Loading...
The Seaforth News, 1962-03-22, Page 3A Crust On The Snow Means Rare Fen This winter has brought to our section of Maine the most won- derful asset — a crust, it has been a long time slice we have had a crust like this, and truth is the people today don't know what to do with it. The whole countryside is covered with about a foot a, snow, atop whlch is a thick, hard ice cover on which we oan actually skate, Our col- lege freshman, Kathie, can't re- member such a crust, so it has been a time. I think it's significant that so many people, seeing the crust, said, more -or -less, "Hope they didn't get this on the ski slopes!" Such ice would spoil ski snow, and this shows how people feel, today, about winter sports. (I'd better add that our ski slopes in Maine up at Saddleback and Sugarloaf didn't get it, and that conditions there are called "ex- cellent"1) We had a little snow which changed to a kind of corn -meal sleet, and then a brisk rain, after which a week of cold • weather set in, I got up the next morning and started for the barn, and wentend-over-end with a pail of water, thus discovering the. crust, It was so slippery our clog Prince chased a cat, and they were both walking. A crust was not at all unusual in former times, and to those who think the weather is chang- ing this fact lends support, Slid- ing on the crust was a usual thing. If the snow was deep enough before the crust formed the stone walls that separate our ' fields would be covered and sleds could go,' truly, for miles. Long down hill slopes would give you momentum to go up others, end you could ' keep going, It was possible to start on our ridge and end up away down in the valley bele*, with the whole community, old and young, all sliding along together on every kind of a sled you can imagine. You could take a pung and tie the shafts up and a whole family could sit up in it and ride, but since somebody had to 'get the pung home again -this wasn't too good, It was something you did about once, because as you toiled back uphill with a pung you saw that a mistake had been made, The factory -made sleds. lately available for children w erre' scarcer in the old days, and the 11[�nianner in whioh you can -twist fire runners and steer them meant nothing on a crust. A round-run- nered, homemade sled was best, end you rode it belly -bumps and ragged a' foot to snake it turn. And, such is a crust, you didn't always succeed, and you seldom ended up where you thought you would. Naturally I got the old eight - foot sled down from the barn chamber, and since it has been long years since anybody rode it, I had to put the sandpaper to the runners and grind off the rust. There was something sad about doing that — to think that so many years had passed -with- out using the sled that 'this rust had formed. When we put it up in the barn, and I'm going to say it was 20 years ago, 1 wiped and oiled the runners, but time had out -stayed that care, On the crust in the .dooryard, when I had fin- ished, a great brown stain lay. ha a circle about the work. But the runners were smooth again. Kathie and I pulled it up into ' the far orchard, in the corner un- der the big oak tree, and we pointed it right and -got on, She bat in the bow, holding the rope, ser feet braced on the footrests, end I gave a push and flung on ready to drag if occasion requir- ed, Missing apple trees right and left, we slid back and forth across rthe orchard as the land allowed, , and •then shot the gap into the Meadow. We streaked across the meadow, down a run, and then jumped a hogback and carne out behind our neighbor's house. Through another gap we caught the downhill of our lower field, and with great presence of mind we plowed into a stand of pine et our lower line. 'Under the trees the rain had not built up so much crust, so we fell_ through It 'and stunned with a jerk that brought my pants up around my neck, and -put Kathie into a perky juniper by way of what the na- tators call a swan dive, Nobody ever had any more fun, We tried it again and found that the route is variable, In- stead of shooting the gap out of the orchard we stewed around and headed. for the blackberry patch, and net liking this pros- pect we both fell off the sled and slid unsledded for a quarter of a mile down the swale, .The sled went through the blackberry patch and in under the barn. There is no way, probably, that manufactured sports can create a crust, We can lap off the woods on a mountain, bulldoze trails and runs, erect great towers and have tramways, and w e can make Me and bobsled runs, And we can advertise and allow family rates, and create a popularity, But a crust comes by itself, and is a great gift, It turns the whole region into a rink, and I think it is lamentable that we have had this fine crust upon us all this time and so few people had..time or inclination to enjoy it, A few, Yes — but not as it used to be. Not whole families and neigh- borhoods out together, Is there some meaning here to be per, - used? — By John Gould in the Christian ;:Science Monitor. Million Dollar Memorial To Dog When his spaniel, Rusty, died Mr, Jeremiah Green, of Bourne- mouth, decided to express h i s grief in a practical way. -. by ensuring that unwanted and 'sick dogs are properly cared for, .As a start he is building a luxury dog sanctuary costing more than a million dollars near ally, he hopes, permanent homes when ,completed, will have ken- nels for 1,000' dogs, Mr. Green, a seventy -six-year- • old property dealer, has been a dog owner all his life. About. 