowfoot's was certainly an extraordinary case. 5th Query.-Do you use the Langstroth hive? Answer. I do use the recently simplified and improved kind which he has just introduced. I look upon it as a perfect hive. Ransom & Cobb, of this city, have commenced the to Mr. Langstroth and myself, who are to test The Doctor not residing in a good honeyproducing section, is not aware of how well bees are doing in the hands of many in our more favored localities; nor does it appear to manufacture of it on an extensive scale, and afford it to persons having the right to its use, for $1.50 each, which ordinary mechanics cannot do. Besides, it is not only better than any other patent hive, but it is cheaper. They propose to furnish the whole Union. These late improvements are important in many particulars. It would be well for your bee culti-me that he is possessed of all the facts in revators to communicate with Ransom & Cobb gard to the use of honey for culinary purposes, in relation to them. some facts concerning which I will give in a J. M. STEBBINS. 6th Query.-What do you think of the merits future article. of his system of bee culture? APPLETON, Wis., Nov. 10, 1862. Chinese Mode of Taking Honey. Fortune gives the following account of the mode of taking honey in China: Answer. It is superior to any yet devised, and is working an important revolution in the apiarian's pursuits. It has already placed us (Americans) in the advance of European bee culturists. If Dzeiron and other Germans During my sojourn in this place, I had an opportunity of witnessing a novel mode of takcould visit Sturtevant's, or my apiary, and seeing honey from beehives. The Chinese hive is our modes of manipulating and cultivating the bee, they would say as the Ethiopean Queen did of old, when she visited Solomon. We follow out Langstroth's system in detail. 7th Query.-How many hives do you keep, and to what extent are you introducing the Italian bee? a very rude affair, and looks very different to Answer. I have 45 stocks at my home apiary, all Italian; and perhaps 50 or 60 stocks in in Laporte Co., Ind., all black bees. The lat-ed the partiality which the insects have for ter I may change this season, if I recover my health. Fifty is my limit for my home apiary, where half our land is water, and the remainder very poor for bee feeding. 200 is my maximum for Indiana, where the fields are prolific in bee feed. places of this kind, when they choose quarters for themselves, and have taken a lesson from circumstances. My landlord, who had a number of hives, having determined one day to take some honey from two of them, a halfin such matters, was sent for to perform the witted priest, who was famous for his prowess operation. The man, in addition to his priestly duties, had charge of the buffaloes which were kept on the farm attached to the temple. He came round in high glee, evidently considering his qualifications of no ordinary kind for the operation he was about to perform. Curious to witness his method of proceeding with the business, I left some work with which I was busy, and followed him and other priests and servants of the establishment to the place where the hives were fixed. The form of the hives, in this instance, was cylindrical; each was about three feet in height, and rather wider at the bottom than the top. When we reached the spot where the hives were placed, our operator jumped upon a table, placed there for the purpose, and gently lifted down one of the hives, placing it on its side on the table. He then took the movable top off, and the honey-comb with which the hive was quite full, was exposed to our view. In the mean time, an old priest having brought a large basin, and everything being ready, our friend commenced to cut out the honey-comb with a knife made apparently for the purpose, having the handle almost at right angles with the blade. Having taken out about one-third of the contents of the hive, the top was put on again, and the hive was elevated to its former position. The same operation was repeated with the second hive, and in a manner quite satisfactory. But it may be asked, "Where are the bees all this time?" and this is the most curious part of my story. They had not been killed by the fumes of brimstone, for it is contrary to the doctrines of the Budhist creed to take away animal life; nor had they been stupefied with fungus, as is sometimes done at home-but they were flying about above our heads in great numbers, and yet, although we were not protected in the slightest degree, not one of us was stung; and this was the more remarkable, as the bodies of the operators and servants were completely naked from the middle upwards. The charm was a simple one; it lay in a few dry stems and leaves of a species of Artemisia (wormwood), which grows wild on these hills, and which is largely used to drive that pest, the mosquito, out of the dwellings of the people. This plant is cut early in summer, sundried, then twisted into bands, and it is ready for use. At the commencement of the operation which I am describing, one end of the substance was ignited, and kept burning slowly as the work went on. The poor bees did not seem to know what to make of it. They were perfectly good tempered, and kept hovering about our heads, but being apparently quite incapable of doing us the slightest injury. When the hives were again properly fixed in their places, the charm was put out, and my host and his servants carried off the honey in triumph. The Langstroth Hive. [We have several answers to the question asked, sometime since relative to Langstroth Hive, but the publication of one will, of course suffice. The following is from Mr. R. C. Otis, joint proprietor with Mr. L.-ED.] Prof. J. W. HOYT-Dear Sir: In the August No. of the FARMER, I notice an inquiry concerning the Langstroth Movable Comb BeeHive. Having been absent from the State, this matter has not received the attention here that it deserves. Mr. J. M. Stebbins, of Appleton, has the exclusive agency for this State. He will fill Two Fine Autumn Pears. FLEMISH BEAUTY.-A most admirable pear for Wisconsin. The tree is a fine grower, extrmely hardy, bears young and is very productive. Fruit large, pale yellowish green with a reddish brown cheek and slightly russeted. Flesh, yellowish white, a little coarse, melting, juicy, sugary, rich, aromatic and delicious. It should be gathered early and ripened in the house, as, if suffered to remain on the tree too long it is apt to soften at the core and become flavorless. The Flemish Beauty should only be grown on the pear stock; occasionally but not usually, it succeeds on the quince. Robert Douglas, of Waukegan, has a Flemish Beauty tree planted in the spring of 1852, then two years from the bud. In 1860 it produced twelve baskets which sold for $30. In 1861 fifteen baskets for which he realized again $30. This year the tree was injured by a tornado, nearly half its top being broken off; three baskets of fruit were, however, gathered from the lower limbs, large and fine, 50 pears filling a basket. The tree is now full of promise for next year. Dr. Grant, near Newburgh, gathered 400 specimens from a tree of the Flemish Beauty, 8 years planted, which he sold for $30. WHITE DOYENNE-Virgalieu of N. Y., Butler Pear of Penn., St. Michael of Boston.-The many synonymes it bears are good evidence of the very universal esteem in which this fine old variety is held. The tree is a fair grower, hardy and productive. Fruit, medium or above. Pale yellow with small dots, often with a bright red cheek. Flesh, white, fine grained, buttery, melting, very rich and delicious, ripe in Oct. Does equally well on both pear and quince, the fruit needs thinning and the tree close pruning and good culture. In some localities the White Doyenne is liaall orders for hives, and sell individual, Town, ble to scab and crack, this has been the case and County Rights. KENOSHA, NOV. 13th, 1862. R. C. OTIS. of late about Milwaukee, it did well with us |