Club Minutes: Enterprise Farmers Club, 1865-1872

53 Ans 1st. Generally agreed that it would be. as we could get a clearer idea of the question buy many of them are suggested during the discussions. 2nd. How many wish to change their seed oats, for a heavier kind from the north? Ans All agree that it is best to change. 3rd Is it best for a 3 yr old colt to breed? Ans 6. say no. 8 see no danger to them if the member tries it ___ disinterested. 4th A sow has 7 pigs 1 a runt would you keep or kill the runt ? Ans . Keep it. 5th What is the best kind of horse to raise for profit. Ans. An interesting discussion. Most thought work stock was generally most profitable. that there were four mares in the neighborhood fit to breed with blooded stock. That thoroughbred stock is best always. 6th How many mares would a thoroughbred imported Percheron horse get from the members of the club? Ans If terms more satisfactory about 10. 7th Shall the club buy a stallion? Ans. 6 yes. 7 no. 8th What is the best way to winter colts? Ans. Great diversity of opinion. Some contending that letting them "rough it," makes hardy and tough horses, others thought that taking care of them makes larger and finer horses.

9th What is the price for getting oak raile ? Ans $0.70 $0.75 $0.90 $1.00 10th Price per day for threshing $0.75 cts 10th Will corn and oats be higher or lower on the 1st of May? Ans 9 say higher, 4 about as now, 1 lower, 11th Will it pay to hire a saw to saw fire-wood? Ans Yes. Upon the whole an interesting meeting too much confussion at times Adjourned to meet at Philip T. Stablers 3rd. mo. 14th. 1868. G

3rd Mo 14th 1868. The meeting at Philip T. Stablers was well attended. The first the last the pervading interest of this meeting seemed to center in a very fine stallion which a Mr. Gaither had brought for us to see. The Club did not conclude to buy him at $15.00 but thought that a profitable stand could be made here abouts. After reading the minutes of the last meeting here we examined the promises. The ice house was well filled with ice and covered with sawdust. Our host showed us a combined self raking reaper & mower which appeared as though it would work beautifully and we were assured that it "does do so" The Texas cattle were improving and offer

strong inducements to comb & button makers and others workers in horn. In a field at hand a plow was at work some thought the ground was rather damp to plow at this season of the year. After taking another look at the stallion we adjourned to the house where the following subjects were discussed. 1st Ques. Is it best to work a 2 yr old mule colt? Ans No 2nd How late will it do to top dress mowing lands? Until the 1st of May or until the grass gets a good start. 3rd. What is lime worth at the quarry? 80 cts 4th Can it be burned successfully in a rick ? Yes. 5th Will it pay to feed a calf until it is 3 or 4 yrs old to increase its size? It was thougth so 6th What potatoes are best for table use Ans Buckeye & Early Goodrich for early use, Peach Blow for general use. 7th It was here suggested that when a member gets a peice of information which he thinks would benefit the other members that he communicate it to them. Will it pay to haul back loads of Refuse Gas House Lime? Ans No one had used it, but all thought it would pay to try it. 8th What crop is best to put in new ground? Ans Corn, tobacco & potatoes were recommended 9th What do with stumps after you take them out of the ground?

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Ans Put them in a compact heap and burn them in a dry time. 10th What fertilizers will you use on potatoes Ans Peruvian, Guano, Excelsior, Bone dust.

11th What is the best oil for harness. Ans Neats foot oil. A little Kerosene with it prevents the rats and mice from cutting them. Adjourned to meet at Robt M. Stabler's

4th Mo 11th 1868. G.

4^th Mo. 11^th 1868.

Met at Belmont one of the few good days of this rainey season.

The attendance of numbers was large, with several guests.

After the reading of the minutes of the last meeting here, we went forth to examine the farm and farming operations of our host.

The garden first attracted attention. It was as all we had seen - in a state of preparation only.

The barn-yard was confortable, the cattle looked well, showing that they receive good attention.

The corn-house was new, small, and had some corn in it.

The wheat looked well, but not as remarkable as our host's crop of last year.

The first grass field through

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which we passed had not set well, from some cause. The other fields looked promising. The questions of this meeting which were very numerous are partly as follows.

1st Ques. Does it pay to feed cattle on grain to start them well for pasture?

1st Ans A majority thought not, unless to make them ready for beef early.

2nd. Shall I sow clover seed now or wait for the ground to crack open? Ans Now

3rd How many potatoes will the club plant?

Ans. 101 1/4 acres.

4th How many acres of oats. Ans. 180 acres.

5th What is the quickest and cheaply made fence for temporary use?

Ans. 4 fork fence - galloping do

6th How many will sow plaster on grass? Ans 4.

7th What sized potatoes will you plant?

Ans. 2 small, 9 middle sized, 1 large

8th What do with "the field that was not set well in grass" Ans Pasture in

9th If you were going to get a combined Reaper and Mower, what kind would you get?

Ans 7 Kirby's, 5 Dodge's

10th After supper our host asked the club if they thought he could make a living on his farm?

Ans. Unanamously yes. Some one suggested that from the boutiful way in which he intertained his guests there was no danger of starving.