102 



during the severest weather in winter. Subsequently these trees were frozen to the 

 ground by a cold of unusual severity for that locality. 



It is quite certain that coffee can not become a profitable crop at Sauford, Florida, 

 where a lowering of temperature down to or below the point of fieezing occurs 

 almost every winter. Although the freezing point may not be reached, yet oc- 

 casional low temperatures in the fall or early winter months retards the ripening of 

 the fruit, even when the plant is apparently uninjured. A tropical climate means 

 something more than mere exemption from frost. 



Experienced coffee-growers state that the culture is not commercially profitable in 

 a climate where the thermometer falls below 50 F. at any time during the year. 

 The plant will survive a much lower temperature than the above, but this estimate 

 refers to the value of the crop. 



MUSTARD SEED. 



J. W. H., West Virginia. I am using in my business a large quantity of mustard 

 seed, and being desirous of raising the seed in this section I write for information as 

 to its culture. 



Answer. Black-seeded mustard (Sinapsis wi#ra)and white-seeded mustard (Sivapsis 

 alba) are the kinds usually cultivated. The former is said to have the preference for 

 manufacture into flour. 



As far as can be learned there have been but few attempts to cultivate the mustard 

 plant in this country, and the results obtained have not been very satisfactory. 



Mustard requires a rich, loamy soil for its growth. It is sown in spring, usually 

 broadcast, although sometimes in drills about 1 foot apart. The soil requires to 

 have a finely pulverized surface before sowing, so that the seed may be equally cov- 

 ered by harrow and roller ; if they are covered more than one-half inch with soil 

 they may remain dormant for many years. It is found that buried mustard seeds 

 will remain dormant for decades and vegetate when brought near the surface; so it 

 is difficult to get rid of it in fields where it has once been grown, the seeds shaken 

 out in harvesting being sufficient to furnish a crop, as weeds, for many years. 



About one-half peck of seed will sow an acre, and a good crop will return 30 bushels 

 per acre. This quantity is procured only where soil and climate conduce to best 

 results. In dry seasons this amount would be much reduced. 



GRAPE ROT. 



J. K., Fairfax County, Virginia. My grapes were, I may say, a complete failure 

 this year from rot. Ever since my vines commenced bearing they have suffered more 

 or less, some seasons less than others. Four years ago I may say that the crop was 

 as total a failure as this. Last year I saved a good half crop. I need not say that I 

 am discouraged, and will abandon the culture if this disease continues, but I am loath 

 to dig them up if anything can be done to save them. They have been carefully 

 pruned and fertilized with bone, the land is not poor, and the vines make plenty of 

 growth. 



What is the general result of putting paper bags over the bunches ? If any parti- 

 cular point in culture or management can modify or extirpate this ruinous infliction 

 I would be glad to know it. 



Answer. As to the general result of putting paper bags over the bunches, it may 

 be stated that it is successful. Some few report unfavorably, but it has been found 

 necessary to place the bunches in bags as soon as the berries are formed, and that, 

 when the covering is delayed much beyond this period, rotted berries have been 

 found in the bags. 



It has long been observed and noted that grapevines protected by a canopy or cov- 

 ering, such as the projecting eaves of a building, or even the casual protection af- 

 forded them when growing up through the branches of a tree, are measurably exetnp- 

 from fungous diseases. Recent reports show that grapes under a board or even must 

 lin cover are almost entirely exempt from rot. A protected grape trellis is described 



