442 AGRICULTURAL REPORT. 
Blackberries in Georgia.—Mr. J. Van Buren, of Clarksville, Georgia, 
Says: 
The blackberry here is one of the greatest pests we have to encounter in the eulti- 
vation of our crops; it causes more trouble and labor than the vilest weed that ever 
grew. The fruit grows very large, and there seem to be two or three varieties, Any 
quantity may be had from 75 cents to $1 per bushel, and sometimes for less. I have 
known them to be hauled by the wagon-load to distilleries, and distilled imto brandy 
or other liquors. 
Banana culture.—The cultivation of the banana is engaging consider- 
able attention in the neighborhood of Pilatka, Florida, and the river 
counties. It is stated that three years ago a gentleman in Orange 
County set out nine plants, and is now reaping the fruits of a three- 
acre field, and realizes $125 per month from the fruit and the young 
plants that are continually suckering around the roots of the old plants. 
The banana fruits in all seasons, the year round, and is enriched by the 
shedding of its huge leaves. 
Oranberries in the Pacific Statcs.—lt is stated that quite an impetus 
has been given to the sale of marsh lands in Washington Territory re- 
cently by the advent of a New Jersey cranberry-grower in quest of these 
valuable lands. The Oregon Statesman says there isa large marsh near 
Gray’s Harbor, in that State, which is already covered with cranberry 
bushes growing wild, and yielding considerable fruit, which is picked 
and sold by the Indians. This marsh has been purchased of the Gov- 
ernment by several gentlemen of Salem, New Jersey. 
The plum curculio—Dr. Hull, of Alton, Illinois, concludes, from his 
experience, that the curculio discovers its food by scent, and that when 
the temperature has reached a certain height it flies against the wind 
to the spot where it is found. At a temperature of 70° or less it is 
unable to fly, and is comparatively inactive at a temperature of 80°, 
-and may be easily jarred down on sheets. When the temperature has 
risen to 85° the curculio flies so freely, especially in the sunshine, that 
where the trees are in the vicinity of infested and neglected orchards 
jarring becomes ineffective, the curculios coming in great numbers from 
these neighboring orchards. Dr. Hull says that in localities infested 
by the curculio, where contiguous orchards in considerable numbers 
occur, no general success need again be looked for until a scareity of 
fruit reduces the curculios, or the proprietors of orchards unite to destroy 
them. Where it is only necessary to contend with curculios bred on 
the fruit-grower’s own grounds, the process of destruction is easy, with 
the proper facilities for jarring. In the comparatively warm latitude of 
Alton hogs afford but a partial protection, and poultry scarcely any. 
Potatoes in the Isle of Jersey —The Journal of the Royal Agricultural 
Society of England for 1870 includes a prize essay, by C. P. Le Cornu, 
on the history of potato culture in the island of Jersey. Vor a long 
course of years the potato has been a leading crop in the island. In 
1812 a full average crop was estimated at 36,000 pounds, Jersey weight, 
per acre—equivalent to 6463 bushels, of 60 pounds each. Potatoes in- 
tended for seed are dug before the stalks are entirely dry, and are hard- 
ened by exposure to air and sun, being occasionally turned during this 
process, after which they are packed away singly in layers on wooden 
floors, the principle of treatment being that of ehecking early sprouting 
and keeping the seed in its utmost vigor. The preparation of the seed 
is deemed of prime importance, and contributes very greatly to the earli- 
ness of the crop. Careful attention is paid to the seleetion of the soil, 
and its proper preparation, ‘by plowing, manuring, &c. Atter plowing 
and harrowing it is customary to spread well-made stable manure at the 
