418 15i icKAT OK Fai;mi:i;s' Institutes. 



rats procured the services of a ferret which drove the rats over 

 to my house. I secured the services of a ferret, which drove the 

 rats all away. I don't know where they went. My opinion is, 

 that a ferret, well trained, is about as serviceable as any remedy 

 to dispose of rats. 



Are the hummins birds of benefit to the farmer or horticulturist in any 

 way? 



Prof. Stewart. — I don't know. Have never observed or made 



inquiry; but I have heard it said that the humming birds were 



very serviceable for the reason that they conveyed pollen from 



one blossom to another, thus fertilizing the barren ones. 



I desire to raise celery, but have had no experience. I want to grow the 

 plants and to know what kind of soil is best suited. 



Mr. Chapman. — I grow a little celery every year. It requires 

 rich ground; that which is a little moist is best. We sow thfe seed 

 in boxes early, to give the plants a " good start." This is about 

 the season to sow the seed. I make a trench with a plow and set 

 the plants about six inches below the surface and four inches 

 apart. 



Mr. Converse. — Celery does best on a black, rich moist soil. 

 Muck is the best. 



After winter wheat, should the land be plowed for crimson clover, or 

 will it do to harrow it, and, if plowed, should the ground be rolled? How 

 much seed per acre? 



Mr. Converse. — Yes, sir. Fit the ground finely. Sow six to 

 eight pounds per acre, roll down the land hard, then stir the sur- 

 face with a Breed weeder. If the clover is to follow oats, use the 

 harrow instead of the plow. 



I should like to know about the cultivation of asparagus. Would it be 

 expensive to start a bed for profit? How far apart should the rows be 

 made? 



Mr. Abel Stevens. — Everyone who owns a bit of land should 

 have an asparagus bed. Prepare the land by working it deeply 

 and sow your seed next spring. The spring following, having 



