128 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST 
[April, 
similar remark may be made of a paper with the unattrac¬ 
tive title of The Erysiphei, by Prof. C. E. Bessey, of the 
Iowa Ag’l. College, in which he describes, and figures 
some of, the minute fungi that injure our fruit and other 
trees.... 11 The American Junipers,” “ The Oaks op the 
IT. S.,” and “The American Firs,” are papers of inter¬ 
est to every nurseryman ; and when we say that they are by 
Doct. Geo. Englemann, of St. Louis, Mo., their scientific 
value will be admitted by all....VENNOns’ Almanac, Mon¬ 
treal, Canada, J. Dougal & Sons, is a very full work of its 
kind, and claims that its weather predictions have been 
fulfilled to a remarkable degree....The Reports from New 
Jersey, for 1877, are interesting documents; we have that 
of the Rutger's Scientific School ; the general report of the 
State Geologist, Pror. Geo. II. Cook, and a special report 
on the extensive Clay Deposits of the State, which cannot 
fail to have a high ecenomic value. 
Help lor lEie Flower CSartlcsa.—We 
have shown the difference between the modern style of 
flower gardening, in which the effects—and often most 
brilliant ones—are produced by massing flowers and foli¬ 
age; and the older style, in which plants, so to speak, 
stand on their own merits and are grown as individual 
specimens, each for its own sake, and without any refer¬ 
ence to its effect in a mass. Those who really love flow¬ 
ers, like to read about them, and wish for something 
more than the mere directions as to their planting and 
treatment. We know of no work more gratifying in this 
respect, than Breck’s New Book op Flowers. The 
author, when he had reached an advanced age—about, 70, 
we think—so revised, indeed almost entirely re-wrote his 
former “Book of Flowers,” as to warrant the prefix, 
“ New,” to the title. The author’s personal experience 
is told in a charming style, and show how great was the 
love for flowers which he held through a long, busy, and 
useful life. We would not imply that the work omits all 
notice of the use of plants in masses, as it gives sufficient 
directions for this style of gardening; it is devoted to 
the description of annuals, biennials, and perennials of all 
kinds, and of course includes; the “bedding plants ; ” also 
ornamental shrubs. Sent from this office by mail for$1.75. 
I*ro8ecSang- Seed. against “wire-worms,” 
mice, and other vermin.—“R. W. D.,” Flint, Mich., writes 
that the following method of treating seeds is sent him 
from England, and he wishes to have it tried in this 
country and reported upon. It has long been in use in 
England,as we see itfrequently mentioned in the journals. 
It consists in the use of Red Lead, in the proportion of 
half a pound to a bushel of seed grain, peas, or other 
seed. The seed is first moistened with water, and the 
dry Red Lead sprinkled over it, stirring to secure an 
even coating. Spread the seed to dry, and then sow. 
'I'Sie Buckeye Mowers sisutl ISes8,|»- 
er*.- 1 The Buckeye Mowers and Reapers, made by 
Messrs. Adriancc, Platt & Co., of 1G5 Greenwich St., New 
York, have long held a very high position in public esti¬ 
mation. While many great and very useful improve¬ 
ments have been made in agricultural machinery during 
the past few years, the Buckeye machines have kept pace 
with the foremost in all respects, and have maintained 
their popularity in spite of the strongest competition. 
The new Model Mower, wholly of iron and steel, is really 
a model of beauty, lightness, and effectiveness, and the 
new reaper has every appliance that can make it desira¬ 
ble and effective in the harvest field. 
Special Crops—Special Instruc¬ 
tions.—By these we mean crops not included in the 
usual farm rotation, but which require a different treat¬ 
ment from the ordinary crops, either in their cultivation 
or their preparation for market. If one farmer happens 
to make a hit with a crop of this kind, for example with 
hops, so soon as his success becomes known, hundreds 
of others, without properly considering if their soil is 
suited to the culture, or if they can handle the crop when 
raised, will rush into hop raising blindly, and lose money. 
Hundreds of others, more cautious than these, will write 
to us and ask us to give a full account of hop culture, from 
the planting to the marketing. As with hops, so with 
several other special crops, such as tobacco, flax, etc. As 
there is a great deal of detail concerning each of these, 
and as the processes vary in different parts of the coun¬ 
try, it would take more space in the American Agricul¬ 
turist than could be properly devoted to them, as they 
would be of interest to but a very small portion of the 
whole number of readers. In view of this, we several 
years ago adopted the plan of offering prizes for essays 
by practical growers of these special crops, thus procur¬ 
ing the freshest and most trustworthy information, and 
the prize essays, with the most important of the others, 
were published in a pamphlet form, at a low price. These, 
pamphlets, we are sure, contain the best information con¬ 
cerning these special crops, to be found any where in 
print, as they give in detail the practice of experienced 
glowers. They are worth more than they cost, if they 
only show one t-hac his land is unfitted or his means are 
unsuited to the particular culture of which they treat. 
If one wishes to know all about Hops, from the plant¬ 
ing to the curing, baling, and marketing, let him send 
for our treatise on Hop Culture,. in which is given the 
experience of ten different cultivators. Price, 30 cts. 
