154 
AMERICAN AGRICULTURIST. 
[April, 
u Science Applied to Farming,” 
Correspondence. 
Artificial Fertilizers. —“ J. C. H.,” Queens Co., N. 
,Y., will find analyses of fertilizers, with explanations 
in Tables 20-29, on page 130. What particular sort of 
fertilizer is best for your soils you will best learn from ex¬ 
perience. Peruvian guanos furnish nitrogen, phosphoric, 
and a little potash, and in a very available form ; their 
action is quick and“ stimulating.” Bone manures furnish 
nitrogen and phosphoric acid, and are slower in their 
action. Specimen 3 in the tables is better than the aver¬ 
age of “ammoniated phosphates,” which contain ni¬ 
trogen, phosphoric acid, and sometimes potash, and gen¬ 
erally rank between guano and bone in availability. 
Ground Bone.— “ L. n. M.,” Ohio. The better grades 
of ground bone contain from 20 to 25 per cent phosphoric 
acid, and from to 4 per cent of nitrogen. But the 
bone-meal and bone-dust of our markets often contain 
much less of these ingredients, even when unadulterated. 
Boiled and steamed bone are more valuabje than raw 
bone, because they are more easily pulverized, and their 
nitrogen and phosphoric acid are more quickly available. 
Nitrate op Soda and Sulph. Ammonia.—“R. K.,” 
Conn., and others. Nitrate of soda and sulphate of am¬ 
monia both contain nitrogen in the most available forms. 
A good quality of nitrate of soda will yield about 15.5 per 
cent of nitrogen. A good quality of sulphate of ammonia 
will yield 20 per cent of nitrogen. Both these articles 
are much used as fertilizers. The leading manufacturers, 
who ought to know what are the best sources of nitrogen, 
use fish and animal refuse, in compounding fertilizers. 
Conn.''Fertilizer Law.—“J. C. W.,”Md. The Con¬ 
necticut law requires that all packages of 50 lbs. or over 
of commercial fertilizers sold atone cent per pound or 
more, shall be accompanied by address of manufacturer, 
seller, and an analysis. By an odd coincidence, on the 
same day your letter came, we had a visit from a heavy 
dealer in fertilizers in your own state, who, failing to 
induce our Station to approve a fertilizer of doubtful 
chemical character which he was selling, boasted that in 
his section of the country the legal restraints upon the 
sale of fertilizers were being removed. 
Fertilizer Control System.— “G. B.,” Md. How 
the fertilizer lawis supplemented by the work of the Ex¬ 
periment Station in Connecticut, may be inferred from 
the following agreement, which has already been signed 
by nearly all the leading manufacturers and dealers in 
the state, and by a number in other states, whose wares 
are sold here: 
I.—I (or we) [uame] hereby agree with the Connecti¬ 
cut Agricultural Experiment Station, as represented by its 
Director, that all fertilizers offered for sale in the State of 
Connecticut, by myself or by my authorized agents, at any 
price above fifteen dollars ($15.00) per ton, except crude 
fish-scrap, shall be placed under its supervision in the follow¬ 
ing manner: 
I. —I [or we] hereby agree that all fertilizers above 
described shall be guaranteed to contain certain minimum 
percentages of one or more of the following ingredients: 
Nitrogen_Phosphoric Acid, Soluble .Phosphoric Acid, 
Reverted _Phosphoric Acid, Insoluble _Potash.Sul¬ 
phuric Acid.Chlorine. 
II. -I also agree that the above guarantee shall bo al¬ 
ways subject to verification by analyses made at the Station. 
III. —I also agree that all fertilizers above described shall 
be at all times open to the inspection of the Station, as repre¬ 
sented by its Director, Chemists, or any member of its Ad¬ 
visory Committee. 
Date . Signed,. 