1,000• people have a1 - ready written to him promising support for his charity. Eventu- ally, he, hopes, permant homes for stray dogs will be- 'dotted all over the country. He aims at building at least one home, every three years..At these homes every dog will be allowed to live out its natural Iife span. No animal will be destroy- ed unless it is suffering from an incurable or painful disease. ' "Thousands of dogs are des- troyed every year because there is nowhere for them to go," says Mr, Green. Although he now has two mare spaniels, Rusty is still remembered. In a corner of Mr, Green's garden, in Elgin Road, Bourne- mouth, a gravestone marks the spot where Rusty is buried. "The grave will decay in tion," says Mr, Green, "but I hope the homes founded in his memory will last for ever." Another dog -owner who spares no expense for his pets is an Australian, George Jefferson, of Sydney, While staying in London re - he went into a telephone booth at Piccadilly tube station and told the operator he wanted to talk to Sydney. When asked whom he wanted to speak to there, he replied: "My dogs." He talked to them for an hour at a cost of about $200. Afterwards he. revealed , that his pets were two valuable chows which had been • pining for him ever since he had left Australia by -a i r t h e previous week. CROSSWORD PUZZLE 1. Pipe with aooket endo 4. Half (prefix) 8; Wallow 12. Luzon native 13. Uproar 14 Saint—, Billiton of Moine 10. Gentle tap 16. Anomalous 18. Ledge 20. Genealogy 21. Commune In ital,0 28. Place of worship 27 Card game 80 At a distance '82 Aralflolal language 88 Quality or state iaurtlx) 34 Nothing 80 1)I11 aced 86. Its birth 37. So, Amer, rodent 88, Minus 89 An exptolt 41. Alms olfost 48, Tarry 46, Laughing 49 Tiring Up-to- date 88, earn mangure 4. Century plant 96. Tailless amphibian 15. San SI, Lech 8, To a pegs. flan' on 18, Smntiont Integer r qq Brain presage 81. Pertaining to 8, hard- axilla 9. Lokitsed 86. regiment hr 40.Ci10. daughter hrping 11. Light Wen- sound DOWN city unit 42, Article of 17. Toothed belief 1. Mouth by Wheel 44, within ohance19. Tardy 48. Besides 2, Beehive state 21. hllndu prince 47. Inert gas 8 Solution for 24: Prong '43, Legend softening: 25. Summer 40. An niers hides drinica stomach 4. Tendency 26. Deeaya 60. Palm leaf. 6. Norse goddess 27. Warbled 61. Sp, title of healing 28, Bary loin, 82 Slit e•Irim- 8. Chagr n 20. Tops ming tool 1- 2 4 .i4 5 6 7 yamY' 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 18 - . lg 16 17 te +et q�p, • Oce 21: 22 .4ti F:; ,o. 23 ; 24 Z5 26 27 28 09• .,.•30 31 , 32 93 •3• 3,4 .� 95 36 97 38 99 40 41 4- r.M. T X46 ' 4'' ;I; 4,°••• a hhq: •• 43 . 44 45 ' 46 47 49 50 el , 5 -. 53 54 i oS5 86 57 •. 55 2,,,2, 59 xr tlswer elsewhere on tl is page eeSSSetletteNsgSltseitie OPPORTUNIST—JaIes were brtsK as caea tram Rollins College, Winter Park, Fla., hawked rocket directories to tourists at Cape Canaveral, Her sorority printed them to help "bird watchers" observe the orbital flight of astronaut Marine Lt. Col. John H. Glenn Jr. TKE FARM FRONT "Adequate farms"—those which provide a good living income or even more for the farm family— are increasing in the United States faster than any other kind, And the surest way to speed this up is for more farmers to invest more money andtime in building stronger co - operatives. In fact, they're going to have to, said Dr, P. H. Stephens, director ofresearch for the Farni Credit Banks of Wichita, Kans., speak- ing to the Colorado Co-operative Council, , * s He said the continuing growth of a healthy • agriculture needs double or triple the present in- vestment in farm co-operatives. But most farmers see more im- mediate appeal and returns in buying a new tractor, or an ad- joining acreage: "Two-thirds of all farm assets are in `real estate, while only $4,300,000,000 or 2.1 per cent are in 'co-operatives. This doesn't fit the needs of New Frontier agri- culture. It needs $10,000,000,000 invested in co-operatives rather than $4,300,000,000." "Investment in a needed co- operative pays a higher return than other farm investments, We need to sell this idea and work 'for snore and bigger co-opera- tives, and more co - operative services." Most Americans, he said, do not realize how great the shake -out of American farmers already has •been — invariably those with the smallest resources. At its peak in 1936, the number of Colorado farms was 63,644. In 1959 it was 33,380 — little more than half, But of the survivors 13,553 are "adequate" -which Dr, Stephens defines as having a minimum gross income yearly of $10,000, and providing a return of at least $200 monthly for