The Canadian Horticulturist. 



143 



proved strictly hardy, and a very prolific bearer. The original trees are now about fifteen 

 years old, and bearing annually. Young trees in the nursery row have often been found 

 with considerable perfectly developed fruit. It has never been troubled with any insect 

 or disease. The fruit is wholly unlike Hawkeye. It took first premium for the largest 

 native plum at the World's Columbian Exposition, and has always taken premiums at our 

 State fairs. At the last fair it took the premium for the largest and best plum introduced 

 since 1885, and that is just what we claim for it. 



We have also introduced a red raspberry, something like the ShaflFer's Colossal, only 

 more stalky in growth. It throws out numerous fruit-stalks, and bears its fruit more 

 along the cane. It blooms late, thus escaping late frosts. The fruit is lighter in color 

 than the Shaffer and has less bloom, but is firm enough to bear shipping. It is of excellent 

 quality, and the bush is a prodigous bearer. So far, it appears hardier than the Shaffer, 

 and better able to stand drought. We consider it one of the best of its class yet intro- 

 duced, and would be glad to have you try it at your Station. 



J. Wbagg & Sox, Waukee, lotoa. 



Poisoned Grain for the Sparrow. 



Sir, — Your letter to Mr. Fletcher, enclosing a communication to Mr. Goodhue res- 

 pecting the extermination of the English sparrow, has been referred to me. 



Undoubtedly, grain poisoned with strychnine is very effective, but the danger in using 

 such about the farm buildings would lead me to hesitate before advising its general 

 adoption. 



Sparrows may often be collected in large numbers by scattering grain for several days 

 in the same place. If for this purpose a small and enclosable part of one of the farm 

 buildings be selected, the destruction of the birds is an easy matter. Large numbers of 

 sparrows have been killed on the Central Experimental Farm in this way during the past 

 few seasons. When the grain is spread outside, the shot-gun proves a very effective 

 method of destruction. 



Frank T. Shutt, Chemist, Ezpl. ^arms. 



The Eng-lish Sparrow. 



Sir, — I notice in your February number an article written by Mr. Goodhue, of Dan- 

 ville, Que. , regarding the English sparrow. I would say to that gentleman that we could 

 not do well without them. I claim that they are the best cabbage-worm destroyer that we 

 have. Being very active, they are great feeders, and they destroy millions of seeds of 

 noxious weeds in the winter. I know they are a pest to the citizens, but they can buy 

 cabbage much cheaper, owing to the work of these birds. Where they are a constant pest, 

 use wheat through your iron rod (gun) and they will soon leave you, but do not kill one of 

 them. 



W. J, Hunter, OrangtvUle, Ont. 



Growing and Trellising Grapes. 



Sir, — In regard to what you say in February number about grape trellising ; I think 

 that we Germans, who have been growing grapes for one thousand or more years, should 

 know more about vineyards than Canadians do. 



In making a vineyard, I would recommend th« 

 following varieties only : Concord, Delaware and 

 Niagara. I would plant the vines five feet apart, 

 and for every vine stock I would set two poles ; that 

 is according to the Stub system (3ee Fig. 940). 



In this way the vines want only tying twice 

 during the summer, and cutting off on top of the 

 poles. This method only needs one man for ten 

 acres. (But the Kniffen method needs no summer 

 tying at all.— Ed.) 



T. N. Gbuknback, Cayuga. 



Fig. 940. — Stub Ststkm. 3 