The culture of Tobacco is presented in the same man¬ 
ner, the experience of fourteen growers in one pamphlet 
on Tobacco Culture, which can be had for 25 cts. 
Those who think their land suited to Onions, can get 
the story as told by seventeen persons (most of whom have 
grown the crop all their lives in the best onion districts,) 
in our Onion Culture, which is sent for only 20 cts. 
The Flax crop is similarly treated, the essays of a num¬ 
ber of experienced growers being collected in our pamph¬ 
let on Flax Culture, which may be had for 30 cts. 
Another special crop, which has recently attracted 
much attention, is Broom-Corn. Our work on Broom- 
Corn and Brooms not only gives the best cultural direc¬ 
tions, but shows how the product is worked up into 
brooms. As this required a number of engravings, the 
price is a little higher—50 cts. in paper, and 75 cts. cloth. 
The practical character of the above-named works is 
such, that one who contemplates a trial of either of these 
special crops, can not afford to do so without first con¬ 
sulting their contents, and learning not only what others 
have done to attain success, but what to avoid. 
Calibs’C of SBiot feSusis ssnd Bides. 
—The diameter of the bore of shot-guns is usually indi¬ 
cated by numbers—No. 10 and No. 12 being the sizes 
most in use. No. 10 is a trifle over 11-fourteenths of an 
inch, or about 4-fifths of an inch. No. 12 is just three- 
quarters of an inch inside diameter. The “Forest and 
Stream ” gives the following as the exact measurement: 
No. 8 is 860-thousandtlis of au inch; No. 10 is 793- 
thousandths; No. 12 is 750-thousandths; No. 11 is 715- 
thousandt.hs; No. 16 is 685-thousandths ; No. 18 is 650- 
thousandths, (?); No. 20 is 627-thousandtlis—the lowest 
numbers being the largest, and the highest numbers the 
smallest.—The calibre of rifles, (target, Creedmoor, 
sporting, army, etc.,) is expressed in hundredths of an 
inch. Thus: 50 calibre means 50-100ths, or exactly half 
an inch. The favorite long-range rifle is 44-100ths of an 
inch. Target rifles and pistols run all the way down from 
44-100ths to 22-100ths, the last being about the size of 
medium buck-shot. 
IlorticuUiiral Societies have favored 
us with their reports, but we can only acknowledge them 
with our thanks_The Ag’l. and Ilort’l. Society, of 
Montreal, Canada, send reports of their Fruit Committee, 
full of valuable information_The Western N. Y. Hort’l. 
Society, of which P. Barry is Pres’t., hold a meeting, have 
sensible talk, and get out their report at once , which 
doubles its value_The Minnesota Hort’l. Society, send 
a handsome volume full ot matters of interest to all who 
live in that State or a similar locality_The Pennsyl¬ 
vania Fruit Growers’ Society is doing much good. Its 
last report is well illustrated; and when we say that 
Josiah Hoopes is President, it will be understood that 
things move, one way or another, and that very quick. 
Am AgrlciaHmrs*! III .Ja¬ 
pan.—Japan is a constant wonder. Having shut itself 
out_from the world so long, it would seem to have de¬ 
voted this seclusion to preparing itself to accept, the best 
that other countries had to offer, whenever intercourse 
should be opened. To be sure, it, has made some mistakes 
—but very few. It started an “Agricultural College,” 
which some of our older States and other countries find a 
great puzzle, and do not know what to do with it, now 
that they have it. But the Japanese are shrewd enough 
to distinguish the ornamental from the useful, and in 
starting an Agricultural Journal, are evidently getting 
upon the right track. This journal has a handsomely 
illustrated title page, which, as it is their custom to begin 
their books “ hind side before,” is at what we should con¬ 
sider the end of the work. It has, besides the cover, 20 
pages of teachings which we have no doubt are excellent; 
including an illustrated article on the grapevine. We 
wish our Japanese fellow laborer much success. 
Schedules of Prizes, have been received 
from the N. Y. Ilort’l. Society, offering abundant prizes 
forthe spring, fall, and other shows.The Worcester Co., 
(Mass.), Hort’l. Society sends a schedule' which shows 
this useful association to be wide-awake ...The Mass. 
Hort’l. Society, offers only about $4,500 in their various 
prizes, and we think shows no sign of collapse. 
JPerelaerou and “ Pereheroii-TVor- 
man ” Morses.—“ C. W.,” Freeborn Co.,Minn. The 
true Percheron horse is not a large-boned, long-legged, 
loosely built horse, but many of the half-bred so-called 
Normans are. There have been many trashy coarse mis¬ 
shapen horses imported into this country as Perchcrons, 
which have brought discredit on the race, and an effort is 
now making to let these down easy by calling them 
“ Percheron-Normans,” a name which signifies only that 
they are not Perchcrons. In selecting a horse for breed¬ 
ing, one should not be misled by the large size and great 
bone. Compactness of frame, fine bone, well knit joints, 
a clear, bright, intelligent eye, broad forehead, a short 
round barrel, good chest, and good temper, should be 
looked to before monstrous size. The breed is well de¬ 
scribed in “ The Percheron Horse,” translated from the 
French, sent from this office, post-paid, for $1. 