the owners. Such farms have increased in number by 3,000 or or 27 per cent since 1949, even while the total number of Colorado farms was declining . by exactly the same figure — 27 per cent. And this was accomplished in the teeth of a general decline in farm prices of 2,5 per cent, so it was due to real increases in productivity. * * * But the minimum figures tell only part of the story. These ade- quate farms numbered 41 per cent of all those in Colorado, but produced 87 per cent of all farm products sold, They sold an av- erage of $37,452 a farm, their in- vestments in land and buildings average $97,805, and their return for labor and management av- eraged $600 monthly, and in some cases ran up to $2,000, The av- erage value per farm is eight tunes that of 1940, the average acreage has. doubled, and the value per acre has quadrupled— but cash operating costs per faros have gone up 10 times, * * t, "Colorado is a Lop state in quality of Sarins. And a large ma- jority are family operated, Cor- porative farming won't get you if you co-operate effectively — that's more than a slogan," said Dr, Stephens, as reported in the Christian Science Monitor, Adding that' half. the "inade- quate small farms in Colorado disappeared between 1949 and 1969," Dr, Stephens asked: "But why mourn the passing of rural slums? We used to be suspicious of the farmer . who didn't work 14 hours a clay, thinking him lazy and shiftless. Now we. are suspicious of the one who does work 14 hours. We think he isn't giving enough time and thought to the study and Planning of the business, keeping abreast of what is going on, and attending co - operative business meetings, * * * "Let's face it, the successful modern farmer must think and act like a business executive. Too often he still thinks and acts like a laborer or artisan — like his grandfather at the turn of the eontury — including how much he should invest in a needed co- operative. There is a managerial group rising in agriculture just as in other industry," • Ire said that it takes an in- vestment of from $50,000 to $100,- 000 to employ one men efficient- ly in modern agriculture-000,- 000 griculture—$100;000 on some extensive ranches, $50,000 on intensive pickle patch- es. So we must find and accept efficient devices to regulate 'sup- ply, since supply and demand still determine price." This, he added, is a matter of conservation of naturallesourees in the national interest. "Com- mercial farmers as a groap" have no right "to exploit natural re- sources beyond our needs. The individual farmer has • - more right t1 produce with modern techniques and equipment all the wheat, mills, or cotton that he wants to than to drive on our highways at 120 miles an hour. 9 "Some say that curbing the rights of the individual to pro- duce and sell all he wants to is socialism .I say it is good and sensible business practice, ap- plied with varying degrees of success throughout all industry. Individual marketing rights to sell farm commodities are just as certain and just as desirable as irrigation water rights in Color- ado. "Modern commercial agricul- ture is following in the footsteps of other large capital industries toward the goals of satisfactory service to consumers, satisfactory wages to employees, and satisfac- tory returns to stockholders. "I don't expect soon to see re- turns on farm investments match those of AT&T or du Pont, or the return per hour of family farm labor equal to that of fac- tory workers, but I do expect to see progress — and farm co- op-eratives to play an increasingly larger part." Q. What Is a good homemade solution for cleaning painted walls? A. Combine two ounces of bor- ax, one teaspoon of anunonia, and two quarts of water. You'll need no soap. Apply this with a soft cloth, ND.SCIIOO1 JJSSON By Rev, 21. Barclay Warren, B.A., 11.1). The Sin of Greed Exodus 20:17; Luke 12:13-21 1fernory Selection: Take heed, and beware of covetousness; for a man's life consisteth not in the abuadanee of things which he possesseth. Luke 12;15. The tenth commandment com- pletes the cycle which begins with the prohibition against turn- ing to idolatry, and covetousness which is idolatry. Colossians 3;5. One of the world's richest men was asked how much money it took to satisfy a man. He re- plied, "More." But it isn't only money that Hien covet. Listen to the com- mandment, "Thou shalt not covet they neighbour's house, thou shalt not covet thy neighbour's wife, nor his manservant, nor his maidservant, nor his ox, nor his ass, nor any thing that is thy neighbour's," A few years ago the world was startled when our king abdicated the throne of the world's largest Empire because he coveted another man's wife. Indeed, she had already been the wife of two.. different men, She was guilty of covetousness also. Thousands, less in the public eye, have coveted the male of another. In order to satisfy their sinful heart, they have become home wreckers, disturbing the home life of innocent children, Some- times they have murdered in the hope of achieving their end. Covetousness begins in the heart, but