92 TRANSACTIONS OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE. 



feet there could be no danger of injuring vegetation, though the 

 gas is undoubtedly very poisonous. 



Smith's Farm Gate. 

 Mr. C. T. Smith, Nyack, K. Y., exhibited a new ftirm gate, so 

 arranged that it docs not sag upon the post, and with a latch so 

 contrived that the gate may swing back and forth without jarring 

 against the post, as it onlj^ latches when the gate swings slowly. 

 There is a center post between two small gates vrhich has a hinge 

 upon one side and a clasp upon the other, by which the gateway 

 is used for a small gate or a wagon-way. by simply unhooking the 

 post so that it will lie down. There is no patent upon the 

 improvement. 



GOITEE IX LAilBS. 



Mr, Solon Robinson read a letter from Mr. J. C. Frazer, giving 

 kerosene oil as a cure for this disease. Care must be used not to 

 apply so much as to produce soreness. 



Warts on Cows' Teats. 



Mr. N. W. Clapp, of Montgomery, Yt., wants a remedy for 

 warts on cows' teats. 



I\Ir. N. C. Meeker. — Salt has sometimes succeeded with him. 



Dr. Snodgrass. — They can be removed with almost any of the 

 acids. Nitrate of silver is perhaps the best remedy if it can be 

 readily obtained. If not use sulphuric acid, or muriatic, or even 

 Java water. Weaken the acid so that the finger will bear it, and 

 two or three applications will kill the wurt. In a little time it 

 will slough out and the teat will heal over. 



Blue Jay. 



Mr. C. H. Murra}^ Cincinnati, Ohio, says : I wish to call the 

 attention of the farmers generally to the great importance of mak- 

 ing unceasing war upon the bird knoAvn through America as the 

 "jay"' or "blue jay." The true character of this bird is not 

 generally Avell known. A more destructive marauder, a more 

 cunning sneak and thief does not exist than he. When I was a 

 boy, my father, who was a great admirer and protector of birds, 

 rewarded myself and brother with a royalty of two cents per 

 head for all the jays that we should destroy. And many were 

 the villians that fell beneath our avenging guns, until we nearly 

 rid the neighborhood' of the pests. The jay is the worst and most 