The form of agreement contains also a note, defining 
the terms “Phosphoric Acid,” "Soluble,” “Insoluble,” 
etc., and giving other chemical explanations. Since the 
value of ordinary commercial fertilizers is determined 
chiefly by the amounts of these ingredients, the agree¬ 
ment binds the signer simply “ to state what he sells, 
and to sell what he states ”—the verification of the state¬ 
ment being left to the official analysis of the Station.- 
In several other states the regulation of the trade in com¬ 
mercial fertilizers is sought in laws, requiring wares to 
be sold by analysis, and in the appointment of inspectors 
of fertilizers, whose duty it is to examine wares sold. 
The Connecticut system, (which is essentially the same 
as is commonly adopted in Germany, and other parts of 
Europe), goes a step further, and provides means where¬ 
by individual consumers may have the composition of 
their wares guaranteed, and the guarantee verified at 
little or no expense by the State Station. 
German Farmers’ Calendar. —A number of persons 
inquire concerning the German Farmers’ Calendar, fre¬ 
quently referred to in “ Science Applied to Farming.” 
The work is entitled “ Landivirthschafllicher Kalender, 
von Mentzelund v. Lengerlce ,” (Agricultural Calendar, by 
Mentzel and von Lengcrke). It is published annually in 
Berlin, in two volumes, each about six inches long, and 
four wide. Volume I. forms a pocket diary, containing, 
besides the usual calendar and diary blanks, a series of 
forms and blanks for farm accounts, and a lot of other 
useful matter, with some forty tables, giving an immense 
amount of useful practical information, in a form so 
concise and clear, that any farmer may avail himself of 
it with no difficulty whatever. For instance, one table 
gives the chemical compositions and nutritive value of 
not far from 200 different fodder materials. Following 
this is a table for calculating how to mix these in 
feeding various animals. Tables of fodder rations are 
also given in some of the annual volumes. Another 
table gives the composition of various plants, and still 
another of fertilizers, thus enabling the German farmer 
to keep an account with his land, and determine how 
much material is removed with the crops, and supplied 
with manure. And if he is purchasing a fertilizer, he 
has only to refer to his diary to learn how much of nitro¬ 
gen, or phosphoric acid, or potash it ought to contain, 
and how much it ought to cost. He may even find a con¬ 
cise statement of the relative merits of different agricul¬ 
tural implements. If ho thinks of buying a mowing 
machine, a reaper, or a hay-tedder, he can see at a glance 
what is the cost, how many men and horses will be re¬ 
quired, and how much work may be done per day, by 
any of the better American or European machines, from 
Wood’s or the Clipper mower, to the Hohenheim seed- 
drill.—Volume II. is entitled “ Landvnrthschaftliches 
Jahrbuch ,” (Agricultural Year-Book), and is filled with 
accounts of progress in agricultural science, and other 
matter of interest to intelligent German farmers.—I 
most heartily recommend every farmer who has any 
knowledge of the German language, to purchase these 
books. They cost in Berlin 2J to 4 Mark, (60 to 97 cents, 
gold), and may be ordered through any large bookseller. 
Catalogues Received. 
A number of our business friends were no doubt dis¬ 
appointed at not finding their catalogues acknowledged 
in last month’s American Agncult.urist. The omissions 
were largely due to being too late, as on the very day of 
going to press, a number of important catalogues came 
to hand, and a notice impossible ; none reaching us after 
the 10th of the preceding month are likely to be ac¬ 
knowledged. Some were not in the list because we did 
not choose to put them there, and we wish it to be dis¬ 
tinctly understood that these announcements are solely 
for the benefit of our readers and ourselves ; if the deal¬ 
ers derive any good from them it is their gain ; we wish 
our readers to know what is offered, and by whom, and 
to save ourselves the sometimes overwhelming number 
of inqniries as to where this, that, or the other seed, tree, 
plant, or other thing can be bad. These inquiries have 
notably decreased since we began to publish the lists, 
and we have no doubt that our readers find many of 
their questions answered, and often anticipated. We 
by no means agree to acknowledge every catalogue that 
may he sent, as there are some—we are happy to say not 
many—who cannot get their names before the public 
through our agency in this or any other part of the paper. 
