AGRICULTURAL MEMORANDA.
To preserve Cattle from Disease in the Winter.—When cattle are kept out in the winter, it is recommended as a useful practice to rub some tar at the root of the horn, which prevents the wet from getting between the root and the skin; and it is said, contributes so preserve the health of the animal, and to keep it free from various diseases to which it may otherwise be liable.
Rules for Milking Cows.—Cows should be milked three times a day, if fully fed, throughout the summer, and great caution should be exercised by the persons employed, to draw the milk from them completely, not only to encrease the quantity of produce, but to preserve its quality. Any portion which may be left in the udder, seems gradually to be absorbed into the system, and no more is formed than enough to supply what is taken away; and by the continuance of the same mode, a yet further dimunition of the secretion takes place, until at length scarcely any is produced. This last mode of milking is always practised when it is intended that a cow should be rendered dry.
Additional quantity of Milk to be gained by keeping Milch Cows in the house.—In the management of cows, a warm stable is highly necessary; and currying them like horses, not only affords them pleasure, but makes them give their milk more freely. They ought always to be kept clean, laid dry, and have plenty of good sweet water to drink. Cows treated in this manner, have given ten gallons of milk at a time, when within ten days of calving.
To prevent Cows from contracting bad habits while milking.—Cows should be always treated with great gentleness, and soothed by mild usage, especially when young and ticklish, or when the paps are tender, in which case the udder ought to be fomented with warm water before milking, and touched with the greatest gentleness, otherwise the cow will be in danger of contracting bad habits, becoming stubborn and unruly, and retaining her milk ever after. A cow never lets down her milk pleasantly to the person she dreads or dislikes. The udder and paps, should always be washed with clean water before milking; but care should be taken that none of that water be admitted into the milking pail.
Sir George M'Kenzie has discovered that oil rubbed upon the stems and branches of fruit trees destroys insects, and increases the fruit buds. Mr. John Linning, has added to the discovery, by using it successfully upon the stems of carnations, to guard them against the depredations of the earwig. The coarsest oil will suit, and only a small quantity is required.
To prevent smut in wheat.—Take four quarts of good lye, or a sufficient quantity to wet your seed, and add to it a bushel of wheat, stirring till the whole is alike wet, then sow it immediately, as the strong lye will injure the seed if delayed. The lye may be as strong as you can bare to sow without injury to the hand. A little tallow applied to the hand will prevent injury from the lye. I have continued this practice 12 years out of 20; and have never known it to fail of success. I have frequently made use of smutty wheat for seed, and found my crops perfectly free from smut. Much depends on having the lye sufficiently strong to take off the fuz on wheat.
JOSIAH BENJAMIN.
Berlin, April 26, 1820.
For preserving Eggs.—In March, put about half a pound of quick lime in a stone or earthen pot, and add a gallon of cold water;—next day fill the pot with new eggs, tie a paper over it and put the pot in a cool place. The eggs will be found perfectly good after being kept a year.
It is quite necessary to keep lime in the walks of your hens, as it causes their laying eggs throughout the winter.
FOR THE RURAL MAGAZINE.