4o0 BiKEAU OF Farmers' Ixstitutes. 



What variety of carrots are best for the city marliet? Should they be 

 large, small or medium varieties? 



Mr. Cook. — Small or medium varieties sell best. We grow 

 some of the yellow carrots in our gardeu. I think they are Ox 

 Heart. Long and Short Orange are the best varieties. We do 

 not grow them for feeding to stock; only for family use. We 

 cook them so that they are fully equal to parsnips. 



Is beardless barley as good as tlie bearded variety? 



A Farmer. — Fully equal to it. I have grown it three seasons, 

 shall keep on growing it. 



Another Farmer. — I have sown it several seasons. Last year I 

 harvested thirty-two bushels per acre. 



What is the best method of iiuproviug woru out land? 



Prof. Cavanaugh. — That is a hard question to answer. Prob- 

 ably the ideal method of restoring fertility to a worn out soil is 

 by plowing under clover. The clover plant has the power of stor- 

 ing nitrogen from the air through nodules or warts on its roots. 

 Follow with barn manure. If you do not have enough, use com- 

 mercial fertilizers, first ascertaining what elements of plant food 

 the soil most requires for the crops you intend growing. 



Will timothy seed that has been hulled, grow as well as that which has 

 not? 



Mr. Cook. — I prefer to have it with the hull on; but if the con- 

 ditions are all right, the hulled seed will grow just as well. By 

 " good condition " is meant a fine, well prepared soil. 



What will prevent rust or smut on wheat or oats? 



Mr. Converse. — I have heard Prof. Beach say that it can be 

 prevented by soaking the seed grain in water heated to 120 de- 

 grees. I believe two hours. 



Are articholies as valuable for swine and cattle as the seedmen recom- 

 mend them? 



Mr. Smith. — I do not believe I would try artichokes. They are 

 no more valuable than potatoes for a swine or cattle food; at the 



