Evanston, Ill.
What State provisions are there for the benefit of feeble-minded persons? Give the number of the blind, deaf, and feeble-minded in this State.
Catharine Donnovan.
Answer.—According to the report of the Commissioner of Education, the number of idiots and feeble-minded children in Illinois in 1889 was 4,170; of blind, 2,615; of deaf mutes, 2,202. The United States makes no provision for these classes. That is left to State legislation. State institutions for the feeble-minded are located at Syracuse, N. Y.; Columbus, Ohio; Faribault, Minn.; Glenwood, Iowa; Frankfort, Ky., and Lincoln, Ill. At Columbus, Syracuse, and Faribault children are taught the elementary branches, and have various occupations for physical exercise; at Glenwood much attention is given to kindergarten training; at Frankfort, to physical development. In our State institution the children are divided into ten classes, the three highest being graded, and, in addition to the common branches, they are taught vocal music and calisthenics:[;?] also sewing, gardening, and other occupations.
ARTICHOKES.
Juniata, Neb.
Please state the value of artichokes as food for hogs. How should they be raised?
John Cowan.
Answer.—At one time artichokes were supposed to be very watery and injurious food for swine, but a careful analysis has proved that they are not less nutritious than potatoes. In the Western States they grow wild in great quantities, and the roots are greedily devoured by the hogs. The Brazil variety should be extensively cultivated in a well-drained soil, as it is hardy and easily raised. The American Encyclopedia of Agriculture gives the following instructions for cultivating them: “Furrow the ground four feet apart and plant the tubers an inch below the surface and about ten inches apart, covering about two inches. Keep free from weeds with the ordinary two-horse corn-cultivator. Dig in the fall and leave the tubers to be rooted out by the hogs in autumn, winter, and spring. They bear great heat and drought, and are excellent food for horses, cows and sheep in winter if used in connection with food and salt.