SUNFLOWER FOR FOWLS.
San Luis Obispo, Cal., Dec. 20, 1854.
Col. Warren: Dear Sir—l am sending you a slip cut from an eastern paper, which I am of opinion is worthy of a place in the FARMER; and more particularly so, as domestic fowls are unhealthy in California.
I believe that the climate, or the water, which is so peculiarly healthy for men and animals, should militate [ fight] against the health of fowls—the cause must be in the food! And I can think of nothing coupled, with so much promise as the Sunflower; that could fix that problem.
A "Conestoga" correspondent of the Germantown {now Artois, California in Northern California. The name was changed in 1918. ) Telegraph says: —"I do not think there is sufficient attention paid to the cultivation of this plant either. The Sunflower is a native of South America but is easily cultivated in any common soil, either by sowing the seed early in spring, or by slips or offsets from roots.
It is now a common and well known production, having long since become naturalized throughout the United States. The manner of planting and cultivating it, is not dissimilar to that adopted in growing Indian corn, and its acreable product exceeds that of the most prolific cereals. The principal uses to which the seed of the Sunflower is ordinarily applied, are the manufacture of oil, for painting and burning, and the feeding of horses, sheep, beeves and swine.
The oil is clear, thin and inodorous when burnt, though of an agreeable taste. For painting, it is said to be preferable to any other oil now in use. As a feed for hens, it is highly prized. Being of an oily nature, it approximates more nearly to the character of animal food than any grain that can be fed to them, and supplies to a considerable extent a very efficient substitute for meat.
The Sunflower requires good soil, and maybe changed in the same manner as Indian corn, when grown on soils that are friable, rich and moist." I have not seen a sick horse or horned animal in California, but what was the result of maltreatment, and they can stand even more maltreatment here than in any part of the world with which l am acquainted; all of which makes me more curious to know the cause of the fatality among domestic fowls. Can you or your numerous correspondents enlighten us on the subject?
As ever yours, T. J. Harvey.
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