NURSERYMEN. 
Many nurseries have also a department for greenhouse 
and other flowers. Where these issue a separate cata¬ 
logue of flowering plants, it is given under “Florists.” 
George Achelis, Westchester, Pa., succeeds Otto & 
Achelis, and sends his wholesale list of frnit and orna¬ 
mental trees, etc. 
Bronson, Hopkins & Co., Geneva, N. Y., send their 
wholesale price-list, which includes a general stock with 
several specialties. 
IIarvey Curtis, Owego, N. Y., offers general nursery 
stock and root grafts. 
John S. Collins, Moorestown, N. J., has at the 
Pleasant Valley Nursery, all the leading small fruits and 
peach trees. 
Samuel C. Decou, Moorestown, N. J., has a general 
assortment of fruits, with small fruits as a specialty. 
Downer & Bro., Fairview. Ky., continue the business 
so reputably established by their late father, and offer a 
large stock of fruit and ornamental trees. 
Farley. Anderson & Co., Union Springs, N. Y., 
offer a large stock in their wholesale list. 
W. L. Ferris, Jr., & Co., Poughkeepsie, N. Y., send 
both a wholesale and retail list; besides nursery stock 
they have a greenhouse and seed department. 
Gould Nursery Co.. Beaver Dam, Wis., make a spe¬ 
cialty of “iron clad,” or hardy fruits. They have a 
separate list of “ Centennial Trees ” for planting to com¬ 
memorate the year—good ! 
A. Hance & Son. Red Bank, N. J., send a wholesale 
trade-list, and one of specialties, including the Honey¬ 
well peach. 
E. W. Harrington, Palmyra, N. Y., has an illustrated 
catalogue which, besides being a price-list, contains in¬ 
teresting reading. 
Heikes Nursery Co., Dayton, O., sends a trade-list, 
including the Ainsden peach among other specialties. 
T. S. Hubbard, Fredonia, N. Y., offers the usual large 
assortment of grape-vines, with general nursery stock. 
Knox Fruit Farm Co., Pittsburgh, Pa., offer a large 
variety of small and other fruits, with flowers, etc. 
Thomas Meehan, Germantown, Pa. A wholesale list 
of a stock which in immense variety is rarely equalled. 
William H. Moon, Morrisville, Pa., has in one cata¬ 
logue his nursery stock and greenhouse plants. 
Randolph Peters, Wilmington, Del., has at his 
Great Northern and Southern Nursery,” a general stock- 
peaches a specialty, with several new sorts. 
Bloomington, Ill., appeals to people to 
Organize ! Form Clubs, and buy at wholesale,” and 
sends out a catalogue to show how to do it. 
Storrs, Harrison & Co., Painesville, O. Afullnurs- 
cry list with flowering plants and bulbs ; as heretofore, 
young Chestnut trees are a specialty with them. 
SEEDSMEN. 
R. H. Allen & Co., 189 and 191 Water street, N. Y. 
4 his important catalogue is one of those which came 
just too late last month. It is very full, especially in 
grass, grain, and other agricultural seeds. 
D. T. Curtis & Co., Boston, Mass., issue catalogues 
lor vegetable and flower seeds separately, and give in¬ 
structions for sowing and cultivating. 
Detroit Seed Company, Detroit, Mich., in their 
Vegetable and Flower Guide,” have a very full and 
abundantly illustrated catalogue. 
Hovey & Company, Chicago, Hi., offer vegetable and 
flower seed. 
A. N Jones, Le Roy, N. Y., offers several potatoes not 
generally m the market. 
Knox Fruit Farm Co., Pittsburgh, Pa„ in addition 
to the Fruit Farm, carry on the seed business in the city 
and offer a general stock. 