Exports of Moat, Bast ter, and 
Ciieese.—The exports of meats, live-stock, and dairy 
products for the period from January 1st to March 8th, 
1S78, in comparison with last year, are given as follows: 
Jan. 1, to Mar. 8,1S78. Value.-.. - Total for 1877.-, 
Fresh Beef. .12,201,440 lbs. $1,112,567 101.971,504 lbs. $10,047,G99 
Mutton. 379,355 “ 20,837 2,114,240 “ 119,500 
Sheep, live.. 4,059 23,425 13,176 63,960 
Cattle, live.. 2,174 260,825 20,057 2,987,540 
Horses. 479 71,530 4,668 750,220 
Mules... 1,013 161,180 1,670 283,900 
^greased; f 765,ObO “ 39,999 284,000 “ 17,040 
Butter—.’..17,619,839 “ same time last year...13,566,110 lbs. 
Cheese.118,425,531 “ “ 82,837,668 “ 
While the exports of meat and live-stock, with the ex¬ 
ception of sheep and mules, have decreased somewhat, 
the very large increase in dairy products is noteworthy. 
It is of interest also to note here the growth of shipments 
by way of New Orleans, of Western products, as shown 
by the following figures, viz.: 
Shipments of Corn from N. Orleans, Sept. 1, ’77, to Mar. 1, ’78 
g ; ;;: 3 K“ | Increase 1878, 2,926,396 bushels. 
The shipments of wheat from this port, also show a 
marked increase the present year. 
A fi B oIa,sid-CSiIna, Slecor«l. —A meeting 
of breeders of Poland-China Swine in the United States 
and Canada, was held at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, January 23, 
1878, at which it was agreed that a record , for registering 
the pedigrees of this breed of swine, has become a ne¬ 
cessity. For the purpose of publishing such a record, 
an incorporated company was formed, every breeder 
present becoming a stockholder. The following officers 
were elected: President, W. P. Sisson ; Vice Presidents, 
B. F. Dorsey, Jos. Morton, Wm. A. Macy, S. A. Clark; 
Secretary, J. T. Mitchell; Treasurer, J. C. Truer. A 
standard of entry was agreed upon, and an Executive 
Committee appointed, who will pass upou all pedigrees. 
A report of the proceedings can be obtained of the Sec¬ 
retary, at Cedar Rapids, Iowa, for 15 cents. 
TEae N. A. Horticultural Society’s 
monthly meeting, held on March 5th, was by far the 
best attended of any since the organization of the So¬ 
ciety. Besides many professional gardeners, quite a 
number of amateurs were present. The display of Hya¬ 
cinths in pots was unusually fine. The first premium 
was awarded to Mr. Rohers, florist, of Jersey City. He 
was followed closely by James Murkland, of 12 Cort- 
landt street, whose plants, considering that they were 
grown in an ordinary sitting-room, were highly credit¬ 
able. A dozen fine specimens of Double Geraniums, ex¬ 
hibited by Mr. Reynolds, of Flatbush, L. I., were 
awarded a special premium. George Such, of South 
Amboy, carried off the $20 premium for cut-flowers, of¬ 
fered by the President of the Society. Fine specimens 
of Cyclamen and “ Cornelia Cook ” Roses, sent from Mr. 
Jones, gardener, at Madison, N. J., took a special pre¬ 
mium. An interesting lecture, given by Mr. Boileau, on 
training and pruning Pear-trees, was received with 
marked attention. A paper from Dr. John A. Warder, 
of Ohio, suggesting a “ Governmental Bureau of For- 
es'ry,” was received rather coldly, the Society evident¬ 
ly having the idea that there are already about enough 
of such Government Bureaus. Henry Ward Beecher, 
of Brooklyn, and Thomas Meehan, of Germantown. Pa. t 
were elected honorary members. 
Fur Boys and GIrI§, and other players 
of games.—When Aunt Sue gets bold of a pleasing game, 
she naturally hastens to tell others about it; hence, when 
a lady showed her the game of “ Word Making,” given on 
page 145, she at once sent it for the Boys and Girls’ De¬ 
partment. Having somehow got the impression that 
“Logomachy” was one of the names of the game, she 
gave that as one that you might use, if you liked it better 
than “ Word Making.” She has, since the article was 
printed, (that part of the paper being on a separate sheet, 
and printed a week or more before this), discovered that 
“ Logomachy ” belongs to a different game. It is a name 
for a game invented by a gentleman in Ohio—Mr. F. A. 
Wright—and one which we have no right to use for a 
different one. Of course neither Aunt Sue nor ourselves, 
knew of this, when the article was put in type, and apart 
of the sheets were printed before the accident was dis¬ 
covered. The mistake lias been remedied in a part of the 
edition; those of you who may get a paper in which 
“ Logomachy ” is given as one of the names of the game. 