it soon bursts forth. Many clever people, who held re- sponsible positions, are behind prison walls because they resort- ed to theft, in the more refined way, in order to satisfy their covetous desires for things they couldn't ordinarily afford, I know instances, where it was the insis- tent covetousness of the wife, that urged the man forward into sin. We, in this land, say we are free. Actually, many are the slaves of things. This often leads to embarrassing situations when the monthly payments ate more than can be met. The main three causes of mental illness are in the' following order: senility, selfishness 'and' debt. The rich man in the lesson thought he could be satisfied with things. God interrupted his folly, saying, "Thou fool, this night thy soul shall be required of thee; then whose shall those things be, whioh thou hest provided?" Paul wrote, "Covet earnestly the best gifts." 1 Cor. 12:31, He was referring to spiritual gifts by which we may help others. This makes sense. Helpful Hints For Boat Buyers Suppose you've never owned an outboard boat before, 11 you're going to buy, you'll find that many dealers will offer you a demonstration. This is a sound idea, for you, being new to it all, can tell very little by looking at the boat. But can you tell good performance from bad, once the boat to be tried gets in the water? Here are some important points to watch, once you get the boat in the water: Unless the boat is small, fast, almost a racing type, or unless it's for motors under 5 hp, the bow sliouid not go up much, or the stern sink much, as you start out. Fast craft should level out quickly, but with the boats for under 5 hp, you'll have to do your own leveling by moving weight forwat'd, Watch to see that if at any tune water comes too close to com- ing in over the sides and at the ISSUE 10 — 1962 stern. Henlember, you can't 0'i» ways have your slower beet riding at an ideal angle,, With faster boats, if possible, have a demonstration in choppy' water, Most boats will behave well in a flat calm, but you won° always be fishing just when the breeze is dead. Now, of course, the boat will jerk if you throw the steering handle over sud denly; but it should not ship much water, even in the chop*, And here's the point—,the boat shouldn't jerk unless you shove the handle. It should never jerk by itself, after catching or dig- ging in a wave, With the pas- sengers aboard seated toward the stern, the boat should not act "bowheavy," plunge through a wave, or be slow in rising after one. Your boat should always steer smoothly, Don't be alarmed if the boat leans inward on a turn, That's banking, and the rule is that its adds to safety. But watch put for other leanings, fore and aft, and to either side. Head into the waves, and see if you get too rough a ride, Try all the angles to see if the spray is going to drench you. You don't have to try all this yourself, if you're inexperienced; get the dealer to do it while you see what happens. Be sure the dem- onstration is with the size mo- tor you will use; more or less power may make the boat act radically differently. Some parts of the boat will probably shote vibration at some. speed or other, but any definitely noticeable vibration at full speed is not exectly to the good. If the boat is at all fast, you can ex- pect waves to hit the bottom with a considerable slap. But if any part of the bottom seems to move back and forth under the impetus et the slapping, that is an indication that the hull strength is not what it should be. The transom, even with the weight of the motor, should have no play in it. Make your ride long enough to see how comfortable the boat and seats really are, and back at the pier, move around some. See how roomy or cramped it is, and also how tippy—you won't always be sitting still. Remem- ber, a narrow outboard boat usually swings and tips too much in rough seas. As for piercing a wave, a narrow boat night do lt too well, and let some water into the craft. If the boat being considered will be used on larger waters, keep the portability angle in mind. It is possible to do a lot toward portability without sacri- • ficing safety afloat. Certainly, there is no substitute for size,. particularly beam, in making a boat seaworthy in waves, But a wide 16 -footer certainly meets safety standards in many waters. If you are also planning on buying a boat trailer, be sure it is a good strong one. If you get a wooden boat, it'll•soak up some water. If you have an elec- tric -starting motor, this means added weight for battery, con- trols, and possibly a steering wheel. 'You may also have added fittings to the boat—plus cush- ions, anchor, tackle boxes, and other gear that will get left aboard. Anyhow, it never pays to crowd toward capacity.—By Willard Crandall, Boats and Mo- tors Editor-, "Sports Afield." Upsidedown to Prevent Peeking RESCUE FLOOD VICTIMS West German soldiers use rubber life rafts to rescueflood victims of Wilhelmsburg, Germany, after the Elbe River overflowed its banks due t!. hurricane -force winds which slashed across northern Europe.