Bellefonte, Pa., July 18, 1890. = Farm Notes. Inventors have greatly lessened the labor of the farmer, compared with the mode of working of a farm twenty years ago. It is doubtful if farm work 1s as hard as that required in some other occupations. At the present time the farmer rides when he plows, when he harrows and when he cultivates the land, and he does more work in a day than formerly. Where a dozen men were required to cradle the wheat the farmer now sits on a seat and cuts, rakes and binds his wheat at one oper- ation, and can work a large field alone, With one cow that persistantly started, stepped and kicked, says Mr Cradall in the New York Tribune, it was at last discovered that she only did it when the teat was grasped high up when beginning to milk. The pressure of milk there at the time caused pain. By milking at first with but two or three fingers on the end of the teat and drawing downward so as to elongate it and relieve the pressure above,the cow was got to stand perfectly quiet. This plan may molify a number of““kickers.” A subscriber asks what 1s meant by “thumb and finger” pruning. It is simply to remove all new shoots that appear on the trunks by picking them off. This applies also to any shoots left on trees or vines which are to be shortened by pinching off the ends, which prevents growth, except in the laterals therefrom. By pinching the ends of some plants they become more stocky. Always endeavor to secure the healthy growth of plants. By produc- ing a thrifty, well-matured crop you se- cure that which is nutritious and adapt- ed for the purposes required, but when the crop is weak and immature you will secure only woody fibre and water. A matured crop not only gives a larger quantity of food for stock, but also that which will give good results in propor- tion. “G. K. H.” asks how to drive black ants from his shrubbery. By freely dusting the leaves, twigs, trunk and the ground over the roots and around the base ot the trunk with good, fresh insect powder the ants will be destroy ed. It may be mentioned, however, that the ants destroy aphides (which may be the real enemies,) but the in- sect powder will be effectual in either ‘case. A prominent stock-breeder says: In raising colts I teach them to eat, and have them on full feed of bran and oats before they are weaned, and I can wean them at four months without any loss of flesh. I feed no corn until past 2 years old, but feed liberally with bran, carrots and oats, and all the cornfodder or clover hay that they will eat, and maintain a steady growth all winter. Somebody estimates that an acre of clover will make 600 pounds of pork. Whether this will pay or not depends on how the clover is fed, the manage- ment of the hogs and the value of the land and crop. Clover will probably pay better if fed to cows, but even in that case the value will depend on the manure as much as on the milk. If you wish to grow a crop of fod- der corn do not be tempted to plaat too thickly. One stalk in a place, one foot apart in the row, is better for cultiva- tion, and permits of more air and sun- light to the plants. Cut the corn well and stack under shelter, which will keep it bright and clean. The blackberry crop is being gradu- ally rednced every year, owing to the insect attacks, which could be avoided if growers would unite in destroying the old canes. The failure on the part of a single grower to do so causes in- jury to the crops of a whole neighbor - hood and prevents extermination of insect pests. Mixed grasses are better for stock than a single variety. No matter how valuable any particular grass crop may be, or how large the yieid, the stock will thrive better if fed on a vari- aty. The individual preferences of the cattle differ, and they will at all times accept a change of food, which promotes appetite and thrift. Ifyou wish to preserve eggs for next fall or winter remove all males from the yards.» The hens will lay well without the presence of males, and the eggs will keep three times as long as those that are from hens in company with males. This is an important point in preserving eggs. Some farmers are afraid to use large amounts of manure for fear that the manure will “burn” the crop. It is doubtfui if any kind of crop is injured in that manner, unless during a very unfavorable season, but many crops fail because not enough manure is used. Improvement goes on in all branch- es. Eyenthe beekeepers now know how to cross and to improve their stock. There are almost as many va- rieties of bees as there are of cattle. Over seventy-five breeds of fowls are now bred to a standard of points. Do not sell off an inferior animal until it is prepared for the market. To attempt to sell poor stock is but little better than giving it away. Make it fat, thus increasing the price per pound as well as securing greater weight. High prices for good animals are not confined to any class. Imported dogs have cost $1000. Three buff Co- chin fowls sold at New York last Feb- roary for $100, and an Oxford Down ram sold a few years ago for $5000. During the summer it is’ better to avoid corn as feed for horses than to use it. Plenty of hay is the best food, with a small allowance of oats twice a day. Itisof no: advantage to have the horses very fat. Put in your turnip crop. It pay you in the winter season. will " Robt. McCalmont, Horse Whims. Some delicate feeding horses have queer freaks. It requires as much pa- tience and skill to manage such horses as it does to manage some delicate, pampered and spoiled children. Some of these thin-skinned, long-legged, slab- sided, pale-colored, coatless horses tor a time reject food altogether if given too plentifully, too eparely, too cold, too hot, too coarse, too wet, too dry. Some must drink before eating. Some of these horses will not eat in company, some iusist upon company. Some are so timid that a horse in the next stall prevents their feeding. Some tire of oats, bran, meal, hay. Such horses require a variety of food. Carrots will be taken by nearly all. As a rule deli- cate feeders are equally delicate work- ers and prefer short drives, It is ad- visable to get rid of these horses or any animal of the kind. Although for an honest and honorable man trading horses seldom proves profitable, yet the chances with delicate horses are two to one that the trader of the delicate horse will have the best of the bargain. To save trouble and time a few lines spe- cifically written, signed and witnessed will also prove of service. It may be possible for a truly Christian gentleman to trade horses without seriously impair- ing his manhood. CorN AND CHICKEN Prr.—Take eighteen ears of corn, cut off the grains, season with salt and pepper. Cut three spring chickens into quarters and par- boil with their gizzards and livers. Have ready a deep baking dish ; cover the bottom