This issue is Sold Out.
Most articles are included in our print anthology
A Backwoods Home Anthology — The Seventeenth Year
Click on General Store to the left.
Click on items listed in red to read them.

DEPARTMENTS
6  Publisher’s Note

7  Editorial:
Why you may want to get a “stress test”

79  Ask Jackie:
Processing cabbage, bubbles in canned tomatoes, black bean soup, roasting hazelnuts, canning dry beans, using powdered buttermilk, creamed horseradish, etc.

26  Ayoob on Firearms:
The All American Ruger 10/22 Rifle

68  Irreverent joke page

77  Claire goes to the movies

85  Letters

90  Classified ads (pdf)

90  Classified advertising form

93   Advertiser Index

94   BHM anthologies, CD-ROMs, & books

95  The last word:
The National Animal Identification System is the bureaucrats’ latest grab for power

96-97  Order form/Subscription Info

For a subscription
Call Toll Free 1-800–835-2418

Cover 98
ABOUT THE COVER
This issue’s cover was painted by Don Childers. It seems appropriate that it depicts a scene of a rancher working his land with livestock in the pasture. Readers who have livestock might be very interested in John Silveira’s The last word column in this issue on page 95. Our government has a plan that will affect all small livestock owners. Track and identify all your livestock? You’ll want to read this article. Then you’ll want to write your congressman.

FEATURES

Building and tools

8  Beautiful carved hinges   By David Lee

Who would have thought? Hinges as artwork! Why live with “butt ugly” hinges when you can have works of art adorning your doors?

Alternative energy

39  Buying the right emergency radio   By Jeffrey R. Yago, P.E., CEM

Be prepared with a reliable source of contact with the outside world during emergency situations or wilderness treks.

Self-reliance

16  Starting over: Part 8   By Jackie Clay

With Jackie’s health improving, she starts to play catch-up on animal chores and continues working on the house and garden.

32  Take care of your knife   By John Lo Cicero

64  Quick-to-build survival shelters   By Corcceigh Green

There’s no need to be exposed to the elements when you can build a shelter with materials at hand.

Americana

69  Monster Quake   By John Silveira

Most of us associate earthquakes with California, but the New Madrid seismic zone in the central U.S. is more of a concern to seismologists.

Farm and garden

22  A new use for old tires—A garden using tires   By Charles Sanders

34  The wonderful world of lavender   By Sharon Palmer

42  The healthful hobby of herb gardening   By Linda Gabris

From teas to vapor baths, to oils and vinegars, here’s a comprehensive guide to the magical world of herbs.

46  Grow garlic and reap health benefits   By By Alice B. Yeager

You don’t have to wear garlic around your neck to reap the benefits of this ancient herb. Learn how to grow, harvest, and cook with garlic.

49  No-frills tomato transplants   By Raymond Nones

Save money by starting your own tomatoes from seed.

53  Build a groundhog snare   By Allen Easterly

57  To make supplies for your garden…recycle   By Sylvia Gist

There are many ways to recycle used plastic buckets, newspapers, tin cans, milk cartons, and other items that can be put to good use in the garden.