Thomas Meehan, Germantown, Pa. Forest tree 
shrub and fruit tree seeds in a separate catalogue ; espe¬ 
cially full m American kinds. 
E. A. Reeves, 58 Cortlandt street, N. Y. Besides a 
large variety of vegetable, flower, and agricultural seeds, 
offer a select list of fruit and ornamental trees. 
Schlegel, Everett & Co., Boston, Mass. An exceed- 
ingjy compact catalogue of vegetable and flower seeds 
with numerous novelties. 
J. M. Thorburn & Co., 15 John street, N Y Ever¬ 
green and deciduous tree and shrub seeds. This is dis¬ 
tinct from the other catalogues of this house, and when 
written for should be specified. 
Young & Elliott, No. 12 Cortlandt street, N. Y The 
usua 1 vegetable and flower seeds, with the novelties and 
all horticultural requisites. 
Reid, Rochester. N. Y, under the name of 
iloral Tribute,” issues his catalogue of flower and 
vegetable seeds. 
David R. Wood, Morrisville, Vt., offers vegetable 
seeds and seed potatoes. 
FLORISTS. 
Including the catalogues of those nurseries which have 
a separate one for their flower department. 
Wm. Bennett & Sons, Pittsburgh, Pa., have a com¬ 
pact catalogue of bedding plants, with a list of seeds. 
IV. II. Burleigh, Plainfield, Conn. Also vegetable 
plants. Offers special terms to clubs. “ 
P 4 lIL Ne 'v Castle Pa. A full and illustrated 
catalogue of greenhouse plants, with ornamental trees 
and small fruits. 
The Gould Nursery Co., Beaver Dam, Wis besides 
their tree catalogue, send a separate one for greenhouse 
plants, roses, etc. 
Hoopes Brother & Thomas, Westchester, Pa. Their 
flower catalogue is as full as those for the fruit and orna¬ 
mental departments, showing a fine collection. 
W F. Massey & Co., Chestertown, Md. A general 
stock, with liberal dollar collections by mail. 
J. T. Phillips, West Grove, Pa., makes a specialty of 
sending plants by mail. v 3 
F. K. Phoenix, Bloomington, Ill., has immense green¬ 
houses, as well as an immense nursery, and full of new 
and standard old plants. 
H-,S. Rupp, Shiremanstown, Pa., sends his “Centen- 
mal mail catalogue of flowers, small fruits, and vege- 
table plants. 
Washington , D. C., is always abreast with 
ofUi 0 y eltleS ln a , departments, and in his greenhouse 
stock, has as usual many choice plants. 
Paddock & Co., Cleveland, O., have a choice 
collection, with many now geraniums. 
George Such, South Amboy, N. J. A general cata- 
Wlt l lar S e , 1 i sts of Hybrid Gladiolus, and Cannas. 
me same completeness and exquisite neatness which 
mark his catalogue of Palms, Ferns, etc., are found here. 
James Vick, Rochester, N. Y., sends his Floral Guide 
■’ r °‘ *• Last month we said no one could foretell what 
; Y. lc y would do next, and now he surprises us by a 
full list of greenhouse and bedding plants. A useful 
treatise on sowing seeds in a hot-bed. notes on novel¬ 
ties, other good matter, and a reproduction of the article 
in the Illustrated Christian Weekly,” with its beautiful 
engravings illustrating the operations of Mr. V’s seed- 
farms, noticed last month, are included in this number. 
r„ ', e - P , Ict i"' 0S are 110 doubt very truthful; one especial- 
oI'iVY 1 - sho "’ s two men hard at work, while another is 
starting m a boat to go a fishing. We have our 
opinion as to who this one is. 
LAND CATALOGUES. 
inS;„ J ; f B « AC -5 IST U’ Chestertown, Md„ sends a cata- 
a t ]e dryland and Delaware Farms he has for 
li voq , dell " ht / 111 region than that in which he 
lives need not be sought for, and being a large and ex- 
